State and county fair season is a big moment for 4-H and FFA groups, and all those who have been carefully raising show animals. After months of feeding, training, grooming, and working with an animal, it all comes down to a few minutes in the show pavillion. Fairs also introduce a whole slew of new stressors for your animals with long trailer rides, crowds, new pathogens, new noises, and diet or hydration interruptions. While there is no shortcut to healthy, well-prepared show animals, the right mineral program can lay the foundation for helping animals look, feel, and perform their best when show day arrives.
Stock show judges are looking for a variety of physical characteristics in the presentation of an animal including:
All of these outward physical qualities are directly tied to what your animals are eating, and what their digestive system is able to get out of it. Correct feed balance, a more expansive mineral profile, and gut support are key in putting all the important nutrients to work in building better show animals.
Skin, hair and fleece are some of the most noticeable indicators of an animal's overall condition, and are often a major topic of discussion in the show ring. If you are hoping to see a difference in your animal's coat and skin, it is important to start early. A good rule of thumb is to begin an expansive mineral program at least 6-8 weeks before the show. That gives the animal time to consistently receive the necessary nutrients and is approximately the length of a full coat growth cycle.
Coats and hooves are made from twisted strands of keratin. Keratin is not a single substance, but an interlocking network of proteins and enzymes that knit together. These crosslinks are protected by layers of fats and antioxidants, and this whole system is supported by hormones.
To build and support keratin, consistency matters. A mineral program started the week before the fair is unlikely to make up for months of nutritional deficiencies or inconsistent care. Preparing a show animal is a process, and the best results come from building healthy habits well before the trailer leaves for the show.
Copper is one of the most well-known coat health minerals, since a deficiency causes very visible bleaching and rough spots. But healthy coats need a balance of several nutrients that build keratin, coat and protect keratin, and keep hormone and enzyme factories going.
Even on the best mineral program available, animals can still develop deficiencies if their guts are not conditioned to absorb them. Conditioning with sodium bentonite clay helps their GI tract:
When mixed with their minerals, sodium bentonite clay simply helps your animals get the most out of their feed; their minerals go to work, not to waste. Redmond Conditioner is an all natural sodium bentonite supplement that can easily be added to feed to increase feed efficiency, bind toxins, and buffer acid.
The more shows and events an animal attends, the more opportunities there are for stress to affect its normal routines. Stressed animals may not eat or drink as consistently as they do at home, and changes in their environment can affect their overall well-being. Offer plenty of fresh, clean water alongside a mineral mix with salty electrolytes that will encourage your animals to stay hydrated. Proper hydration will also help facial and body tissue and muscle fibers look full and healthy.
Environmental stressors can also affect the digestive system, causing their stomachs to produce more acid than normal. The alkaline support of Redmond Conditioner buffers acidosis to keep gut colonies alive and working and regulates normal digestive rate.
Since the 1950’s, Redmond has helped countless farms across the continent support their animals with our natural sea mineral and clay supplements.
Our livestock specific mixes all start with our full spectrum of sea minerals and are fortified and balanced to meet each species needs and tolerances. See what other livestock raisers have had to say about what Redmond has done for their animals!
“My sheep have been in optimal condition since I started using this product. I always order another one before it runs out. I recommend it 100%” -Polly C.
“The sheep love it and I’ve noticed their hooves are already stronger”
- Janet P.
“My girls love their Redmond goat minerals...and are healthier than ever! Beautiful shiny coats and bright eyes. I highly recommend this product! I will be using it as long as I have goats!” -P. Van Sky
“Redmond is the best…I found Redmond and everything changed. My girls love this stuff. Their coats are improving, their eyes seem brighter and
milk production is up.” -V. Doddridge
“Since we started using the beef mineral our cattle have looked so good! They seem healthier and happier! It feels good to give them something that they enjoy and helps their health drastically! Love it and tell everyone to use it!” -M. Rietfors
“I am very pleased with the mineral in the overall look [of] my cattle since starting. They have bloomed while not overconsuming.
Great product!” -Don K.