If you have been in the industry, you know that this is the time of year when many cattle people start to fight ringworm within their show string. In this tip from Stock Show University®, we will be covering the basics about Ringworm and some preventive measures for you to have in your show barn this winter show season! 

So, what is Ringworm actually? Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin. Ringworm is frequently more aggressive in confined cattle during the winter months and less frequent in the summer months.  Even though that ringworm is a contagious disease, your chances are reduced when your calf maintains a healthy hair coat during the winter months. This is because when a calf’s hair is lacking their natural hair oils, your calf is more susceptible to Ringworm. To maintain a healthy hair coat during the winter months, use Sullivan’s Revive daily – which is one of Sullivan Supply’s best-selling daily care products that is high in Vitamin E and fortified with VITA HAIR™.

Even if you are keeping up on their daily hair care maintenance of your calf, it is still important that you are regularly checking for Ringworm –  so you can catch the problem before you have a severe outbreak. When examining your animal for Ringworm, you should look for hair loss in a circular pattern and development of heavy, gray-white crusts and redness at the site of infection. 

As mentioned before, Ringworm is a contagious disease, so the spread of Ringworm occurs in two different ways: through body contact of an infected animal or through objects used on infected animals. Having said that, it can be spread from animal to animal by your favorite show products such as: SMART Combs, SMART Scrub Brush, clipper blades, SMART Feed Pans, rope halters, blower hose nozzles, etc. 

A preventative measure or a cure for Ringworm that Sullivan Supply® can provide to your show barn is Sullivan’s Fighting Five. Fighting Five is a blend of natural oils that prevents, eliminates, and heals all types of fungus such as Ringworm. The unique ability to repair the damaged skin on your animal results in faster hair growth.  Fighting Five can be used to prevent a breakout if the animal has been exposed to areas infected with fungus. It is recommended to treat equipment that has been exposed to Ringworm and other fungus with Fighting Five or Sullivan’s Anti-Fungus Equipment Dip.

Last but not least, be aware for yourself! Ringworm is a zoonotic disease, which means transmission to humans can easily happen!

For more tips and video tutorials from Stock Show University®, visit https://www.sullivansupply.com/stock-show-u/online/

When developing a daily hair care program for your animal, it is important to remember that a hair growth cycle is around 100–120 days. Your daily care routine should be consistent, as consistency is KEY! Developing a hair care routine for your animal is significant because healthy hair leads to your animal looking the best they can on show day.

By using a Sullivan’s Dually Hair Shedding Comb, map out when your animal needs to be looking 100 percent. When you are around the 100–120 days out from that show, use a Sullivan’s shedding comb to remove any dead or unhealthy hair from the animal’s hide. This allows your animal to grow a new, healthy hair coat for your target show. Each day after the shedding process, you should start by getting your calf into the barn before the sun rises, and it starts to get warm outside. This means that feeding should take place inside the barn under fans. 

After your animal is done eating, it is time to take them to the wash rack. You will need to shampoo your animal with Sullivan’s Volumizer and then followed with Sullivan’s Hydrator Conditioner. By rinsing every morning and night, you are lowering your animal’s body temperature, which leads to hair growth. 

After the wash rack, it is time to work the hair. The first task is to use a Sullivan’s blower to dry your animal. You will want to make sure your animal is completely dry before you head over to the next step. After your animal is dry, apply Sullivan’s Revive or Revive Lite all over your animal. Relieve is the #1 Daily Hair and Skin Conditioner. It is at this time that you will also want to work hair with a Rice Root Brush and a Roto Brush. Be sure when using a Roto Brush that you need to cover your animal’s tail with a Sullivan’s Tail Bag.

For the evening routine, you will repeat the hair routine mentioned before. There is no need to wash two times a day, as that is harder on the hair, so you can just rinse your calf and then continue your animal’s hair care routine. A helpful recommendation is that you can swap out Revive or Revive Lite in the evening with Kleen Sheen. 

After you are done working in the evening, it is time to feed your animal and kick your animal outside the barn once the sun goes down. 

For more tips and video tutorials from Stock Show University®, visit https://www.sullivansupply.com/stock-show-u/online/

It is show day with your steer or heifer and your anticipation is high to get in the show ring. When getting your animal ready for the ring, it is important you get your animal presented to the best of your ability, so your animal can look its very best for the judge. Once your clean and dry animal is in the chute, it is time to start fitting. One piece of advice that Sullivan Supply recommends is that you lay out all the products you will be using before you start fitting, so you can just grab them from around your chute versus having to go back and forth to your show box—along with making sure your power source is working for clipper, blowers, etc.  One of the first things that you need to do when your animal gets in the chute is to blow your animal out and work the leg hair with a Sullivan’s Roto Brush or Sullivan’s Scrub Brush. This will help lift your animal’s leg hair follicle, making it easier to fit. Before you start fitting, it is recommended to put on the animal’s show halter first, so you are not rushed at the end to put the halter on. Once you have the show halter on with your rope halter over it, you can start fitting the legs. (This is just a reminder that you should only be fitting with metal combs, as we recommend the Sullivan’s Teflon Comb line. Plastic smart combs are only to be used during daily care routines.) You may also put a tail bag over your animal’s tail to ensure that no adhesive gets in the tail while you are fitting the legs or the flank.  After the legs, you can start fitting the tailhead, topline, belly line and flank, and then last but not least—the tail. You want to make sure to fit the tail last, as your animal might get antsy in the chute and start switching their tail during fitting. After everything is fit and the adhesive is dry, it is now time to apply the touch-up paint. After your animal is fit, take some time at the end to work the animal’s body hair with a blower, plastic smart comb, and a Sullivan Supply’s show sheen or oil.

For more tips and video tutorials from Stock Show University®, visit https://www.sullivansupply.com/stock-show-u/online/

A question that is frequently asked during Stock Show University® events is why would someone need to feed Sullivan’s Fresh & Feminine to their show animal. In this Stock Show University® tip, we will be covering the WHY of Fresh & Feminine and why Sullivan’s Fresh & Feminine is a staple product for champions in show rings across the country.

Well, let’s cut to the chase… Feminine shape and freshness in the front one-third of your show animal spells ultimate success OR failure in the show ring—whether you are in the breeding or market side of the show. Do you want to know THE SECRET TO EYE APPEALING SHOW ANIMALS? To get ahead of the game in the show ring, Stock Show University® recommends Sullivan’s Fresh & Feminine to be a part of your animal’s diet when preparing for your target show. 

So, how does it work? The superior science of Fresh & Feminine features a combination of strategic vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and protein sources. Fresh & Feminine boosts metabolic fat burning that targets specific areas of the body to reduce fat content, most notably in the neck and brisket area without decreasing belly shape. As a result, your animal has a more feminine, attractive physique and even assisting to better the animal’s structural correctness on the move. Along with these benefits, this femininity supplement helps to offset the results seen from aggressive, high energy show animal diets.

Then, what is Sullivan’s Fresh & Feminine FAST TRACK? Fast track is essentially designed for the same purpose as the original Fresh & Feminine, BUT you will start seeing results 40-50% faster than the original—as this is a more concentrate formula. 

Is this just a cattle product? Even though the cattle Fresh and Feminine is one of our top sellers, we do have Fresh and Feminine for goats, sheep, and hogs! 

How much do I feed my animal once I have purchased Sullivan’s Fresh & Feminine for my animal? The dosage does depend on which species you are feeding it to. Do make sure you are feeding the appropriate Sullivan’s Fresh & Feminine for your species. Below is a little guide to what your feeding schedule should look like. 

Cattle – Feed to cattle at the rate of 170g (2 level scoops) per head daily. Preferably 85g (1 scoop) in the morning and 85g (1 scoop) at night.  Cattle FAST TRACK – Feed to cattle at the rate of 170g (2 level scoops) per head daily. Preferably, 228g(2 scoops) in the morning and 228g (2 scoops) at night.

Sheep & Goats – Feed to Sheep/Goats at the rate of 30g (2 level scoops) per head daily. Preferably 15g (1 scoop) in the morning and 15g (1 scoop) at night.

Pig FAST TRACK – Feed to pigs at the rate of 34g (2 level scoops) per head daily. Preferably 17g (1 scoop) in the morning and 17g (1 scoop) at night.

For more tips and video tutorials from Stock Show University®, visit https://www.sullivansupply.com/stock-show-u/online/

Whether you are a beginner or a veteran in the pig ring, it is essential to stay up to date on new products that are hitting the show industry. Awareness of new products can enhance practices you are already preforming on the animals you have on feed in your show barn. Stock Show University® Manager, Tess Mittag, sat down with Sullivan Supply’s National Sales Representative, A.J. Hornback, to collect her perspective of what the TOP 5 hog products that are flying off the Sullivan Supply Trailers for daily care routines and show day essentials.

Sullivan’s High Definition – This product is the new, ultimate show day, show ring shine spray for swine. The deep, color enhancing shine of High Definition creates added dimension and freshness to the hide of your show pig. This product features a balance of light weight natural ingredients that softens hair and deepens the color tone of darker pigmented show pigs. High Definition is great for swine of all colors.

Sullivan’s Rejuvenate Shampoo – Rejuvenate offers an olive oil, pomegranate extract, and Vita Skin package that leaves the skin on all species silky smooth. This makes the perfect non-degreasing shampoo. Rejuvenate cleans while leaving key natural oils in place to preserve the skin and hide. This shampoo is safe for everyday use without the concern for dryness and irritation. With its mild antiseptic and toning properties, this shampoo also helps tighten pores and tone the skin. REMINDER: Sullivan’s Vita Skin package contains: Vitamin E, Vitamin B complex, and Vitamin C.

Sullivan’s Revive & Revive Lite – What a great product to promote healthy and beautiful hair coat! The foaming action of Revive dissipates into the hair to moisturize and bring life, body, and freshness to dull, dry hair without leaving the hair waxy or limp. Revive is formulated with a purified grade of nourishing bio-based plant leaf and seed oils along with olive oil and high-grade lanolin ester emollients that penetrate and condition the skin and hair with nature’s nutrients. The natural antioxidants contained in Revive stimulate circulation within the scalp to increase nutrient absorption into the hair follicles for faster, healthier hair growth. Revive is high in Vitamin E and fortified with VITA HAIR™. Revive Lite was created to feature the same great conditioning as Revive, but with warmer weather in mind.

Sullivan’s Driver and Alpha Whip – Want a stylish but effective whip in the show ring? The Driver Whip features a medium flex fiberglass core shaft that is wrapped in a black nylon weave material. The 5“ long lash/popper on the whip is very flexible. This ultra-responsive lash is also strong with its reinforced braided-in nylon construction. The hinge joint that connects the lash to the shaft is reinforced with a hidden brass cuff for added durability. The hand grip is covered in a threaded-braid nylon weave material that is available in black, blue, purple, or teal color. The hardware at the end of the handle features a durable molded black plastic ball tip. The Driver Whip is available in 33” or 36” length sizes. This whip is a tremendous multipurpose whip. Its firm feel is great for training at home, while also having a mid-flex shaft and very responsive popper that is super for shows. The Alpha Whip is also a go to when packing for a show. It is extreme in every way. Its composite fiberglass shaft consists of the highest level of super flex materials that are stronger than many metals by weight. This composite shaft is encased in a black nylon weave material. New to the industry, is the Super Grip Rubber handle. This extra-long, tacky, nonslip handle is extremely comfortable. It reduces hand fatigue and allows for better control. The hardware at the end of the handle consists of a smooth, form fitted cap. The lash/popper is a reinforced, braided-in nylon that is 5 inches long. This creates a strong, but extremely flexible lash that allows for tremendous quick action from the end of the whip. The hinge joint that connects the lash to the shaft is reinforced with a hidden brass cuff, making it the strongest, most durable in the industry. The Alpha excels in strength at this location, where others tend to fail. The Alpha Whip is also available in 33” or 36” length sizes.

Sullivan’s EX85 Brush – Popular by demand, the EX85 brush was designed for the expert showman in mind. It includes 1” Tampico Bristles that come in 85 bristle channels that provide a wider coverage when brushing your hog. The uniquely designed wooden handle can also be used to assist in driving your hog like a professional.

For more tips and video tutorials from Stock Show University®, visit https://www.sullivansupply.com/stock-show-u/online/

When you think about one of the most essential components to any species and their daily care routine, keeping their hide healthy and hydrated has to come to mind. During this Stock Show University® tip, we will be covering the importance of using the superior Sullivan’s Healthy Hide Lotion, Heavy and Lite, in your show barn on your sheep, hogs, goats and slick shorn cattle.

Sullivan’s Healthy Hide Lotion, a must-use product for competitive lamb and goat exhibitors, is to be used after shearing, any species, to help condition the hide. With its outstanding ability to penetrate deep into the animal’s hide, this lotion was designed to heal skin cracks and abrasions, giving your animal a tighter, fresher appearance. 

Application of this product is simple for all users. Once the animal is sheared or clipped, shake well in the bottle and apply the lotion on the animal’s hide by rubbing it into the skin with your hands or a soft brush, such as the Sullivan’s Soft Body Brush or Sullivan’s Horse Hair Show Pig Brush. 

Like Sullivan’s Revive, also used for conditioning the hair and hide, this product also comes in two different options. Healthy Hide Lite, that is in the orange-colored label, is to be used when the temperature is above 65 degrees Fahrenheit. On the flip side, Healthy Hide Heavy, that is in the green-colored label, is to be used on animals when the temperature is below 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

For more tips and video tutorials from Stock Show University®, visit https://www.sullivansupply.com/stock-show-u/online/

Water consumption for our show animals is very important – whether it is July at your State Fair or at a jackpot show in December. As a rule of thumb, you should always keep in mind:  water consumption for your livestock will range from one gallon per one hundred pounds of body weight during the cold, winter months to around two gallons per one hundred pounds of body weight during the warm, summer months. During this Stock Show University® Tip, we will explain the benefits of adding Sullivan’s Restore Pro to your daily routine prior to the show in the show barn, as well as an essential travel product.

Restore Pro is a high energy, performance electrolyte that replenishes the hydration of the animal and restores depleted muscle cells, making them fuller and more hydrated. With added probiotics and prebiotics, Restore Pro also improves gut health in times of stress. Restore Pros appealing flavors, cherry or vanilla, increases the consumption of water – resulting in the best possible fill and muscle definition within your animal(s).  Restore Pro is SAFE for all species of livestock.

Restore Pro can be used at home, around two weeks (14 days) before traveling to the show, along with at the show once you have arrived. For cattle—feed 1 oz as top dress to your animal’s feed to keep your animal’s electrolyte levels and gut health in check. Also, you may add to the animal’s water weeks leading up to travel or at the show to ensure your animal(s) will look at their fullest potential. Mix 8 oz (1 cup) of Restore Pro into one gallon of fresh, clean water if you are delivering through water. For smaller species such as sheep, goats, and hogs, —feed 1/2 oz as top dress to your animal’s feed. When mixing in water for these species, mix 4 oz (1/2 cup) of Restore Pro into one gallon of fresh, clean water.

For more tips and video tutorials from Stock Show University®, visit https://www.sullivansupply.com/stock-show-u/online/

If you are a master at the daily care game in your show barn, you probably already know that Sullivan’s Revive and Revive Lite are the #1 Daily Hair and Skin Conditioner. During this Stock Show University® Tip, we are going to dive deep into details about Revive and Revive Lite to prove that this is the #1 Daily Hair and Skin Conditioner in the game. 

Sullivan’s Revive and Revive Lite are beneficial products to promote healthy and beautiful hair coats – with all species in mind. The foaming action of this product dissipates into the hair to moisturize and bring healthy life, body, and freshness to dull, dry hair without leaving the hair waxy or limp. Revive is formulated with a purified grade of nourishing bio-based plant leaf and seed oils along with olive oil and high-grade lanolin ester emollients that penetrate and condition the skin and hair with nature’s nutrients. The natural antioxidants contained in Revive stimulate circulation within the scalp to increase nutrient absorption into the hair follicles for faster, healthier hair growth. Revive is high in Vitamin E and fortified with VITA HAIR™, also composed of Biotin and Pro-Vitamin B-5. Revive Lite is specifically formulated with extra light cosmetic grade oils to allow for a more refined version of our ever popular Revive. This product was created by Sullivan Supply to feature the same great conditioning formula as Revive but with warmer weather in mind. Revive LITE is also fortified with the advanced VITA HAIR nourishing Vitamin package.

For cattle daily care purposes: After the animal is clean and dry, spray over the entire body, comb in and blow deep down to the skin. Let Revive soak into the hair overnight, rinse out in the morning. It also works great to eliminate flaking, dry skin. For cattle that are kept in a cooler, apply Revive during the day and rinse out before letting out for the night. For a quick conditioning treatment during hot weather, apply Revive or Revive Lite, comb in, blow dry deep into the hair and rinse immediately. Apply daily, depending on hair dryness.

Tess Mittag, Manager of Stock Show University®, states, “Revive and Revive Lite are a must-have in everyone’s showbox – regardless of what species you are exhibiting. With the VITA HAIR™ included within this product, this product will leave your animal’s hide healthy, stimulating hair/wool growth to it’s fullest potential for show day!”

For more tips and video tutorials from Stock Show University®, visit https://www.sullivansupply.com/stock-show-u/online/

A common question that is asked to our sales representatives is, “What adhesive remover should I use? Undress or Hocus Pocus?” 

Sullivan Supply’s Undress delivers the safe and rapid removal of all show-day adhesives and touch-ups. Features a powerful blend of dynamic enzymes that swiftly solubilizes, to dissolve show day products. Undress is biodegradable, water-soluble and derived from natural plant-based resources and is recommended for all livestock. Undress is recommended to be used when you will not have to refit that day.

Being fresh and natural, Hocus Pocus will not irritate hair or hide. This natural product is a healthy alternative that will make a difference in your show day wash out. The pure ingredients of Hocus Pocus are formulated to naturally attack and gently remove adhesives and touch-ups away from the hair to allow for superior cleaning. Hocus Pocus is fortified with non-drying emollients and the nourishing VITA HAIR vitamins to naturally moisturize and soften the hair shaft. Hocus Pocus will not leave an oily residue to build up heat or eat away leg hair. This makes Hocus Pocus ideal when refitting is needed in a short period of time. 

After you break down your animal with either Undress or Hocus Pocus, we recommend using Sullivan Supply’s Breakaway Shampoo. Sullivan Supply’s Breakaway helps eliminate any unwanted oils and debris left over from show day fitting with Sullivan’s Break Away After Show Shampoo. This heavy-duty shampoo will wash away excess oils left behind from adhesive removers, as well as any residue missed while breaking down your show day masterpiece. This shampoo also works great as a first-time shampoo to breakaway heavy dirt and grime. Note: this shampoo is not intended for daily use as it could cause drying to hair and skin.

For more tips and video tutorials from Stock Show University®, visit https://www.sullivansupply.com/stock-show-u/online/

Sheep enthusiasts understand the critical importance of wool growth on the legs of their animals in the show barn for the show ring. During this tip from Stock Show University® article, we will be explaining the excellence of Sullivan’s Wool Grower product, Daily conditioner for leg wool, that produces CHAMPION results for the show ring!

Sullivan’s Wool Grower is a daily care product for sheep that is sure to be a staple in your show barn and taking your animal’s wool quality to the next level! Strategically infused with Tea Tree Oil and Clove Oil, this product is designed to promote healthy wool growth while conditioning the wool, without the adding weight as a heavy oil would on the wool. Adding more value to the formula, Wool Grower also contains Citronella Oil, assisting with the prevention of insects, making it a great product for all year round.

TJ Todd, Manager of the Sullivan Supply’s West Location in Lodi, California, claims that Wool Grower is his favorite Daily Care Product for Sheep and recommends it to all exhibitors! “This product has incredible results for building shag on a lamb… I haven’t used a product that has put wool on a leg faster!”

For at home use: After the lamb’s leg wool is clean and dry, spray over the leg wool, comb it in, and blow deep down to the skin. After this process is complete, wrap your lamb’s legs with Sullivan’s Glacier Wrap, Deluxe Leg Tubes, or Leg Dress Wraps to protect the leg’s wool. Let the Wool Grower product soak into the leg wool overnight, rinsing it out in the morning.

For more tips and video tutorials from Stock Show University®, visit https://www.sullivansupply.com/stock-show-u/online/