Show Sheep Paste

Overview

Sullivan’s Show Sheep Paste is one of the most widely-used show-day calming products on the sheep show circuit — it is formulated exclusively for sheep, not a repurposed cattle or swine formula. The ingredient stack is straightforward: B-vitamins, magnesium sulfate, L-tryptophan, chamomile, and capsicum work together to reduce stress responses and help difficult lambs handle more calmly without sedation. At 32ml per tube with 5–8 doses per tube per lamb, it provides good value per show. Explicitly labeled “no withdrawal period.”

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Manufacturer Specifications

Guaranteed Analysis

No standard AAFCO nutrient analysis published — this is an oral paste supplement, not a feed product.

Key Ingredients / Active Components

Ingredient	Role
Magnesium Sulfate	Primary calming mineral — reduces nervous system excitability
L-Tryptophan	Amino acid precursor to serotonin; promotes calm, relaxed state
Thiamine Hydrochloride (B1)	B-vitamin — supports nerve function; deficiency causes excitability
Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (B6)	B-vitamin — involved in neurotransmitter synthesis
Niacin (B3)	B-vitamin — nerve and energy metabolism
Calcium Pantothenate (B5)	B-vitamin — stress response and adrenal support
Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)	Antioxidant; stress response support
Chamomile	Herbal calming agent — mild anxiolytic
Clover	Herbal support
Capsicum	Circulation enhancer; helps absorption of other ingredients
Xanthan Gum	Carrier/thickener

No copper in the ingredient list. Formula is sheep-specific and confirmed copper-safe.

Official Feeding Rate

• Rate: 1 dose per animal, 2–3 hours before show time
• Doses per tube: One 32ml tube = 5–8 doses (dose size varies by lamb size)
• Species: Sheep only — formulated specifically for show lambs
• No withdrawal period: Label explicitly states no withdrawal

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Sheep Safety

No copper in the ingredient list. This is a sheep-specific formula. Confirmed copper-safe.

Important warning: Do not substitute Sullivan’s Show Cattle Calm Paste for the Show Sheep Paste — the cattle paste contains valerian root, passion flower, and black cohosh, which are NOT in the sheep formula. Always purchase the sheep-labeled product specifically.

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Show Circuit Use

Sources: sullivansupply.com; NRS World product listing; retailer testimonials

How Experienced Feeders Actually Use It

Sullivan’s Show Sheep Paste is the entry-level calming paste of choice for 4-H and FFA exhibitors managing their first show lambs. More experienced feeders use it for legitimately difficult animals — lambs that are hard to lead, won’t stand, or become agitated in new environments. The magnesium + tryptophan combination produces a genuinely calmer animal without making it lethargic or poorly responsive in the ring. One documented use: “helped with a lamb that was just a handful for a first time 4H youth.”

Timing matters: The 2–3 hour pre-show window is important — this paste takes time to absorb and take effect. Administering 30 minutes before doesn’t allow full effect.

Real-World Feeding Rate

• Typical protocol: 1 dose given 2–3 hours before entering the ring
• Per-show cost: Very economical at 5–8 shows per tube (~$15–20 per tube)

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Phase Protocols

Show Week

• Optional: Give once as a test dose 2–3 days before the show to understand the animal’s response before the actual show day

Show Day

• Rate: 1 dose (size-adjusted), 2–3 hours before the class
• Purpose: Reduce stress response; help lamb stand and handle calmly in the ring

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Stacking Protocols

Show Sheep Paste + Aspirnfre: Complementary show-day protocol — paste handles behavioral calming; Aspirnfre handles physical comfort and mobility. Very compatible.

Show Sheep Paste + SSS Attitude Adjustment or DED HED: If additional calming depth is needed beyond Sullivan’s paste alone, these SSS products target the same calming mechanism. Double-layer calming approach for extremely difficult animals.

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Budget Alternatives

• No direct commodity alternative for this specific use case
• Magnesium supplementation (via magnesium oxide in feed) provides some calming benefit at lower cost but without the full ingredient stack and without the paste delivery system needed for show-day timing

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Community Tips

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