There are a number of benefits to clipping the backs of cattle at housing time.

Here, we take a look at some of them and outline some top tips for farmers when clipping cattle.

Benefits

Cattle sheds can be very warm places for stock and even in shed with excellent ventilation, cattle will still be considerably warmer compared to being outside. This is especially true in the last few years, where we have been experiencing milder, muggier winters.

Letting out this excess heat will make the animal more comfortable, reduce the amount of sweating it will do and therefore reduce the likelihood of that animal running a temperature or getting pneumonia.

Feed intake

If animals are too warm in sheds, it will reduce their feed intake. Heat loss through clipping backs can help maximise feed intake, as animals will eat more to keep their core temperature constant. This increase in intake will boost liveweight gains during the winter period, when animal thrive is usually moderate.

Clipping animals’ tails at the same time will mean they are much cleaner in the shed, as there is no hair for dung to cling to.

Top tips

  • Clippers: A well maintained set of clippers with a sharp set of blades is crucial.

    Keeping the blade well-oiled is really important to help keep a sharp edge on the blade. Using heavier type oils will help maintain sharpness on the blade surface, but be sure to apply more oil after clipping each animal.

    Be careful that electric chords don’t get caught around the animal and that the environment you are using them in is suitable and safe to do so.

    • There are now a number of cordless clippers on the market and if you are buying or upgrading this year, the cordless option is definitely worth considering. They are safer for the operator and easier to use.

  • Handling facilities: It is important to have good handling facilities for both animal and farmer safety. A well filled race where animals cannot be moving excessively is the best approach when clipping. If animals have too much room, they will be constantly running forward and back, which will make clipping a lot more difficult. Some farmers will prefer to catch each animal in the crush gate for clipping.
  • Cutting width: Take a cutting width of about three inches either side of the animal’s spine. This is usually two to three runs of the clippers right along the back. Make sure you clean off all cut hair off the animals’ back, as it can cause irritation if left there.
  • Clipping tails: When clipping tails, hold the tail by the long, course hair at the very end. Clip the tail upwards towards the back end of the animal. To clip the very end of the tail, it is easiest to bring it around and place it on the animals’ back, holding it in one hand further up and safely out of the way of the blade.
  • Prevent infection: Animals are going to move unexpectedly while clipping. This can lead to small cuts, usually when clipping the tail. It is very important to have an Alamycin spray for any cuts that may be caused. Failing to treat these cuts leaves the tail wound open to infection. This infection can then travel up the tail and into the spine, causing serious problems if not detected early enough.