Techniques are disclosed for preventing formation of dags on cattle and other commercially produced animals. The surface of the animal, such as the skin, hide, hair, wool or other covering of the animal, is treated with a low-energy, non-sticking hydrophobic coating. The coating may be made from long-chain hydrocarbons, such as stearates, typically with a terminal metal carboxylate group comprising a variety of low-valence metals, e.g., mono or divalent metals, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium and zinc. The coating makes it difficult for polar substances, such as water, mud, dirt, waste, soil, manure and feed, collectively termed dag, to adhere to the surface of the animal.
