Show Star®
Standard textured grower/finisher show lamb ration — 18% protein, medicated Deccox, chelated trace minerals, direct-fed microbials, ammonium chloride; the core Formula of Champions show base feed
Always read and follow product labels for feeding and sheep safety.
Overview
Show Star is the flagship base feed of the Kalmbach Formula of Champions show lamb line — an 18% protein, 3.5% fat textured ration for growing and finishing show lambs. Steam-flaked corn, steam-rolled barley, and crimped oats form the grain base; dehulled soybean meal and dehydrated alfalfa provide protein and palatability. Chelated trace minerals for improved absorption, direct-fed microbials (Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, Bifidobacterium), and ammonium chloride for urinary calculi prevention round out the formula. Medicated with Deccox at 38.6 g/ton.
Manufacturer Specifications
Guaranteed Analysis
| Nutrient | Level |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein (min) | 18% |
| Crude Fat (min) | 3.5% |
| Crude Fiber (max) | 14% |
| Calcium | 0.75–1.25% |
| Phosphorus (min) | 0.40% |
| Salt | 0.30–0.80% |
| Selenium (min) | 0.4 ppm |
| Vitamin A (min) | 7,000 IU/lb |
| Vitamin D3 (min) | 1,100 IU/lb |
| Vitamin E (min) | 70 IU/lb |
| Copper | Not confirmed |
Key Ingredients / Active Components
- Steam-flaked corn — energy, digestibility
- Steam-rolled barley — energy, palatability
- Crimped oats — fiber, palatability
- Dehulled soybean meal — protein
- Dehydrated alfalfa meal — fiber, palatability
- Ammonium chloride — urinary calculi prevention in males
- Chelated trace minerals — improved absorption
- Direct-fed microbials (Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, Bifidobacterium species)
- Decoquinate (Deccox®) — coccidiostat
Official Feeding Rate
- Rate: Feed with forage to provide 22.7 mg decoquinate per 100 lb body weight per day (one lb contains 19.3 mg)
- Medication duration: Minimum 28 days during coccidiosis exposure
- Species notes: Growing and finishing show lambs
Show Circuit Use
Sources: kalmbachfeeds.com, cheshirehorse.com
How Experienced Feeders Actually Use It
Show Star is the backbone of the Formula of Champions program. Feeders start lambs on Cherry Krave or Power Takeoff, then transition to Show Star as the main growing ration from approximately 60–90 lbs through finishing. The steam-flaked grain base improves starch digestibility versus cracked-only grain. The chelated trace mineral package and DFM additions set it above a generic 18% texturized feed.
Real-World Feeding Rate
- Typical rate: 1 lb/100 lb body weight; split AM/PM feedings; provide hay alongside
- Introduction timeline: After starter phase (Cherry Krave or Power Takeoff), continue through show week
Common Deviations from Label
No deviations found.
Breed-Specific Notes
No breed-specific notes found.
Phase Protocols
Weeks 12–9 | Foundation Phase
Transition to Show Star once lambs are past the creep/starter stage (~60–90 lbs). Primary base ration from here forward.
Weeks 8–6 through Weeks 2–1
Continue as base. Stack supplements for specific goals: Hard Drive for muscle, Fill ‘Er Up for rib shape, Moonshine Cherry for cover, Hair Magic Plus for coat.
Stacking Protocols
The Formula of Champions supplement stack runs on top of Show Star. Full circuit stack: Show Star + Hard Drive (muscle) + Fill ‘Er Up (fill) + Moonshine Cherry (cover) + Hair Magic Plus (coat) + Opti-Ferm XL (gut).
Budget Alternatives
- Kent Show Lamb Gale Force 18DQ — comparable texturized 18% show base at similar price point
- MoorMan’s ShowTec 18 Elite Lamb — Bovatec vs. Deccox; molybdenum for copper management
- Sunglo Show Lamb — non-medicated texturized option
Community Tips
Reserved for verified community submissions — do not populate during initial documentation.
Pairs Well With
- Hard Drive®
- Afterburner®
- Fill 'Er Up®
- Hair Magic Plus®
- Kalmbach Show Glow
- Moonshine® Cherry
- Opti-Ferm XL®
Direct Substitutes
Products that do the same job at the same point in the program — compare alternatives across brands in the directory.
| Product | Brand | Form | Budget | Feeding Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MoorMan's® ShowTec® 18 Elite Lamb | MoorMan's ShowTec | Textured | Mid-Range | 1 lb/head/day (light lambs) – 4.67 lbs/head/day (heavy lambs) |
| Show Lamb Gale Force 18DQ | Kent Feeds | Textured | Mid-Range | 0.25 lb per 10 lb body weight daily |
| MoorMan's® ShowTec® 15.5 Lamb DC | MoorMan's ShowTec | Textured | Mid-Range | 3 lbs per 100 lb body weight daily |
| Show Lamb Breeze 45DQ | Kent Feeds | Textured | Mid-Range | 0.1 lb per 10 lb body weight daily |
| X-Factor | Kalmbach Feeds (Formula of Champions) | Textured | Mid-Range | 1 lb per 100 lb body weight daily |