Mastering Your Show Stock Feeding Program: Tips for Success
Feeding your show animals is both an art and a science. A successful feeding program should start with the basics: clean water (always!), a solid base feed, and high-quality forage for ruminants. When needed, well-chosen supplements can help fine-tune your program and address specific developmental needs. But how do you incorporate supplements effectively without overwhelming yourself—or your animals?
At Purina® Honor® Show, we believe in keeping it simple and strategic. Here’s how to design a winning feeding program that supports your animals and takes you to the winner’s circle.
The Foundation: Base Feeds and Forage
The foundation of your program should always be a high-quality base feed. Honor® Show base feeds are crafted to deliver the nutrition your animals need to perform their best. Think of the base feed as doing the “heavy lifting” in your program, providing the bulk of essential nutrients. For ruminants, adding good quality forage is also key.
Supplements, on the other hand, are used to address specific needs—whether it’s fat cover, muscle development, fill, or overall comfort. However, supplements are just that: supplemental. They work best when paired with a high-quality base feed, which should remain the backbone of your feeding plan.
Navigating Supplement Choices
With so many supplements on the market, it can feel overwhelming to choose the right one. Flashy ads, bold promises, and trendy names can make it harder to focus on what your animals actually need. To help, we’ve created T.I.P.S. (Target, Incorporate, Progress, Supplement) for incorporating supplements into your show animals’ feeding program.
T: Target Specific Needs
Before adding any supplement, identify the specific issue you’re addressing. Whether it’s muscle development, fat cover, fill, or something else, choosing a supplement tailored to that need is crucial. At Purina®, we offer targeted solutions designed to help your animals excel. Check out these resources to learn more about where our supplements work best:
- Where They Work – Show Lambs
- Where They Work – Show Cattle
- Where They Work – Show Pigs
I: Incorporate Slowly
Supplements are often packed with concentrated nutrients like fat, protein, or fiber. Adding them too quickly can upset your animals’ digestive systems. Instead, start slow. Begin with half the recommended feeding rate and increase gradually over 5-7 days to allow your animals to adjust.
P: Progress Pics
Keep an eye on your results. Use photos and videos to monitor your animals’ progress and ensure you’re staying on track. Regular evaluations can help you make timely adjustments and prevent overshooting your goals.
S: Supplement Wisely
More isn’t always better when it comes to supplements. Overusing them can disrupt your feeding program and stall your progress. Be strategic and remember: your base feed should remain the focus. Supplements are there to support, not replace, the core of your nutrition plan.
Set Yourself Up for Success
As you prepare for the summer show season, focus on building a strong foundation with your feeding program. Use supplements strategically to address specific needs, and always keep track of your animals’ progress. With a little planning and attention to detail, your show animals will be ready to impress.
Need show supplies and supplements? Head to your local Farmers Coop store for help.
Good luck to all exhibitors this season! Let’s make it a successful one.
By Purina Animal Nutrition
