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Adding a Protein Supplement

To Finish Your Market Lamb

The Basics:

There are several elements that play a role in how your show lamb finishes for the show. Genetics, Nutrition, Exercise, and Showmanship. None of these elements can stand alone in a competitive show lamb. One method to optimize your nutrition plan is to add a protein supplement. As a rule of thumb we recommend starting the supplement 50 days before the show. However, if the show is closer, we've seen results within a couple of weeks.  In general, a protein supplement will accelerate muscle development, boost vitamins, and some supplements have an ingredient to lower body temperature to help with heat stress. The only drawback is the added cost to your feed bill. 

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Types of Supplements:

This is where it gets tricky. Just like human supplements, there's lots of different brands and approaches. You'll find varying opinions on which to do and why. We have the most experience with Purina High Octane supplements. In my experience they are accessible and beginner friendly. You can find them at most CAL Ranch or IFA stores. There are 3 formulations we've used.

  • Champion Drive: This is the most common one we recommend if your lamb still needs to put on weight. This means the lamb is still lean and is not putting on fat yet. It will help the lamb gain muscle and overall weight. The only time you don't use it is if the lamb has already started to put on fat. 

  • Fitter 35: This one is recommended if your lamb needs to manage fat and growth. If you just cut    back on grain, your lamb will lose muscle. (We've seen this sooo many times!) You can only cut back on grain if you have a way to keep the daily protein content high. Fitter 35 is one way to do that.

  • Fitter 52: This one is for lambs that over conditioned and need to burn fat. 

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​Stock Show Secrets is another company with supplements. I haven't used them on my own animals, but a lot of people like them. "Gold Dust" is their protein supplement.

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How to Start a Supplement:

One of the rules of feeding animals is NOT to make changes quickly. Apply this rule here so you don't put your lamb at risk of bloating or getting C&D (overeating disease).

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Steps:

  1. Add 2 ounces of Champion Drive or Fitter night and morning (4 ounces per day). Continue for 5-7 days. You will need to weigh it with a kitchen scale and then mark a scoop. I would recommend using a kitchen cup measurer or something similar.

  2. After 5-7 days increase to 4 ounces night and morning (8 ounces per day) and continue to the show.

 

  • You can feed more if you are really needing to push weight. Don't exceed the instructions on the bag.​

  • If your lamb was getting 4 pounds of grain per day before adding the supplement, you can back the grain up to 3.5 pounds per day. (Most lambs won't eat more than 4 total pounds of grain per day.... so in general, don't exceed that for total daily grain.)

  • If your lamb was at 3.5 pounds or less of grain per day, you can usually add the supplement in addition to the grain.​

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