Cattle showing requires a significant time commitment as a lot goes into it. It’s not just about bling and trophies. Because cattle are large animals, it takes a lot of effort, amenities, materials, and time to ensure they are ready. Many beginner competitors are curious about how to put muscle on show cattle, and this article will explain everything you need to know. Continue reading to find out more!
The physical appearance of your cattle will influence the impression you make to the show’s judges. You don’t want your cattle to be overweight, but you also don’t want them to look underfed.
How To Put Muscle On Show Cattle?
The best way to put muscle on a show cattle is to use cattle supplements and feeds. You should focus on high protein supplements that promote muscle growth.
What exactly are cattle supplements?
Cattle supplements are purely used to supplement nutrients that an animal’s primary diet lacks. There are numerous types of show cattle supplements, each focusing on a different aspect of the animal. Some are used to increase energy, prevent hoof cracking, or improve skin and hair coats. Some are used to improve digestion or behavior, while others are used to bulk your cattle and encourage weight gain and muscle shape; we will focus on the latter in this article.
Remember that show cattle supplements are not miracle cures. Giving your cattle too much in too little time will not improve anything and may even harm them.
The supplements must be given adequate time to work. Some supplements must be consumed for a longer period than others. To see results, use the supplement for at least 30 to 60 days, depending on the supplement.
Best muscle growth supplements for show cattle
The best supplements for muscle growth in show cattle are Purina High Octane Fitter 35, Show-Rite Muscle-In-Motion Supplement, and Star-Glo Pellet.
Purina High Octane Fitter 35
The Purina High Octane Fitter 35 promotes muscle growth in cattle. Cattle can be given around 1 to 2 lb. of this supplement each day. This supplement promotes lean tissue growth and muscle development. Its ingredients aid in the production of the “look” for show animals, and its amino acid content aids in muscle definition.
It also has a low-energy formula that aids body condition maintenance, and its ingredients are suitable for all species.
Show-Rite Muscle-In-Motion Supplement
The Show-Rite Muscle-In-Motion Supplement is an excellent supplement for increasing muscle mass and shape in show cattle. You can feed up to 1 to 2 lb. per day of the supplement.
This supplement was created to maximize muscle expression and definition in your show cattle while maintaining soundness and flexibility. It contains Lysine and other amino acids and your show cattle should like the flavor.
Star-Glo Pellet
The Star-Glo Pellet was designed to increase bloom and muscle tone in your show cattle while reducing excess fat. It is a great option if you want to put muscle on your show cattle while keeping them relatively lean. It’s high in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, and you can feed your cattle anywhere between 0.5 to 8 lb. each day.
If you want to improve your cattle’s hair, you should check out my guide on how to grow hair on show cattle.
All three of these supplements listed above can be a good supplemental food for dairy cows that need to gain muscle.
While feeding your cow supplements, you should not feed them a lot of cow treats.
Best diet for show cattle to grow muscle
Remember that show cattle supplements should be used in conjunction with good feed and management. The primary diet of your cattle should be hay and grass forage, but adding some healthy grains can also help them gain weight and muscle.
To accomplish this, you will need to locate a reputable feed supplier. Your feed should also be tailored to your cattle’s needs; in this case, look for show cattle feed that promotes muscle growth. This feed should not be the mainstay of your cattle’s diet; instead, it should be used as a booster to help you reach your goal.
It is also important to make sure your cattle gets enough water.
Finally, keep an eye on how your cattle react to their feed and supplements. For show cattle, there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all feeding recommendation. It truly is a case of trial and error because each animal and feeding scenario is unique. If your cow drools, you should check out my article on why do cows drool?
Conclusion
Because you see your show cattle daily, it can be difficult to tell if they are gaining muscle. To make it easier, you can photograph your show cattle every two weeks and compare the results. You can also weigh your cattle once a week to determine whether the supplement and feed are truly effective.
Show cattle take time to build muscle, so don’t expect it to bulk up in a matter of weeks. The results will undoubtedly pay off with proper planning and care, as well as the right supplements and feed.
Hopefully, this article guided you on how to put muscle on show cattle. With luck, you’ll bring home a ribbon or even win the trophy! Even if you don’t place this, take note of what you can improve on and continue to take good care of your show cattle.
Best wishes for the show!
