This time of year the question “We are getting ready to farrow. What do we need to have and know to farrow our first gilt?” shows up in our inbox and on social media a bunch. Facilities We aren’t going to go into facilities except to say you need somewhere that you can keep 70…
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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 MoreYour show pig daily skin care routine is critical. Skin and hair isthe thing that get’s the judges attention from the moment your pig hits the ring. Great skin and hair is as necessary as a great feeding program. Skin and hair is one of the things that contributes most to a fresh appearance. But…
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…
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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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Staph in show goats is one of the frustrating skin problems we see frequently in show goats. It is dermatitis caused by various species of Staphylococcus. What is it? Staph is a normal skin bacteria that can be found on healthy goat skin but it can become a problem when it gets out of control.…
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