While commonly used to help reduce stress levels and improve production, pheromone technology is a tool exhibitors can look to add to their daily routine and show box.

“Stress for cattle is no different than stress for people. If we’re experiencing stress, our mood and behavior changes (and that is the same for cattle),” says Doug Shane, a technical veterinarian for Solvet.

To the typical producer, this means weaning or other typically stressful times in the production cycle. For junior exhibitors, those behavioral changes may show up as cattle become more alert, hesitant or reactive during transportation, while settling into the barns or even ringside. Reducing unnecessary stress can help make the experience more manageable for both the animal and the exhibitor.

“Stress suppresses your immune system and makes you more susceptible to illness and going off feed,” Shane says. “So, for management of health and performance, it’s also important to manage stress.”

Although good showmanship, daily handling and consistent routines remain the foundation of preparing for the show ring, researchers continue to explore the use of pheromone technology that can help cattle adapt to stressful situations.

Unlike nutritional supplements or medications, appeasing pheromones work through an animal’s sensory system. When applied above the muzzle, the pheromones are detected through the animal’s sense of smell, triggering a natural calming response rather than changing the animal’s behavior through medication.

“Once applied, it’s going to start eliciting a response as soon as the animal smells it, which is basically instantly,” Shane says. “It’s not like it’s a drug that is anesthetizing the animal.”

While pheromone technology may offer another option for managing stress, it is not intended to replace the everyday practices that build success in and outside of the ring. Instead, pheromones can serve as one additional management tool during situations that naturally elevate stress.

Unlike products that require days or weeks of feeding, pheromone technology can be applied when needed as cattle enter that stressful event. This flexibility gives exhibitors another option for helping cattle adjust during a show while maintaining their normal routine.

“The nice thing is that this product can be used when needed,” Shane says. “With some nutritional products, you’re feeding them in advance … and predicting it around the use time of that show.”

Whether exhibitors are preparing for their county fair or a national show, every management decision ultimately centers around creating a positive experience for both the animal and the exhibitor. Reducing stress not only supports cattle as they adapt to new environments, but can also help young producers gain confidence within the show ring.

“One of the things we like to talk about is having safe human-animal interactions,” Shane says. “If we can alleviate stress and fear, hopefully those animals are a little bit easier to handle. Then we have fewer mishaps and fewer accidents.” 

Editor’s note: Colton Tripp is a freelance writer from Manhattan, Kan.