Show Animal Feed
Showing livestock is a fun family activity that teaches responsibility and work ethic while creating memories for young people. However, it’s also an investment in time and resources. No matter who you talk to, where they live or what species they show, people will tell you that show livestock is becoming more costly each season. However, you want to start with the best project animal possible to stay competitive.
While good genetics are only half of the equation, finding quality show animal feed and providing a quality animal diet is the second half. Add in some work on hair and skin. Teach your animal to lead or drive and set up and/or brace, and you’re on your way to the backdrop.
At Sure Champ®, makers of show animal supplements that support the health and well-being of show livestock, we know many show animal feeds exist. You must make informed decisions on how to choose the right feed for your project as you feed for your endpoint. That’s why our team of show livestock enthusiasts created this resource – to help you prep to win!
What’s in Your Show Animal Feed
Show animals require special diets. Regardless of whether you are feeding cattle, pigs, goats or sheep, all animals need some of the same basic nutrients. These include proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. The animal species, weight and desired endpoint will determine how much of each your animal needs.
When it comes time to balance your livestock feed rations, you will want ingredients from a trusted feed manufacturer or mill. Here are four things to look for when reading the tags on your show animal feed:
1. Product Name
The product name seems like a no-brainer until you start mixing feed for several animals and each bag has a similar name, with just different numbers on it. Then, the confusion sets in! Use a sharpie to write on each bag your “barn name” for the products so there is no confusion. A simple number or medicated vs. non-medicated or meal vs pellets can make a difference in the animals’ diets.
2. Medication Withdrawal or Residue Instruction
This information tells you if any medication is in the feed and the withdrawal length for that medication. With VFD or Veterinary Feed Directives, these are less common than they used to be, but they do still exist. This is the most important information on the tag. You must pay close attention to this information, especially if feeding an animal for a show or one that is ultimately going into the food supply chain.
3. Guaranteed Analysis
The guaranteed analysis breaks down the amounts of nutrients in each feed. However, each company lists their analyses differently, and the feeder needs to pay careful attention. For example, some companies list minimums, and others list maximums. Read the tag closely to be sure you are getting the proper amount of a nutrient such as protein, fat or fiber to reach your animal’s optimal potential. A more in-depth guaranteed analysis will also list vitamin and mineral content.
4. Ingredient Profile
This lists the actual ingredients in the bag of feed, starting with the highest volume ingredient down to the lowest volume. It is important to realize that all feedstuffs are not created equally. Feed A with 20% protein may not be the same quality as Feed B, which is also listed with 20% protein. Both companies might use ingredients that total up to 20% protein, but the chances are that one of them will use higher-quality resources that will benefit your animal.
Add Sure Champ to Your Feed Room
No matter what kind of ration you develop or show animal feed you decide to include in your barn, if your animals aren’t eating and drinking, you aren’t winning! Remember, Sure Champ creates products that support the health and well-being of all show livestock species. We know that 70% of the immune response starts in the digestive system. Therefore, a healthy gut leads to a healthier, higher-performing animal.
AO-Biotics® Amaferm® is a key ingredient in Sure Champ. Not only is Amaferm a research-proven prebiotic to enhance digestibility, but research shows that it also increases cattle gain by .25 pounds per day, which means it stretches your feed resources further.
From pellets and liquids to gels, we offer a multitude of products that support your animals and complement your show animal feed program. All of our products are thoroughly tested and research-proven before they are ever introduced.
Get your Sure Champ Today
Find the difference in the Sure Champ brand, research-proven for 40 years to help increase gut health, increase appetite, help alleviate stress and much more. We hope that part of your routine will include Sure Champ products.
You can trust the accuracy and safety of all Sure Champ products that are made right here in the U.S. – either in Saint Joseph, Missouri, or Lexington, Kentucky. Our Saint Joseph Stockyards location earned the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) and Feedstuffs 2024 Feed Facility of the Year honor.
You can get your Sure Champ products as easily as ordering online today.
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