Your guide to feeding steers and heifers
October 2025
When it comes to show cattle feed, no two projects are the same. That’s why Show-Rite cattle feed products like Show-Rite Throttled Up, Show-Rite Cruiser and Show-Rite HF are built to meet every type of animal — from your moderate, early-maturing show steer to your later-maturing show heifer. Our feeds are designed for real families, proven programs and the results that matter in the ring.
First things first: Control the controllables
Great feeding starts with great management. No cattle feed can overcome poor environment. With that in mind, make sure that you:
- Offer your cattle clean water, clean feed pans and clean bedding
- Maintain a consistent feeding schedule, both in terms of feeding times and amounts
- Provide quality grass hay to support rumen activity and intake
- Know your endpoint (e.g., the county fair, state fair, majors, etc.)
Feeding steers: Get them fat first
Show-Rite Throttled Up is our go-to steer finisher. This Show-Rite cattle feed is formulated to build cover early, protect hair during summer heat and set up your calf to coast to the endpoint. If your project matures slower, start them on Show-Rite Cruiser — a balanced grower ration that supports steady development. If you need to control their gains or growing pace later, transition to Show-Rite HF, our high-fiber, textured option for managing condition while maintaining appetite.
Show-Rite Rite Fiber Complete and Show-Rite Stretch are powerful tools for fine-tuning body shape and fill. Add Show-Rite Stamina when intake levels dip. Remember: Start early, get them fat and finish strong.
Feeding heifers: Stay green, and add bloom on purpose
Heifers demand precision. The biggest mistake you could make? Letting them get too fat too soon. Start with Show-Rite Cruiser, a balanced show cattle feed designed for responsible bloom without excess fat. Transition to Show-Rite HF as your go-to heifer holding ration when softness appears and you need to maintain shape without losing appetite.
For hard-fleshing types, add Show-Rite Throttle Up and blend with Rite Fiber for depth of body. Additionally, Show-Rite Stretch helps expand rib and give that full-bodied look, while Show-Rite Stamina supports intakes during travel or stress. Keep her a little green — you can always add bloom later.
The role of hay in a Show-Rite feeding program
Hay drives rumen activity — and rumen activity drives feed intake. Turning cattle out to a clean, palatable grass hay (not alfalfa or moldy hay) will help them eat more total Show-Rite cattle feed and stay consistent all season long.
Spotlight: Show-Rite Colossal in the cattle barn
Show-Rite Colossal is changing the game for intake levels and overall wellness. At winter majors like the National Western, cattle jumped from 14–20 pounds per day to nearly 30 pounds per day after adding just 2–4 ounces of Show-Rite Colossal. This supplement improves appetite, recovery and overall bloom. There are no gimmicks — just results.
Every project is unique. Fortunately, the Show-Rite cattle feed lineup — including Show-Rite Throttle Up, Show-Rite Cruiser, Show-Rite HF and Rite Fiber — offers proven options for every stage of development.
Work with your local dealer or Show-Rite representative or ask about Nutribase 400 A Plus for custom milling that fits your environment and genetics.
Head to our YouTube page to learn more livestock feeding secrets from show cattle industry experts.