Well it is feeling like spring here in the southwest and our shows are fast approaching. I like to think this time or year (last 30-40 days) is when good feeders start to distance themselves from their competition. I have always said hard work and attention to detail down the stretch will make up for a lot of shortcoming.(e.i. high-dollar pig, fancy facility,etc.). At this point in the feeding period, pigs be growing and gaining an average of 2lb/day. Granted we can't change the skeleton or structure of a pig much at this point, but we can enhance things like bloom, condition, fill, mass, and skin or hair condition. All the little things that go into a champion that must be done long before show day!
Now I'm not one to believe in magic, but there are some specialty products that can and should be used to give yourself an edge. ESP offers just two of those products, ESP Musclemaker (Paylean product) and ESP Bodybuilder (Fiber and Fat Prouct)Musclemaker can be used to enhance muscle shape as well as bloom and condition of almost all show projects. This product is much higher formulated than most similar paylean products being 50% protein, 3.0% lysine, and 12% fat. Fed at a rate of 2 oz/day to get a 4.5 gram level, 4oz/day for a 9 gram level. It is important to know your weight, rate of gain, and projected end point to effectively use paylean to your advantage. We have experienced very few problems when using this product properly. (sore feet, cracked hooves, too hard, etc.) Biotin and other vitamin and trace minerals are added to musclemaker to help avoid potential problems. Keep in mind that paylean is a tool that must be monitored daily but is the single most effective additive that has literally changed the showpig world and IS used by all who are consistently in the winners circle. Timing is critical with paylean. Keep in mind it takes 12-14 days to really see much change in mass in most hogs. 21-28 days is most effective on the average. More than 28 days on paylean or at higher than 9 gram level are off-label. Does this happen often? ABSOLUTELY. One of the things that I like best about about musclemaker is the fact that is in a base of spray-dried egg which really enhances bloom. (skin and hair) I recommend you respond to this blog with more specific questions about this and other ESP products.
ESP Bodybuilder is a product that was initially formulated to be used when managing weight gain. After using the product for several years I have found many other beneficial uses. Fed at a rate of 4-8 oz/feeding you can replace 1/3 to 1/2 of a pigs feed intake and hold weight gain to 3/4-1 1/2 lb per day and still maintain body condition and fill. I really like this product as a fat suplement that allows more bulk to be added while maintaining rate of gain as well. When feeding Bodybuilder with Musclemaker we have been able to condition hogs for today's world with that 12 o'clock look. Again, please respond to this blog with your specific questions.
Remember you can't replace hard work with smoke and mirrors, but those that win use all the tools available to them. Some pigs just aren't good enough to be champs, but that doesn't mean your experience can't let YOU be a CHAMP. I hope to answer your responses so you can get the edge on your competition. Check back soon, as my next blog I will be discussing the ESP SYNERGY breeders program and some recent shows and judging experiences. Have a BLESSED DAY!!
Jack, yes you can order these products from the front page of this website and they will be shipped UPS.
