18% Lamb Starter Pellet
Drug-free 18% protein starter pellet for lambs ages 2–6 weeks — free-choice introduction to solid feed before transitioning to the growing ration
Always read and follow the product label directions for use, and consult your veterinarian before using any product.
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.
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% |
| 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.
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 Lamb Grower 2000.
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
Community Tips
Reserved for verified community submissions — do not populate during initial documentation.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evolution HI-PRO | Evolution Show Feed (Belstra Milling) | Textured | Mid-Range | — |
| Honor Show Showlamb Grower 15% DX | Purina Animal Nutrition | Textured | Mid-Range | 2.5% body weight/day – 4% body weight/day |
| MoorMan's® ShowTec® UpNext™ Lamb 16 BT | MoorMan's ShowTec | Textured | Mid-Range | 1 lb/head/day – 4.67 lbs/head/day |
| Show Lamb Gale Force HE 18DQ | Kent Feeds | Textured | Mid-Range | 0.25 lb per 10 lb body weight daily |
| Umbarger Lamb 19% | Umbarger Show Feeds | Textured | Mid-Range | 3% body weight/day – 4% body weight/day |
| 16% Sheep and Goat Pellet | Hi-Pro Feeds | Pellet | Budget | 3.0–4.0% of body weight |