Show Pig Nutrition 101

Ben Bobell, Bobell Farms, Lincoln, Ill. What are the most important nutrients in a show pig ration? Protein and Lysine are the building blocks for muscle development and skeletal growth. Fat is necessary for calories and overall growth and fleshing, and vitamins and minerals are needed for basic development of the pig. </p> How does […]

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How Nutrition Plays a Role in Raising 4-Legged Kids

With a 4-H project “gone mad” Kedrick Miller has devoted the last two decades to building his meat goat operation. Located in Thorntown, Ind., Miller along with his wife, Melissa and four kids focus their attention on raising high-quality Boer goats for youth livestock exhibitors. What started at as a 4-H project about 20 years […]

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Goat Nutrition 101

What ingredients make a “balanced feed ration” for my show goats? There are lots of ingredients that can make up a balanced feed ration. Perhaps what is more important than the types of ingredients, is the nutrient composition of the “balanced” feed ration. The nutrient composition consists of certain amounts of protein, energy, vitamins and […]

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Cattle Nutrition 101

When should I feed my animal? Consistency is key when feeding both steers and heifers. Typically, you feed morning and night and want close to 12 hours between those feedings. Hot weather during the summer can decrease appetite, so it is beneficial to feed early in the morning and later in the evening. Make sure […]

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How to Handle Your Show Stock in Summer Heat

Summer heat can be tough on show livestock – or any livestock for that matter. Heat stress causes increased respiration rate, suppressed appetite, fatigue and dehydration, all signs of a lowered immune response. When we think about these traits and the way they impact production, it becomes very evident that the strenuous expectations we put […]

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How to Prepare for a Fun Junior National

Junior nationals are the summer highlight for many livestock exhibitors. It doesn’t matter the species or breed, these week-long events allow young people and their families to travel to a destination to show their livestock, participate in educational contests, discover new sites and make lasting memories with lifelong friends. A week-long event, often hundreds of […]

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