It doesn’t matter what species you show inflammation in growing livestock can wreak havoc. Hidden inflammation is the root cause of movement issues in show livestock. You have a really nice barrow then one day all of a sudden, he’s shifting back and forth at the feeder. Or a steer with less and less flex…
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I watched a steer show not that long ago. The heavier the cattle got the more it sounded like someone poured milk on some rice krispies. There was a lot of popping going on as those heavier steers walked in. It prompted me to rethink a project we started a few years ago and just didn’t finish.…
Read MoreThe TruePurple and Provilli protocol is a game changer for receiving show pigs. It improves hydration, appetite, gut health , and the gut microbiome We’ve recommended an electrolyte like TruePurple when receiving show pigs for a very long time. There is nothing like it to drive water consumption. TruePurple hydrates pigs quickly and the added…
Read MoreWhy Skin and Hair Matter A soft, hydrated hide and a shiny coat are more than cosmetic—judges equate healthy skin with overall animal wellness. Routine care also keeps pigs comfortable and reduces irritation. Daily Cleaning Keep pens clean and dry. Remove bedding often and spray down surfaces to minimise bacteria. Brush your pig several times…
Read MoreWe get at least one message a day about fat and feed intake where the conversation goes something like this. CUSTOMER: I need some help getting some pigs to eat. They just aren’t cleaning up their feed. ME: Tell me what they weigh and what you’re feeding them. CUSTOMER: They are about 55# and I’m…
Read MoreYou know that weight management of show pigs is essential to success in the ring. Inevitably everyone at one time or another needs to slow one down or speed one up. But what is the secret to weight management? There is no single answer, but here are some tips that will help you get your…
Read MoreWhat Are Heel Mites? Heel mites, also called Chorioptic mites, burrow into the skin at the lower legs of lambs and goats. They reproduce slowly—laying about one egg per day—but the damage they cause can be dramatic. The entire life cycle occurs on the host, so infestations persist unless every animal and the environment are…
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When a caller says “My steer quit eating.” there is a short checklist of things I’ll go through with the customer. 1. Water: While water isn’t the number one cause of show cattle going off feed it is one that’s easy to check. Water doesn’t just need to be available it needs to be fresh,…
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This time of year, we get questions about farrowing show gilts. My first reaction is to suggest you don’t or at least to ask “Are you sure?” Real Talk Let’s start with some real talk. farrowing show gilts isn’t for the faint of heart. Show gilts are too fat, level hips are not ideal for…
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Recognizing Staph Infections in Show Goats Goathead thorns create tiny punctures that can allow ordinary skin bacteria to set up a painful staph infection. A scabby follicle may start as a single red papule or “pimple” that exudes pus when pressed. Other early signs include raised hair, localized swelling, crusty scabs, hair loss and an…
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