Useful information about cattle clipping

It is important to note that clipping cattle should be done carefully to avoid injuries and ensure that the animals remain protected from the elements. In most cases, clipping cattle is not routinely practiced and should only be considered under certain circumstances. It is always advisable to consult an experienced veterinarian or a professional in this field before making such decisions.

• Before summer: In hot regions or in stables with high temperatures.
• After turning out to pasture: Especially in warm stables, to prevent sweating.
• Before shows: A basic clip about 8 weeks beforehand, then a fine clip shortly before the event.
• Not in winter: Winter clipping is usually not recommended, as the coat protects against the cold.

• Calmness: Ensure the animal is calm and relaxed.
  
• Restraint: The animal should be securely restrained to prevent injury.
  
• Cleaning: Remove coarse dirt and tangles from the coat.
  
• Safety: Be careful not to injure the skin and use well-sharpened clipping blades.
  
• Time frame: The duration depends on the type of clipping and the experience of the person clipping. A complete body clip can take between 30 minutes and an hour
  

• Well-sharpened clipping blades: Always use sharp and clean blades.
  
• Right technique: Clip in even strokes and avoid unnecessary pressure.
  
• Skin care: Make sure the skin is clean and healthy.

• Complete clip: For maximum hygiene and heat stress reduction.
• Partial clip: Back, legs, tail base – for grooming and easier cleaning.
• Topline/Bottomline: For shows, to emphasise the body line.

On our homepage, you will find detailed information about clipping types for cattle and which Aesculap clipping machine is best suited for which part of the body.

Our product recommendations:
High-quality brands like Aesculap clippers offer powerful and durable clipping machines specifically designed for the needs of agriculture. There are various models of clippers that vary depending on the need and area of application:

• Econom II GT474: Powerful machine for complete body clipping.
  
• Econom CL GT804 / GT806: Suitable for extensive clipping tasks.
  
• Bonum GT644-BL / GT464-BL: Flexible and handy, ideal for smaller clipping tasks.

• Cleaning: Thoroughly clean after each use to remove hair and dirt.
• Oiling: Regularly oil the clipping blades and moving parts.
• Sharpening: The clipping blades should be regularly sharpened or replaced to ensure optimal cutting performance.

On our homepage, you will find plenty of important information, maintenance guides, useful tips, user manuals, and spare parts lists for download.

Our product recommendation
High-quality blade sets such as the Shearing Blade Set Econom impress with their long service life, multiple regrinding options and a durable coating. For particularly demanding shearing work, such as thick or dirty coats, the Shearing Blade Set Econom HeavyDuty offers a reliable solution with its robust metal quality and optimum hardness – also ideal for professional cow fitting.

• Econom GT516 / GT517 / GT518 shearing blade set: Cutting surfaces can be reground multiple times.
• Econom HeavyDuty GT512 / GT513 / GT514 shearing blade set (set): Suitable for dirty, matted or particularly thick coats.

1. Preparation

• Clarify the purpose of shearing (e.g. hygiene, show, medical, heat stress)
• Choose a suitable time (not during cold weather or periods of stress)
• Check animal health (only shear healthy animals)
• Check shearing machine (sharp blades, clean filters)
• Have replacement blades and oil ready
• Ensure power supply (extension cables if necessary, charge batteries)
• Create a calm environment (minimise stress for the animal)
• Secure the animal (e.g. in a feeding rack or shearing stand)

2. Implementation

• Clean the coat (remove coarse dirt and manure)
• Start shearing – depending on the objective:
  • Full body clip (for heat stress or hygiene)
  • Partial clip (back, flanks, tail base)
  • Show clip (top line, bottom line, smooth transitions)
• Slow, even movements
• Avoid skin injuries
• Oil and clean the machine in between

3. Follow-up

• Check the animal for injuries
• Remove coat remnants
• Clean and disinfect the shearing machine
• Protect the animal with a blanket if necessary (in cool weather)
• Observation in the following days (skin reactions, behaviour)

Our experts are available to assist you with advice and support.

By clipping cattle completely or partially, the following can be achieved:

• Higher hygiene levels in the barn
• Improved animal health and 
• more animal welfare

Clipping is a good but operation-specific task – it cannot be generalized. Powerful and high-quality clippers and blade sets from the Aesculap brand optimally support clipping work!