Weather has a major impact on how your show animals eat, grow, and perform. When the temperature swings, adjusting feed can make the difference between an average season and a champion finish. In hot or humid weather, the goal is to reduce heat stress and keep hydration levels high. In cold weather, it’s about providing enough energy to maintain warmth without slowing growth. With small, smart changes to your feeding program, you can help your animals stay healthy, happy, and show-ready all year long.
Key Takeaways
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Weather directly affects appetite, digestion, and hydration.
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Hot weather: Lower energy feed and increase electrolytes and fresh water access.
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Humid conditions: Focus on freshness, feed timing, and airflow.
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Cold weather: Increase energy density for warmth and condition.
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Always make gradual feed adjustments, never sudden changes.
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Observation is key: Watch your animals’ behavior and performance for cues.
Introduction
Every livestock exhibitor knows that feeding show animals isn’t a one-size-fits-all game. Whether you’re prepping your champion pig for the county fair or keeping your show steer in perfect shape through winter, weather plays a bigger role than most realize.
When the weather shifts, especially across the Midwest’s unpredictable seasons, your feeding plan should shift, too. Animals, like us, react to the ups and downs of temperature and humidity. Their appetite changes, their metabolism adjusts, and even their energy needs swing.
At Thompson Show Feed, we believe that fine-tuning your feeding routine is one of the best ways to keep your animals at their peak, no matter what Mother Nature throws at you. After all, this is where champions get fed.
Why Weather Changes Matter for Show Animals
Let’s face it: show animals are athletes. Just like human athletes, they need the right nutrition to perform at their best. And just like athletes, their nutritional needs change with the environment.
When the thermometer swings from a chilly morning to a blazing afternoon, animals expend extra energy just staying comfortable. That energy has to come from somewhere; often from the nutrients meant for growth, muscle development, and condition.
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In hot weather, animals eat less to reduce internal heat.
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In humid weather, their bodies struggle to cool down efficiently.
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In cold weather, they burn more calories to stay warm.
Each of these conditions can lead to slower gains, dehydration, or even illness if their diet isn’t adjusted accordingly.
Feeding in the Heat: Helping Animals Stay Cool and Comfortable
Hot weather can put serious stress on your animals. Heat stress not only affects performance but can also lead to digestive issues and lower feed intake. Here’s how to help your animals beat the heat:
1. Feed During Cooler Parts of the Day
Feed early in the morning or later in the evening when the air is cooler. This helps encourage intake and reduces the risk of spoilage.
2. Focus on Energy-Dense, Lower-Heat Feeds
Corn and other high-energy ingredients generate more internal heat during digestion. Consider blends that include higher fiber or fat levels instead of extra starch. Fat provides energy without creating as much internal heat.
3. Add Electrolytes and Supplements
Just like athletes need sports drinks, show animals need electrolytes to replace what’s lost through sweating or panting. Use approved electrolyte supplements in water or top-dress feed during hot weeks.
4. Keep Feed Fresh
Heat accelerates spoilage. Make sure feed is stored in a cool, dry area and clean feeders regularly to prevent mold growth.
5. Encourage Water Intake
Water drives every body function. Ensure your animals have constant access to cool, clean water. Even slightly warm or stale water can reduce drinking behavior, which quickly leads to dehydration.
Feeding in Humidity: Balancing Energy and Hydration
Humidity brings its own challenges. Even when the thermometer doesn’t read extreme temperatures, high humidity makes animals feel hotter and reduces their ability to cool off.
1. Improve Airflow
While not strictly “feeding,” ventilation directly affects feed performance. Poor airflow makes it harder for animals to eat comfortably and digest efficiently. Use fans or open-air setups where possible.
2. Feed Small, More Frequent Meals
Instead of two large meals, try three or four smaller ones throughout the day. This reduces digestive stress and helps animals maintain consistent energy levels.
3. Watch for Mold and Feed Quality
Humid air can cause feed to clump, spoil, or grow mold, especially in high-protein or sweet feeds. Check daily for off smells or color changes.
4. Provide Supplements That Support Gut Health
Humidity often correlates with stress. Products containing probiotics or yeast cultures can support digestion and keep nutrient absorption steady even under less-than-ideal conditions.
5. Don’t Forget Salt Access
Salt helps animals retain and balance fluids. Always provide a clean salt source, especially during sticky, humid stretches.
Feeding in the Cold: Keeping Body Heat and Growth Steady
Cold weather often increases appetite, which sounds great for growth, but there’s a catch. Much of that extra feed energy is used to generate warmth rather than build muscle. Here’s how to manage feeding through chilly months:
1. Increase Energy-Dense Feed Gradually
Add a little extra energy to the diet with grains or fat sources like vegetable oil. Increase amounts slowly over several days to avoid digestive upset.
2. Maintain Consistent Feeding Times
Animals thrive on routine. Keeping feeding times consistent helps them digest efficiently and reduces stress when weather is unpredictable.
3. Provide Extra Bedding and Shelter
This reduces the amount of body heat animals must generate, allowing more feed energy to go toward growth.
4. Monitor Body Condition Weekly
Use your eyes and hands. If ribs start showing or animals lose bloom, increase feed slightly. If they’re staying in condition, keep steady.
5. Don’t Forget Fresh Water
Cold weather can freeze water sources, limiting intake. Warm water (around 50–60°F) encourages better drinking, digestion, and feed efficiency.
How to Monitor and Adjust Safely
Changing feed too quickly can upset digestion. Always make adjustments gradually - over 5 to 7 days if possible.
Use these quick checkpoints to guide your feed changes:
| Checkpoint | Hot Weather | Cold Weather | Humid Weather |
| Feed intake | Decreases | Increases | Often fluctuates |
| Water intake | Increases | Can decrease if water is cold | High demand |
| Growth rate | May slow | Can improve | May vary day-to-day |
| Action to take | Use higher-fat feeds, add electrolytes | Add energy slowly, check condition | Feed smaller meals, keep feed fresh |
Pro Tip: Keep a daily journal of feed amounts, weather, and observations. You’ll quickly see patterns that help fine-tune your approach for future seasons.
Fun Fact & Expert Insight
Fun Fact: Did you know pigs don’t sweat like humans do? That’s why they wallow in mud - it’s their way of cooling down!
Expert Insight: According to livestock nutritionists at Ohio State University, even a 5°F change in temperature can alter an animal’s energy requirements by up to 10%. That’s why feed programs designed for summer don’t always work in winter, or vice versa. Tailoring your plan is essential for consistent performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How fast should I change my animal’s feed when the weather changes?
Always transition gradually, over 5-7 days, to prevent digestive stress or reduced appetite.
2. What are signs of heat stress in show animals?
Look for panting, drooling, reduced appetite, or sluggish movement. Offer cool water and shade immediately.
3. Should I feed more in winter?
Yes, but strategically. Add calories for warmth but avoid overfeeding energy-dense feed that could cause excess fat cover.
4. Can humidity cause feed to mold even in sealed bins?
Absolutely. Moisture can seep into sealed containers if they’re stored in damp conditions. Keep feed elevated and ventilated.
5. What’s the best way to know if I’m feeding enough?
Use consistent body scoring and growth checks. Your feed representative or show mentor can help evaluate conditions visually and by touch.
Conclusion
The Midwest’s ever-changing weather can make feeding show animals a challenge, but with a little awareness and flexibility, you can stay one step ahead. Adjusting feed for heat, humidity, and cold keeps your animals comfortable, efficient, and in top show condition.
When in doubt, start small (make gradual changes, monitor results, and don’t hesitate to ask for guidance). At the end of the day, the right nutrition strategy doesn’t just feed animals. It fuels champions.
And remember… this is where champions get fed.
Need help adjusting your feed program for the season? Our expert team at Thompson Show Feed is here to help you craft a plan that fits your animals, your goals, and your weather conditions.
👉 Contact Us Today. Let’s make sure your next champion is fed right from start to finish.