Prevention of disease is important on any farm or ranch. This only becomes more important during show season, when you are constantly moving animals to and from your farm to a show. There are easy ways to maintain biosecurity during this high-stress season.

One of the best ways to have a successful show season is to keep your animals strong and healthy. Diseases can be transmitted during transportation while handling the animals, and at the show where they encounter people and animals outside of your farm.

Biosecurity should be a part of your preparation for a show. You should be constantly monitoring your animals, watching for signs of stress and disease. Watch their activity levels by keeping an eye on the amount of feed and water they are intaking. Look for intake drops long before you load up for the show. You should also be watching for discharge and coughing and treat your animals before you leave.

If you notice your animals showing signs of stress or disease, treat them at the first sign. Reach for feeds that have the proper ingredients your animals need. Avoid feed with excessive fillers and reach for foods that promote efficient digestion and nutrient absorption. If you are unsure of what to feed, contact your local 4H or extension office; we also have experts here at QC Supply ready to answer your questions.

Refresh and rejuvenate your livestock before the big show with a product like Essential Revive. When added to their drinking water, Revive’s electrolytes hydrate your animal’s muscle cells, freshening the top and improving expression. It encourages them to keep drinking and staying hydrated. All of which reduces stress before transportation.

As you prepare your livestock for show and fair season, you should also be preparing your trailers and equipment. Wash everything thoroughly before loading with Barnstorm or Synergize These disinfectants/cleaners were designed to disinfect, deodorize and clean all areas where animals have been or will be, including feeding and watering equipment.

Once you have your healthy, strong, de-stressed animal loaded into your clean trailer, don’t forget to pack your Casco disinfectants along with the rest of your show supplies. Animals are especially susceptible to disease at a show, as they are exposed to new animals and the general public, making biosecurity measures even more important once you leave your farm.

Keep their stalls and your equipment as clean as possible, as well as watching for signs of stress and disease. Sure Champ Vita Charge Gel is a great product to have on hand during a show, as it promotes feed and water intake during times of stress and recovery. It works on all species of livestock and is easy to administer.

After the show is done and you’ve collected all ribbons and trophies, your job caring for your animal isn’t done. Before you leave, give your trailer and equipment a good wash. Once you are home, try to isolate the animals as much as you can, even if that means just a separate stall. Try to rest and keep them separate for a minimum of two weeks, with a full four being ideal.

You should also disinfect all products, clothing and other equipment used on and with your show animals. Do this before you use them with your show animals or with other animals on the farm. This simple step can prevent the spread of disease and help you continue to have a successful show season.

Healthy animals are successful animals. If you are unsure about what products you need to ensure an award-winning show and fair season, give our experts at QC Supply a call today at 888.433.5275.