Feeding Strategies

Whether it’s a youngster rounding the ring for the first time or a seasoned veteran, Amaferm® is a must for the show animal’s diets. With this “secret ingredient” in your feeding program, you’ll be able to balance enhanced growth rate with feed efficiency to help your show animal reach its full genetic potential. Amaferm® is found in the VitaFerm®, Sure Champ® and Vita Charge® products.

The Importance of Reading a Feed Tag
Walk into any feed room in any barn, and what do you see? Rows of neatly stacked bags that look very similar. It doesn’t matter what species you are feeding; the differential is in the brand. One brand might be purple and black, another green and white and another tan and orange; but bag after bag will appear to be the same – on the outside.   Chances are the ingredients on the inside of those bags are different. And that is why it is important for you, the feeder and the exhibitor, to know how to read a feed tag. You’ve filled your show ...Read More

 

National Western Exhibitor Uses Fresh Ideas for Traditional Contest
Tradition is an important part of the National Western Stock Show, and this year marked the 85th year for one of its longest-standing, educational traditions – the Catch-A-Calf Program. Shane Dawson participated in the 2020 Catch-A-Calf (CAC) Contest, and after nine months of feeding, caring and preparing for the Contest, she and her calf reached their full potential to earn one of the top banners. The 18-year-old from Lander, Wyoming, is no stranger to the livestock show world. She had shown cattle three years prior to having her CAC. When her mom, Mikala, made her aware of the program, she thought ...Read More

 

Top Five Reasons Why Show Animals Go Off Feed and How to Prevent It
A lot of people change their eating habits with the seasons. Nothing is more satisfying on a cold winter day than a hot bowl of soup, but for most that doesn’t sound the least bit appetizing when the temperatures soar to 90-degrees and hotter, especially when you add in the humidity. We might prefer something lighter like a salad. Your show livestock are no different. Their appetites tend to decrease as the temperatures rise and you might find yourselves wondering why they go off feed so often in the summer months. Kevin Glaubius, Director of Nutrition for BioZyme® Inc., suggests ...Read More

 

The Ingredients in your Feed Pan Maximize Genetic Potential
Feeding our show livestock projects becomes second nature as soon as we get those animals home and in our own barn. We know they need to be fed twice a day, 12 hours apart, and most importantly, they need a constant supply of fresh, clean cool water. However, the ingredients in the feed pan all play a vital role in your animal’s performance and long-term success. With all species, the balancing of the nutrients is the most important consideration. Although many new products are constantly introduced promoting that they will make your animals the “greatest,” sticking with the basics and ...Read More

 

The Science Behind Feeding for Success: Consistency & Simplicity
Feeding your show livestock is part of a daily routine. But did you know there is a science behind that routine? It might seem convenient to feed your livestock twice a day, approximately 12 hours apart, but that routine plays into the consistency that animals rely on and need to keep their digestive tract working at its maximum efficiency, something we don’t often think about as livestock exhibitors. Like most humans, animals are “creatures of habit” and they are better adjusted to daily habits, thus decreasing stress if they are fed, exercised and rinsed on a schedule as part of ...Read More

 

From Natural Grazers to the Show Ring: What you Need to Know about your Animals’ Health
If you are even somewhat familiar with the Bible or early American History, you’ll likely notice an absence of mention of livestock shows and expositions. However, Psalm 50:10, does mention “cattle on a thousand hills” and we know that Spanish explorers brought the first cattle to current-day Florida in the early 1500s. However, it wasn’t until centuries later when animals became domesticated that livestock owners started preparing animals for exhibition, taking them from their natural state of grazing the hills to housing them in climate-controlled environments and feeding them a high-concentrate diet, pampering them with daily baths and traveling with ...Read More

 

Walking a Fine Line: How to Feed for Early Jackpots and Later Shows
There’s something about the spirit of competition that drives livestock exhibitors. Even in the dead of winter, cattle enthusiasts will bundle up, run bucket heaters to keep their aerosol cans working and pull to a jackpot show for consecutive weekends to get their fresh calves out to compete. All of this knowing that their final show – likely state fair next summer – is the one that matters most. And, when April and early May roll around, the same is true for swine exhibitors in the Midwest who hit their state jackpot circuit with new show prospects primed to compete, ...Read More

 

Cattle Health & Nutrition Go Hand-in-Hand when Getting Started on Feed
The excitement of buying your new show calf projects can be overwhelming. You’ve likely driven lots of miles to find just the “right ones” that will match your desired end-point, and now it’s time to bring them home and get them on feed. However, getting your show calves on a feeding program isn’t as simple as weighing out grain and throwing a few flakes of hay their way. With the help of Blaine Rodgers, Show Livestock Business Development & Field Support for BioZyme® Inc., we have complied seven steps for getting your show cattle started on feed. Make sure their ...Read More

 

How to Develop a Feed Mix with Ration Builder
Cattle producers have a plethora of choices when it comes to buying feeds for their show and sale cattle or even finding the right creep feed for growing their calves. Many like to utilize their home-raised or locally-sourced commodities and work with a hometown company to produce these feeds. That is why BioZyme® Inc., makers of Sure Champ®, developed Sure Champ Ration Builder to make sure those locally produced feeds would have all necessary nutrients to make that customized feeds highly fortified. Ration Builder is a 32-percent protein pelleted base mix, fully fortified with vitamins, minerals and the Amaferm® advantage. ...Read More

 

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 you clean out any old feed immediately. A calf should finish what you have fed them in 30-40 minutes. How long do I need to feed a supplement to see a change? It can take 45-60 days to see a true change from nutrition. There ...Read More

 

How to Feed the Sure Champ® Product Line for Winning Results
We’ve made some great enhancements and additions to the Sure Champ® product line already. And with the changes and improvements to the Sure Champ® line of livestock supplements, we want our feeders and exhibitors to feed with confidence and get the most benefit from using these products. All Sure Champ products contain Amaferm®, a natural prebiotic that is designed to maximize the nutritional value of feed while stimulating the animal’s appetite and keeping the digestive health in check. Recently, Blaine Rodgers, Show Livestock Business Development and Field Support, answered some questions on how to get the most benefit when feeding ...Read More

 

New Product Helps to Build Your Own Complete Cattle Show Feed
Cattle exhibitors have trusted the Sure Champ® line of supplements for years to add vitamins, minerals and Amaferm® to their show ration. Now, cattle breeders and exhibitors have another way to incorporate Sure Champ into their feeding program by using Sure Champ® Ration Builder to help develop a complete feed for their show cattle. “We realize there are a lot of really good show feed options already on the market,” said Blaine Rodgers, BioZyme® Show Livestock Business Development & Field Support. “We developed Sure Champ Ration Builder for those trying to build their rations with local commodities working with their ...Read More

 

If I am Using the Vita Charge Stress Tub, Do I Still Need Sure Champ?
One of the questions we get asked the most from our cattle customers is if they still needed to be top dressing with Sure Champ Cattle if they were using the Vita Charge Stress Tub with MOS. Kevin Glaubius, BioZyme Director of Nutrition says the answer is YES! These two products have two different purposes. Sure Champ has a long-standing use as a protein, vitamin and mineral supplement with the Amaferm advantage and is the basis for many successful feeding programs across the country. Sure Champ gives more bloom, helps cattle utilize their feed more efficiently and stimulates appetite. When it comes to the stress ...Read More

 

Considerations for Creep Feed
To creep, or not to creep? That is the million dollar question for many producers. When determining whether or not to creep feed, a producer must assess financial variables with production goals to determine what creep protocol (if any) is the best fit for their production scenario. Prior to weaning, a calf’s diet consists of milk that is energy rich and packed full of protein, vitamins and minerals. However, the milk from a lactating beef cow only furnishes about 50 percent of the nutrients that a 3-4 month-old calf needs to realize its genetic potential for growth. There is no ...Read More

 

Tips For Getting Your Show Heifer Bred
You’ve begged and pleaded with your parents. You’ve shown several market steers, and now you want a show heifer. She will be an investment, and you will have a foundation for your very own cow herd. But do you know the steps to transition her from pampered Pollyanna to a progressive, progeny producing female? Kevin Glaubius, Director of Nutrition and Technical Sales for BioZyme® Inc., says to start early in the heat detection and breeding process to make sure you know the signs of heat and that your heifer is bred at an ideal weight and body condition. “Start to ...Read More

 

View More Feeding Strategies
The Importance of Reading a Feed Tag
Walk into any feed room in any barn, and what do you see? Rows of neatly stacked bags that look very similar. It doesn’t matter what species you are feeding; the differential is in the brand. One brand might be purple and black, another green and white and another tan and orange; but bag after bag will appear to be the same – on the outside.   Chances are the ingredients on the inside of those bags are different. And that is why it is important for you, the feeder and the exhibitor, to know how to read a feed tag. You’ve filled your show ...Read More

 

Top Five Reasons Why Show Animals Go Off Feed and How to Prevent It
A lot of people change their eating habits with the seasons. Nothing is more satisfying on a cold winter day than a hot bowl of soup, but for most that doesn’t sound the least bit appetizing when the temperatures soar to 90-degrees and hotter, especially when you add in the humidity. We might prefer something lighter like a salad. Your show livestock are no different. Their appetites tend to decrease as the temperatures rise and you might find yourselves wondering why they go off feed so often in the summer months. Kevin Glaubius, Director of Nutrition for BioZyme® Inc., suggests ...Read More

 

The Ingredients in your Feed Pan Maximize Genetic Potential
Feeding our show livestock projects becomes second nature as soon as we get those animals home and in our own barn. We know they need to be fed twice a day, 12 hours apart, and most importantly, they need a constant supply of fresh, clean cool water. However, the ingredients in the feed pan all play a vital role in your animal’s performance and long-term success. With all species, the balancing of the nutrients is the most important consideration. Although many new products are constantly introduced promoting that they will make your animals the “greatest,” sticking with the basics and ...Read More

 

The Science Behind Feeding for Success: Consistency & Simplicity
Feeding your show livestock is part of a daily routine. But did you know there is a science behind that routine? It might seem convenient to feed your livestock twice a day, approximately 12 hours apart, but that routine plays into the consistency that animals rely on and need to keep their digestive tract working at its maximum efficiency, something we don’t often think about as livestock exhibitors. Like most humans, animals are “creatures of habit” and they are better adjusted to daily habits, thus decreasing stress if they are fed, exercised and rinsed on a schedule as part of ...Read More

 

How to Get Show Pigs Started on Feed
Getting a new set of show pigs into your barn and on feed is a lot like running a daycare. Those young pigs are coming from various homes or points of origin with various germs and sniffles. They are also 100-percent dependent on their human caretakers to make sure they have everything they need to get started on the right foot – a warm, dry environment, fresh clean water and plenty of feed. “Showing livestock is very competitive. It is like a sport anymore. If you are going to do it right, you’ve got to get them started right,” said ...Read More

 

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 an exhibitor know what show feed or ration to use? There are a lot of good show feed companies out there with nutritionists that build very good diets. The key is to find a source where you can purchase show feed. It is also important ...Read More

 

Receiving Show Pigs: Getting Off to the Right Start
Getting your show pig off to a good start is one of the most important aspects for feeders to consider. The “receiving” phase is one of the most stressful times in a show pig’s life, so steps need to be taken to ensure the transition from the breeder’s farm to your barn is as easy as possible for your pig(s). Laying the proper foundation from a nutritional standpoint is a key step when receiving baby pigs. FEEDING & NUTRITION: Studies have shown it is advantageous to incorporate Amaferm® into a show pig’s diet at this stage. Amaferm is a natural ...Read More

 

How to Feed the Sure Champ® Product Line for Winning Results
We’ve made some great enhancements and additions to the Sure Champ® product line already. And with the changes and improvements to the Sure Champ® line of livestock supplements, we want our feeders and exhibitors to feed with confidence and get the most benefit from using these products. All Sure Champ products contain Amaferm®, a natural prebiotic that is designed to maximize the nutritional value of feed while stimulating the animal’s appetite and keeping the digestive health in check. Recently, Blaine Rodgers, Show Livestock Business Development and Field Support, answered some questions on how to get the most benefit when feeding ...Read More

 

From Weaning to the Winner’s Circle
Three families had a night they won’t soon forget when the grand and reserve grand champion market barrows were selected at the 2018 National Western Stock Show. Two young people, 11-year-old Payton Rodgers and 9-year-old Weston Lackey, both agree they were so excited and even in shock when they were awarded the gigantic purple banners. One nutrition program helped those crossbred barrows excel and perform, keeping them healthy from weaning all the way to the winner’s circle in Denver. Heimer Hampshires, Taylor, Mo., raised both the grand and reserve grand champion barrows at this year’s National Western, along with several ...Read More

 

How to Get Pigs Started on Feed
Getting your show pig off to a good start is one of the most important aspects for feeders to consider. We call this phase of the project the “receiving” phase. This is one of the most stressful times in a show pig’s life and steps need to be taken to ensure that this transition from the breeder’s farm to your barn is as easy as possible for your pig(s). Laying the proper foundation from a nutritional standpoint is a key step when receiving baby pigs. FEEDING & NUTRITION: Studies have shown it is advantageous to incorporate Amaferm® into a show ...Read More

 

Using Vita Charge Liquid Boost During Times of Transition
The life of a show pig isn’t always an easy one. Although producers and exhibitors go to great lengths to care for their animals, pigs go through a lot of transitions in their short life, and with each change, stress occurs. Consider the fact that the average litter size is 10-12 pigs, the little piglet starts life in a competition for the only feed source, its mother’s milk. Then, it will be weaned and moved to a nursery, moved to a chip barn, sold and moved to a new home, and endure the stress of being exhibited multiple times in ...Read More

 

Making the Transition: Preparing Your Gilt to Be a Productive Sow
Any exhibitor of any species is going to maximize the animal’s true genetics to make it look its very best in the show ring. This includes feeding and exercising, conditioning the skin and hair and making sure that the animal looks spot-on each time it walks into the show ring. But, have you given thought about how that young gilt will function as a producing part of your sow herd after her days in the show ring have ended? Will she come into heat readily? Does she need to be vaccinated or quarantined? Nick Mauck, Mauck Show Hogs in Gaston, ...Read More

 

The Importance of Weighing Your Feed
You’ve probably heard it a time or two, but doing the simple things right is the fastest way to reach your goal. A lot of decisions go into what you are going to feed your show animals. So, when you dump that bucket of feed into the pan or trough morning and night, you want to make sure your animals are getting exactly the right amount. One of the best investments you can make for your barn or feed room is a simple fishing scale. This allows you to weigh each bucket and measure out the correct amount of feed. ...Read More

 

How the VFD Affects Livestock Exhibitors
VFD. Have you heard this term yet? VFD stands for the Veterinary Feed Directive and it is going to have a big impact on how you feed your show animals in 2017. Beginning January 1, 2017 the use of medically important antibiotics in feed or water will fall under the supervision of licensed veterinarians. In order to purchase feed containing antibiotics or antibiotics for administration through water, livestock exhibitors must have a working relationship with their veterinarian. A Veterinary Client Patient Relationship (VCPR) is similar to the relationship one would have with their family doctor. The livestock exhibitor should initiate ...Read More

 

Receiving Show Pigs: Getting off to the Right Start
by Josh Brockman,Brockman Farms Getting your show pig off to a good start is one of the most important aspects for feeders to consider. We call this phase of the project the “receiving” phase. This is one of the most stressful times in a show pig’s life and steps need to be taken to ensure that this transition from the breeder’s farm to your barn is as easy as possible for your pig(s). Laying the proper foundation from a nutritional standpoint is a key step when receiving baby pigs. FEEDING & NUTRITION: Studies have shown it is advantageous to incorporate ...Read More

 

View More Feeding Strategies
Tips for Summer Lamb & Goat Care
Summertime means show time for many lamb and goat exhibitors. However, keeping your lambs and goats fresh, feeling and looking their best can be challenging, especially during the hottest parts of the year. With some persistence and consistency to your schedule, you can ease the challenges and keep your small ruminants feeling great and show ready all summer long. Lori Lawrence, Hebron, Ohio, and Cooper Bounds, Good Hope, Illinois, have years of experience preparing show lambs and goats for the show ring. Lawrence’s daughter showed lambs competitively, during which time the preparation became a family project, like many do. Bounds ...Read More

 

The Importance of Reading a Feed Tag
Walk into any feed room in any barn, and what do you see? Rows of neatly stacked bags that look very similar. It doesn’t matter what species you are feeding; the differential is in the brand. One brand might be purple and black, another green and white and another tan and orange; but bag after bag will appear to be the same – on the outside.   Chances are the ingredients on the inside of those bags are different. And that is why it is important for you, the feeder and the exhibitor, to know how to read a feed tag. You’ve filled your show ...Read More

 

Top Five Reasons Why Show Animals Go Off Feed and How to Prevent It
A lot of people change their eating habits with the seasons. Nothing is more satisfying on a cold winter day than a hot bowl of soup, but for most that doesn’t sound the least bit appetizing when the temperatures soar to 90-degrees and hotter, especially when you add in the humidity. We might prefer something lighter like a salad. Your show livestock are no different. Their appetites tend to decrease as the temperatures rise and you might find yourselves wondering why they go off feed so often in the summer months. Kevin Glaubius, Director of Nutrition for BioZyme® Inc., suggests ...Read More

 

The Ingredients in your Feed Pan Maximize Genetic Potential
Feeding our show livestock projects becomes second nature as soon as we get those animals home and in our own barn. We know they need to be fed twice a day, 12 hours apart, and most importantly, they need a constant supply of fresh, clean cool water. However, the ingredients in the feed pan all play a vital role in your animal’s performance and long-term success. With all species, the balancing of the nutrients is the most important consideration. Although many new products are constantly introduced promoting that they will make your animals the “greatest,” sticking with the basics and ...Read More

 

The Science Behind Feeding for Success: Consistency & Simplicity
Feeding your show livestock is part of a daily routine. But did you know there is a science behind that routine? It might seem convenient to feed your livestock twice a day, approximately 12 hours apart, but that routine plays into the consistency that animals rely on and need to keep their digestive tract working at its maximum efficiency, something we don’t often think about as livestock exhibitors. Like most humans, animals are “creatures of habit” and they are better adjusted to daily habits, thus decreasing stress if they are fed, exercised and rinsed on a schedule as part of ...Read More

 

How to Effectively get your Show Lambs on Feed and Keep them Healthy
The show lamb project is attractive to exhibitors and parents for many reasons. Lambs are generally easy to handle, take up a minimum amount of space, and have personalities all their own that are fun to be around. Once you get your new lamb project home, you’ll want to make sure it eats and stays healthy, so you can have a successful project. Jake Warntjes, BioZyme® Inc. Area Sales Manager and life-long sheep breeder, took some time to answer a few questions about getting lambs on feed and keeping them healthy. What is the first thing I should do when ...Read More

 

Sheep Nutrition 101
Q&A with Nick Warntjes, Associated Feed and Supply What makes up a ‘balanced’ feed ration? A balanced feed ration supplies the proper amounts and proportions of nutrients needed for a specific purpose or stage of an animal’s life. While a show lamb diet might have different specs than a lactating ewe ration, all diets should be balanced to achieve the desired goal. We generally use a balanced “base” feed ration and adjust using supplements and additional forages depending on what our goal is or what we need to try to correct with the lamb. On average, how much should a ...Read More

 

How to Feed the Sure Champ® Product Line for Winning Results
We’ve made some great enhancements and additions to the Sure Champ® product line already. And with the changes and improvements to the Sure Champ® line of livestock supplements, we want our feeders and exhibitors to feed with confidence and get the most benefit from using these products. All Sure Champ products contain Amaferm®, a natural prebiotic that is designed to maximize the nutritional value of feed while stimulating the animal’s appetite and keeping the digestive health in check. Recently, Blaine Rodgers, Show Livestock Business Development and Field Support, answered some questions on how to get the most benefit when feeding ...Read More

 

Get their Gut Right: Keeping Lambs Healthy Prior to Show Season
As a new show season approaches it’s time to think about keeping those lambs in maximum shape. Their health is your top priority, and to keep them healthy and eating, you need to focus on keeping their gut in shape. Two seasoned lamb exhibitors agree that keeping lambs eating and healthy starts with clean, fresh water. Payton Dahmer, a student at Kansas State University from Nevada, Mo., and Maggie Madden, a student at Texas A & M from Paso Robles, Calif., both change their lambs’ water 2-3 times a day to keep it fresh, clean and cold. “The more we ...Read More

 

It All Starts With Good Help and a Great Mineral
In an era when fads come and go and trends change with the seasons, Greg Beatty believes in keeping the basics of livestock nutrition at the core of his feeding program. Beatty Club Lambs, located in Indiana, Pennsylvania, flushes about 30 ewes in the late summer and fall, prioritizing a flush program to generate consistency and amplify the flock’s quality most efficiently. Given the investment he makes in flushing, keeping his flock healthy with the balanced nutrients they need is a top priority and the key reason he is a proponent of free-choice mineral. “I’ve got about 250 ewes running ...Read More

 

4 Tips for Getting Sheep Ready for Jackpot Shows
Jake Warntjes, BioZyme® Area Sales Manager, and his brother, Nick Warntjes, have shown and raised their fair share of club lambs. Today they have the opportunity to help other junior livestock enthusiasts with their lamb projects. By following these simple tips you’ll be on track to #preptowin. Hydration is key. When preparing to leave for a show, we generally start lambs on a drench program 2-3 days prior to leaving to keep the lambs hydrated. This not only helps with their visual appearance, but also with stress. Hauling to a show can be extremely stressful so we also use Vita ...Read More

 

The Importance of Weighing Your Feed
You’ve probably heard it a time or two, but doing the simple things right is the fastest way to reach your goal. A lot of decisions go into what you are going to feed your show animals. So, when you dump that bucket of feed into the pan or trough morning and night, you want to make sure your animals are getting exactly the right amount. One of the best investments you can make for your barn or feed room is a simple fishing scale. This allows you to weigh each bucket and measure out the correct amount of feed. ...Read More

 

Livestock Nutrition 101: Sheep
Q&A with Nick Warntjes, Associated Feed and Supply 1. What makes up a ‘balanced’ feed ration? A balanced feed ration supplies the proper amounts and proportions of nutrients needed for a specific purpose or stage of an animal’s life. While a show lamb diet might have different specs than a lactating ewe ration, all diets should be balanced to achieve the desired goal. We generally use a balanced “base” feed ration and make adjustments using supplements and additional forage depending on what our goal is or what we need to try to correct with the lamb. 2. On average, how ...Read More

 

How the VFD Affects Livestock Exhibitors
VFD. Have you heard this term yet? VFD stands for the Veterinary Feed Directive and it is going to have a big impact on how you feed your show animals in 2017. Beginning January 1, 2017 the use of medically important antibiotics in feed or water will fall under the supervision of licensed veterinarians. In order to purchase feed containing antibiotics or antibiotics for administration through water, livestock exhibitors must have a working relationship with their veterinarian. A Veterinary Client Patient Relationship (VCPR) is similar to the relationship one would have with their family doctor. The livestock exhibitor should initiate ...Read More

 

Introducing Sure Champ Spark
Over the past few months we’ve been working on a product that we feel can take your livestock projects to the next level. Sure Champ pellets have been around for 20-plus years. In that time, we have proven that Sure Champ is not just another show supplement. Our company, BioZyme, prides itself on creating research-proven products that have an impact both in and out of the show ring. It is now time to introduce our newest Sure Champ product – Spark. Sure Champ Spark is a pelleted, concentrated daily supplement with the Amaferm® advantage that can be top-dressed or mixed in ...Read More

 

View More Feeding Strategies
Tips for Summer Lamb & Goat Care
Summertime means show time for many lamb and goat exhibitors. However, keeping your lambs and goats fresh, feeling and looking their best can be challenging, especially during the hottest parts of the year. With some persistence and consistency to your schedule, you can ease the challenges and keep your small ruminants feeling great and show ready all summer long. Lori Lawrence, Hebron, Ohio, and Cooper Bounds, Good Hope, Illinois, have years of experience preparing show lambs and goats for the show ring. Lawrence’s daughter showed lambs competitively, during which time the preparation became a family project, like many do. Bounds ...Read More

 

The Importance of Reading a Feed Tag
Walk into any feed room in any barn, and what do you see? Rows of neatly stacked bags that look very similar. It doesn’t matter what species you are feeding; the differential is in the brand. One brand might be purple and black, another green and white and another tan and orange; but bag after bag will appear to be the same – on the outside.   Chances are the ingredients on the inside of those bags are different. And that is why it is important for you, the feeder and the exhibitor, to know how to read a feed tag. You’ve filled your show ...Read More

 

Top Five Reasons Why Show Animals Go Off Feed and How to Prevent It
A lot of people change their eating habits with the seasons. Nothing is more satisfying on a cold winter day than a hot bowl of soup, but for most that doesn’t sound the least bit appetizing when the temperatures soar to 90-degrees and hotter, especially when you add in the humidity. We might prefer something lighter like a salad. Your show livestock are no different. Their appetites tend to decrease as the temperatures rise and you might find yourselves wondering why they go off feed so often in the summer months. Kevin Glaubius, Director of Nutrition for BioZyme® Inc., suggests ...Read More

 

The Ingredients in your Feed Pan Maximize Genetic Potential
Feeding our show livestock projects becomes second nature as soon as we get those animals home and in our own barn. We know they need to be fed twice a day, 12 hours apart, and most importantly, they need a constant supply of fresh, clean cool water. However, the ingredients in the feed pan all play a vital role in your animal’s performance and long-term success. With all species, the balancing of the nutrients is the most important consideration. Although many new products are constantly introduced promoting that they will make your animals the “greatest,” sticking with the basics and ...Read More

 

The Science Behind Feeding for Success: Consistency & Simplicity
Feeding your show livestock is part of a daily routine. But did you know there is a science behind that routine? It might seem convenient to feed your livestock twice a day, approximately 12 hours apart, but that routine plays into the consistency that animals rely on and need to keep their digestive tract working at its maximum efficiency, something we don’t often think about as livestock exhibitors. Like most humans, animals are “creatures of habit” and they are better adjusted to daily habits, thus decreasing stress if they are fed, exercised and rinsed on a schedule as part of ...Read More

 

Tips to Get Show Goats Started on Feed
Trends have changed over time in the competitive livestock arena. Frame size, muscling requirements, feeding and fitting techniques have evolved over the years, and perhaps one of the hottest trends to hit the show ring in the past few decades is the Boer goat. Showing market goats is relatively new, as in your grandpa probably didn’t do this “back in his day.” As with any livestock project, getting a new project animal adapted to a new environment, getting them and keeping them on feed and water and keeping them healthy are all first steps to a successful show project. Justin ...Read More

 

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 minerals. These proportions will vary greatly based on an animal’s genetics, health status, age, performance expectations, etc. There are so many show feeds on the market, how do I know which one to use? There is no shortage of high quality show feeds on the ...Read More

 

How to Feed the Sure Champ® Product Line for Winning Results
We’ve made some great enhancements and additions to the Sure Champ® product line already. And with the changes and improvements to the Sure Champ® line of livestock supplements, we want our feeders and exhibitors to feed with confidence and get the most benefit from using these products. All Sure Champ products contain Amaferm®, a natural prebiotic that is designed to maximize the nutritional value of feed while stimulating the animal’s appetite and keeping the digestive health in check. Recently, Blaine Rodgers, Show Livestock Business Development and Field Support, answered some questions on how to get the most benefit when feeding ...Read More

 

The Importance of Weighing Your Feed
You’ve probably heard it a time or two, but doing the simple things right is the fastest way to reach your goal. A lot of decisions go into what you are going to feed your show animals. So, when you dump that bucket of feed into the pan or trough morning and night, you want to make sure your animals are getting exactly the right amount. One of the best investments you can make for your barn or feed room is a simple fishing scale. This allows you to weigh each bucket and measure out the correct amount of feed. ...Read More

 

How the VFD Affects Livestock Exhibitors
VFD. Have you heard this term yet? VFD stands for the Veterinary Feed Directive and it is going to have a big impact on how you feed your show animals in 2017. Beginning January 1, 2017 the use of medically important antibiotics in feed or water will fall under the supervision of licensed veterinarians. In order to purchase feed containing antibiotics or antibiotics for administration through water, livestock exhibitors must have a working relationship with their veterinarian. A Veterinary Client Patient Relationship (VCPR) is similar to the relationship one would have with their family doctor. The livestock exhibitor should initiate ...Read More

 

Managing Show Goats Growth is Better Than Holding
You’ve dedicated a lot of time and effort with your show goat project – feeding, grooming and exercising it. You are 30 days from the show – and when your goat steps on the scale, you realize he’s a little further ahead of your goal. A month until the show is a long time, so it is critical to start reining him in. Holding goats’ weight is possible, but it is preferable to manage your wether’s weight over the duration of the project. . Kelsey Pfeiffer, Orlando, Okla., is a leading industry expert at raising and showing meat goats. He ...Read More

 

Introducing Sure Champ Spark
Over the past few months we’ve been working on a product that we feel can take your livestock projects to the next level. Sure Champ pellets have been around for 20-plus years. In that time, we have proven that Sure Champ is not just another show supplement. Our company, BioZyme, prides itself on creating research-proven products that have an impact both in and out of the show ring. It is now time to introduce our newest Sure Champ product – Spark. Sure Champ Spark is a pelleted, concentrated daily supplement with the Amaferm® advantage that can be top-dressed or mixed in ...Read More

 

Decreasing Disease :: Fungus Prevention for Sheep and Goats
If you’re showing sheep or goats, you’ve got to protect them from disease and fungus. Maryland native, Cooper Bounds, says that when an exhibitor goes to a show they are picking up disease and fungus from each of the animals that were in the pen before them. These, invisible, lingering germs will make your show project very sick if you don’t take precautions. Even when the judge handles your animal, Bounds says to think about how he or she is touching every other lamb or goat before handling yours. “Each time you go to the county fair, a jackpot or a ...Read More

 

4 Tips on Improving Water Quality for Show Animals
As things are heating up across the country both in terms of temperature and competition in the show ring, water is something that we all need to be paying attention to. To have truly productive animals we need to ensure that they have good quality drinking water. In our Make Your Own Luck Clinics we always ask what is the most important nutrient? It makes us excited to see that most exhibitors know it is water! We’ve been taught that it is important to have an abundance of water available. Daily intake on a cow can vary from 3 to ...Read More

 

5 Ways to Maintain Appetite
A good appetite is a sign of a healthy animal, but can sometimes be hard to maintain, especially in the summer months. Here are 5 quick tips for promoting a steady appetite in your livestock. Clean Water: Water is one of the most important nutrients for your livestock and often one of the most overlooked. Your livestock need access to clean drinking water in order to maintain optimum health. Monitoring your animal’s water quality is an inexpensive and effective way to promote healthy livestock. Fresh Feed: Whether you get your feed fresh from the mill or use a pre-mixed ration ...Read More

 

View More Feeding Strategies

VitaFerm: a line of beef cattle nutrition supplements purposefully crafted to maximize energy and forage utilization at every stage. The products are formulated to ensure your herd is receiving optimal digestive health and nutrition at every stage of production resulting in performance that pays.

Sure Champ: a of livestock show supplements that proactively work to assist with the challenges created by the show environment. Sure Champ uses only the highest quality components and proprietary ingredients proven to generate high-yielding results.

Vita Charge: a multi-specie livestock supplement that provides a powerful dose of vitamins, B vitamins and the Amaferm® advantage for those stressful times when livestock need protection or assistance in recovery. Vita Charge is available in many forms making application easy depending on what is best for your animal.

Other Common Nutritional Problems

Acidosis:
Acidosis occurs when there’s a rapid digestion of starch (grain). This is especially true when show animals are pushed hard for increased gains. They may border sub-clinical acidosis, which will knock them off feed, cause loose stools, and even make their feet sore. Amaferm® helps maintain a stable rumen pH to help prevent these negatives.

Antibotic Therapy:
Even with the best health programs, show animals can still get sick and may need antibiotics. When we administer antibiotics to kill off pathogens (bad bugs), they can have a negative effect on beneficial rumen microflora (good bugs). So if we kill, or even slow the growth of the good bugs, it can decrease digestion and the availability of nutrients the animal needs to get well. Proven to be effective in the presence of antibiotics

Amaferm® reduces the time it takes to re-populate the rumen with good bugs, which helps stimulate the appetite.

Bloat:
Bloat is often associated with acidosis. Amaferm® helps stimulate and maintain normal rumen function, helping to reduce the incidences of bloat.

Daily Gain:
Having an animal finished by the day of the show is something that starts months before. After all, it’s much easier to hold an animal at a proper weight than to force weight on rapidly as the show draws near. Amaferm® increases feed utilization to help boost daily gains. With Amaferm®, you can be sure that your animal will be ready on show day.

Different Water:
Most of the time when we go to a show, the available water has a different taste from what we have at home. It tastes different because it is different. Vita Charge Liquid Boost® has a berry flavor that masks the taste of water. Start mixing Liquid Boost in your show animal’s water 5-7 days before leaving for the show through your return home from the show to keep them drinking and hydrated. Click here to watch a video about using Amaferm® to get cattle drinking at the show.

Show ring Look:
Many show animals spend a lot of time in front of a fan to get that thick, shiny hair coat that draws the attention of the judge. If you have pigs you may work hard to improve skin quality. Truly beautiful hair coats and skin quality start on the inside with good nutrition. Amaferm® increases the availability of nutrients including protein, vitamins and minerals necessary for giving your animal that show ring appeal.

Hauling:
Hauling animals to and from shows is hard on them. Standing in trailers for long periods of time can compromise appetites. Factor in exhaust fumes and heat, and it’s no wonder they won’t eat or drink at a show. Amaferm® keeps the digestive system functioning and helps prevent digestive up and downs — keeping you competitive in the ring.

Hoof Health:
Healthy feet are important for all show animals. If we want our champions to go back into the herd, we avoid things that could cause the feet problems. Likewise, we don’t want our show animals to go lame. Often, lameness is related to sub-clinical acidosis because when rumen pH drops it can precipitate hoof wall problems. Amaferm® can help prevent these feet issues by helping to maintain a stable pH.

Loose Stool:
It happens. You’re at the show and your animal is “loose.” Loose stools can be caused by excitement, but often the problem is associated with an intestinal tract that’s not working properly due to all the stress factors associated with showing — hauling, new water, different environment, etc. Amaferm® directly stimulates the normal microflora (good bugs) to start and keep the gut functioning properly, resulting in firmer stool. Amaferm® is also beneficial when dealing with a case of diarrhea.

Staying on Feed:
Getting a good fill on your show animal before it goes in to the ring is another important thing in catching the judge’s eye. During show season, several factors converge that can reduce the appetite — different water, strange surroundings, commingling and travel. Amaferm® gets the digestive system functioning quickly to stimulate appetite and water intake.

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