an exhibition of prize cattle by cattle breeders, as at a livestock exposition.
2.
Informal. a public appearance by the contenders for a political office, a job, or the like, at which they may be judged by voters, prospective employers, etc.
Origin
1805-15
Examples from the web for cattle show
cattle show significant variation in their responses to disease challenges.
Slang definitions & phrases for cattle show
cattle show
noun phrase
A convention or other occasion where political candidates display their notions, charisma, etc: raise money for themselves by holding ''cattle shows''(1970s+)