What is done to a beef calf to improve the way it stands and walks?

Trimming the hooves of a beef calf is an important practice that significantly influences the animal's structural soundness and overall mobility. Proper hoof care helps ensure that the calf stands squarely and walks correctly, which is essential for its health and shows competitiveness. Overgrown or improperly maintained hooves can lead to discomfort, affecting the calf's posture and gait. When hooves are trimmed, any overgrowth is corrected, allowing the animal to move more freely and with better balance.

The other options, while beneficial in their own right, do not directly address the specific aspect of improving the calf’s stance and movement in the same way that hoof trimming does. A special diet, exercise, or increased water intake can contribute to overall health and vigor, but they do not specifically target the structural issues that hoof trimming resolves. Thus, maintaining proper hoof health is critical for enhancing the calf's performance in showmanship activities.