Photo: Spiegel Online/DPA

There are so many reasons to love a beauty pageant for cows. The winners get sashes. And trophies. Some of the contestants train at camps where they're washed and brushed daily, and encouraged to bulk up, since judges are looking for curves and buxom udders.

A stunner named Krista won the grand prize at the 2011 German Holstein Show last week. She defended her 2009 title against some 200 other dairy cows in the competition, with her bright eyes, taut skin, strong legs and round belly.

But nothing makes me happier than this factoid: The animals get their hair cut and blow-dried before the big day—but not curled. Cows, you see, have a natural permanent wave.

[via Spiegel Online International]