Purina® Honor® Show T.I.P.S. for Success
Animal : Cattle
Animal : Pigs
Animal : Goats
Animal : Lambs
It seems that every year the show landscape gets more competitive, show “seasons” gets longer, and the number of shows increases. With this, sale calendars continue to expand, the number of groups on feed at an individual operations increases, and the amount of time animals are going through some sort of transitional period is increased.
Any period in which an animal is exposed to a stressor that could impact metabolism, health, feed intake, and performance is a transition. Whether that transition is being relocated to a new home, commingling, adapting to a new feeding program, cold snaps and heat waves, or exposure to new bacteria and viruses, it is safe to say that avoiding transition downfalls are one of the biggest challenges that feeders face. As such, here are 4 Purina® Honor® Show TIPS to help avoid these untimely setbacks.
T- Transitions take time. In many parts of the country there is literally a show every weekend. And while it is tempting to show your new project the moment you get it, it needs time to settle into what its new “normal” is going to be. In particular, feed transitions should be gradual and take at least a week, if not longer, depending on how different the new feeding program may be.
I- Immune function. A tailored health program is critical and goes hand-in-hand with a solid feeding program. Know what the animal has already received when you get it and work with your veterinarian to determine what your new animal, as well as the existing herd may need in anticipation of commingling. Keep a basic medicine cabinet stocked so you can stay ahead of early onset health issues. Seek out feeds that are medicated to prevent certain health challenges such as coccidiosis or scours.
P- Proactive. Stay on top of feed inventory. Running out of feed and having to change the program abruptly is one of the most common reasons for animals “going off feed.” Communicate with your dealer and order ahead, particularly if you are going to transition to a new feed or supplement. Dealers do their best to keep feed fresh, which means they likely aren’t going to have a surplus of feed there that you are not currently feeding.
S- Stay positive. As stated earlier, there is almost always another show around the corner, and the show season is a marathon not a sprint. Build your team, lean on them for knowledge, and work your way through the transition downturns to build back stronger.
Any period in which an animal is exposed to a stressor that could impact metabolism, health, feed intake, and performance is a transition. Whether that transition is being relocated to a new home, commingling, adapting to a new feeding program, cold snaps and heat waves, or exposure to new bacteria and viruses, it is safe to say that avoiding transition downfalls are one of the biggest challenges that feeders face. As such, here are 4 Purina® Honor® Show TIPS to help avoid these untimely setbacks.
T- Transitions take time. In many parts of the country there is literally a show every weekend. And while it is tempting to show your new project the moment you get it, it needs time to settle into what its new “normal” is going to be. In particular, feed transitions should be gradual and take at least a week, if not longer, depending on how different the new feeding program may be.
I- Immune function. A tailored health program is critical and goes hand-in-hand with a solid feeding program. Know what the animal has already received when you get it and work with your veterinarian to determine what your new animal, as well as the existing herd may need in anticipation of commingling. Keep a basic medicine cabinet stocked so you can stay ahead of early onset health issues. Seek out feeds that are medicated to prevent certain health challenges such as coccidiosis or scours.
P- Proactive. Stay on top of feed inventory. Running out of feed and having to change the program abruptly is one of the most common reasons for animals “going off feed.” Communicate with your dealer and order ahead, particularly if you are going to transition to a new feed or supplement. Dealers do their best to keep feed fresh, which means they likely aren’t going to have a surplus of feed there that you are not currently feeding.
S- Stay positive. As stated earlier, there is almost always another show around the corner, and the show season is a marathon not a sprint. Build your team, lean on them for knowledge, and work your way through the transition downturns to build back stronger.
