As the summer fair season approaches, dedicated livestock owners and show enthusiasts are gearing up to showcase their prized animals.
Achieving top-notch condition and optimal health for your livestock is crucial to stand out in the show ring. While proper nutrition and management practices play a significant role, the judicious use of supplements can give your animals that extra edge.
In this blog post, we'll highlight a range of supplements that can help prepare various livestock species for their moment in the spotlight.
Whether you're prepping cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, or other show animals, Martin's Feed Mill is your one-stop destination for all your supplement needs.
- Optimal Nutrition for Cattle:
We all know a well-nourished animal has a higher chance of securing top honors. Many of the livestock species mentioned in this blog post can typically use the same supplements, just in different ways. Let’s start us off with considering the following supplements for cattle:
a) Protein Boosters: Protein supplements help promote muscle growth and development. They provide essential amino acids required for building lean muscle mass and enhancing overall body condition. These would be products like Champion Drive, Hard Drive, Afterburner, Calf Manna, etc.
b) Electrolyte Formulas: During hot summer months, cattle can experience dehydration and heat stress. Electrolyte supplements help replenish vital minerals lost through sweating, ensuring proper hydration and overall well-being.
c) Coat Enhancers: Achieving a glossy and healthy coat can significantly impact a cow's appearance in the show ring. Coat enhancer supplements, rich in omega-3 fatty acids and other beneficial nutrients, promote coat shine and skin health. This would include products like Show & Glow, Moonshine, Power Fuel, Power Bloom and Heavy Weight.
d) Gut Fill Products: Give your animals that show ring look by keeping their bloom and fill. Traveling on the show circuit can be hard on the animals, and products like Fill’Er Up, Guts Fully Loaded, and Ultra Full will help keep them looking their best and fill them back up after the shrink of a trailer ride.
- Show-Stopping Sheep and Goats:
Sheep and goats are popular show animals that require specific supplements to enhance their performance and appearance. In addition to the protein and hair supplements mentioned above for cattle, here are some other supplements you should consider:
a) Digestive Aids: Gut health is essential for optimal feed utilization and nutrient absorption. Probiotic supplements aid in maintaining a healthy gut flora, reducing the risk of digestive issues and promoting overall well-being.
b) Joint Supplements: Show animals, particularly older sheep and goats, may benefit from joint supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin. These supplements support joint health and mobility, ensuring agility in the show ring.
c) Hoof Care Supplements: Strong and healthy hooves are crucial for sheep and goats, especially when they spend time on hard show surfaces. Supplements fortified with biotin and other essential nutrients can contribute to the integrity and strength of hooves.
- Winner’s Circle Swine, Poultry, Rabbits & Small Animals:
No matter what animal you're preparing, Martin's Feed Mill has the right supplements to meet their unique needs. We can provide you with the customizability to help you get into the winner’s circle. Here are a few recommendations when it comes to pigs, poultry, rabbits and other small animals:
a) Swine Supplements: Show pigs can benefit from supplements that promote muscle development, enhance coat quality, and support immune function. We have a unique supplement from Formula of Champions designed just for pigs to improve muscle expression, back shape and freshness called Hammertime.
b) Poultry Supplements: From chickens to turkeys, poultry can also be showcased in fairs and exhibitions. Supplements rich in vitamins, minerals, and probiotics can enhance their overall health and feather quality. We recommend feeding them with a good quality chick starter crumble and layer (or breeder) pellets at the appropriate stages of their growth. If you have breeding birds, they can benefit from Show & Glow or you can improve their plumage with the Fancy and Feathered mini pellet, or the Full Plume Layer feed.
c) Rabbit and Small Animal Supplements: Show rabbits and other small animals require tailored supplements to ensure their well-being and appearance. Look for supplements that support optimal digestion, coat condition, and immune function. Ideally, show rabbits should have a diet low in protein and fat and high in fiber. Kalmbach’s rabbit feeds contain Lifeguard- a special blend of prebiotics, probiotics essential oils and natural extracts to support digestive health. Timothy Hay is an excellent addition to any rabbit, guinea pig, or chinchillas meal.
Preparing your livestock for the show ring involves meticulous attention to detail, and the right supplements can make a noticeable difference in their performance and appearance.
Martin's Feed Mill offers a comprehensive range of supplements suitable for all types of show animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, swine, poultry, rabbits, and more. Remember, showtime success begins with proper nutrition and care. So, make sure to visit Martin's Feed Mill and give your livestock the competitive edge they deserve. If your show animal needs it, we’ve got it!
Attending the local fairs this summer?
Are you a 4-H member?
Do you get your animal feed & supplies at Martin’s Feed Mill?
Submit your t-shirt size to us by June 15th to receive an exclusive Martin’s Feed Mill T-Shirt.
If we spot you at the Clinton County or Centre County Fair, we’ll give you a coupon for FREE Sunset Ice Cream!
Valid only for 4-H members.
T-Shirt Design to be revealed later this summer!
Submit your t-shirt size by June 15th to: martinsfeed@gmail.com
And remember: Martin’s Feed Mill offers a 10% discount to ALL 4-H and FFA projects on all feed and supplies ALL season long! Stop by anytime for all of your farm and livestock needs!