18% Lamb Starter Pellet

Overview

The Hi-Pro 18% Lamb Starter Pellet is a drug-free creep/starter feed for young lambs from approximately 2–6 weeks of age — the first solid feed before transitioning to a medicated or higher-energy growing ration. At 18% crude protein with balanced calcium and phosphorus, it provides the high-protein foundation needed for early frame and organ development. Confirmed available at Lone Star Tack and Feed (Texas).

Important note on specifications: The guaranteed analysis listed here is sourced from the Canadian Trouw Nutrition formulation (which uses the same Hi-Pro brand name under Trouw Nutrition Canada). The U.S. version may differ — confirm with a Texas Hi-Pro dealer before making feeding decisions based on this data.

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Manufacturer Specifications

Guaranteed Analysis

(from Canadian Trouw Nutrition / Hi-Pro equivalent formulation — U.S. specs not confirmed)

Nutrient	Amount
Crude Protein (min)	18.0%
Crude Fat (min)	2.0%
Crude Fiber (max)	10.0%
Calcium	1.0%
Phosphorus	0.6%
Sodium	0.3%
Copper	8 mg/kg (0.8 ppm)
Vitamin A (min)	9,900 IU/kg
Vitamin D (min)	25,000 IU/kg
Vitamin E (min)	30 IU/kg
Selenium	0.3 mg/kg

Key Ingredients / Active Components

Not confirmed for U.S. formulation.

Official Feeding Rate

• Rate: Free choice to maximum 2% of body weight
• Introduction: Begin offering alongside dam’s milk at 2 weeks; transition to sole feed at weaning
• Supplementation: Feed with quality hay or alfalfa; provide loose salt and fresh water at all times
• Species notes: Lambs 2–6 weeks old

Ca:P Ratio

Calcium 1.0% / Phosphorus 0.6% → Ca:P approximately 1.7:1 — close to the 2:1 minimum target for wethers. Acceptable but worth monitoring in wether programs; supplement with limestone if feeding beyond the starter phase.

Copper Note

The Canadian formulation lists copper at 8 mg/kg. The label itself states: “Sheep are susceptible to copper deficiency and copper toxicosis. Consult a qualified nutritionist or veterinarian to determine suitability.” This is an unusually transparent label acknowledgment. At 8 mg/kg, the copper level falls within the generally accepted safe range for sheep (4–25 mg/kg), but warrants verification of the U.S. formulation.

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Sheep Safety

Copper: 8 mg/kg in the Canadian formulation — within the normal safe range for sheep. However, the U.S. formulation is unconfirmed. The label’s own copper caution note is worth taking seriously — confirm U.S. specs before use.

Urinary calculi (wethers): Ca:P ratio of ~1.7:1 is borderline. Acceptable at starter phase (very young lambs); ensure transition to a better-balanced feed (Lamb Grower 2000 has a 3.5:1 Ca:P ratio) as the lamb grows.

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Show Circuit Use

Sources: Lone Star Tack retailer listing; Canadian Trouw Nutrition product page

Primary Role

This is a pre-program feed — it gets the lamb started on solid feed before entering the show feeding program proper. In show programs, it would be used from approximately weaning to 50–60 lbs body weight before transitioning to the Apex Enhancer or Lamb Grower 2000.

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Phase Protocols

Creep / Starter Phase (Birth – 50 lbs)

• Rate: Free choice to 2% of body weight
• Supplement: Quality hay or alfalfa + fresh water + loose salt
• Purpose: Introduce lambs to solid feed; provide 18% protein for early frame development

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Community Tips

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