Gastric Ulcers in Pigs There are a few things more frustrating than having your show animal stop eating. One day, your barrow eats everything you feed it in 15 minutes, during both feedings. The next, it turns up its snout and goes and lays in the fresh shavings. Gastric ulcers in pigs happen when an […]
Tag: Tips
How to Ensure a Healthy Pig by Summer Shows
Healthy Pig Springtime across much of the U.S. is exciting for show pig exhibitors. It marks the pursuit of the next great one. You’ll be visiting breeders, staying up late to see if you “win the bid” during online sales and loading the popper with your new show pig prospect. Spring also brings trials – […]
Winter Invaders: Show Livestock Lice Treatment
Caring for show livestock in the winter definitely has its advantages. Hair typically grows better. You don’t have to wait until late at night to turn out due to the heat. Flies are not a nuisance. However, there is a small, wingless creature that can have a significant impact on cattle, sheep, goats and pigs […]
Tips for Winter Skin and Hair Care
Keeping your show cattle looking good in the winter should be a snap, right? Turn them out in the cold, and let their hair grow. However, the bitter cold combined with the harsh winds sucks the moisture from the animals’ hide, leading to unhealthy skin and dried out hair, if not properly cared for. Especially if you are exhibiting […]
Winter Management: Controlling Stress in Varying Temperatures
As we move into winter, it is hard to know what the temperatures are going to be like. You might be bundled up tight for morning chores, but by noon are ready to start shedding layers as the sun warms us up. Imagine being a haired up show animal during this same time frame, except they can’t […]
Through the Judge’s Eyes: Scotten Sticks with the Basics, Looks for Animals to be 12 o’clock
Spencer Scotten knows what it takes to make a champion. And his criteria for a champion market goat or breeding doe probably aren’t too much different than any other judges since he’s looking for a balance of width, muscle, boldness, balance and structure. However, when an exhibitor hits the ring, his or her goat best be dialed […]