This is no ordinary beauty contest.

For one thing, it is a challenge for the title of the most beautiful dairy cow.

This cow preparing for a photo shoot is one of about 200 taking part in the 45th "Schau der Besten" (Show of the Best) pageant in Verden an der Aller, north-western Germany, on Thursday.

Judges look for strong legs, powerful bone structures and a voluminous udder in the animals.

The quality of the cows' hides - shimmering with its hair neatly combed - is also taken into consideration before the judges crown the ultimate bovine beauty queen.