High Octane Fitter 35
Gradual fat trimming and muscle definition — used when a lamb is carrying too much cover or is too soft
Always read and follow product labels for feeding and sheep safety.
Overview
Fitter 35 is Purina’s gradual fat-trimming supplement — a high-protein, low-energy formula designed to help lambs that are too fat or too soft express cleaner, sharper muscle definition over time. Unlike Fitter 52, which works aggressively over a short window, Fitter 35 is suited for extended use across the mid-phase of a program when a lamb needs to be tightened up without burning condition too fast. It is safe for sheep with no added copper.
Manufacturer Specifications
Guaranteed Analysis
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein (min) | 35.00% |
| Lysine (min) | 2.50% |
| Crude Fat (min) | 2.50% |
| Crude Fiber (max) | 7.00% |
| Calcium (min/max) | 0.90–1.40% |
| Phosphorus (min) | 0.70% |
| Potassium (min) | 0.90% |
| Copper (min/max) | 0 PPM — confirmed sheep-safe |
| Selenium (min) | 0.30 PPM |
| Zinc (min) | 500 PPM |
| Vitamin A (min) | 7,000 IU/lb |
Key Ingredients / Active Components
| Ingredient | Role |
|---|---|
| High-protein concentrate blend | 35% crude protein — drives lean muscle synthesis, fat trimming |
| Lysine (2.50%) | Key amino acid for muscle tissue building and definition |
| Zinc (500 PPM) | Skin integrity, hide quality, immune function |
| Vitamin A (7,000 IU/lb) | Skin cell regeneration — maintains hide quality while trimming |
| No added copper | Confirmed safe for sheep at all feeding rates |
Official Feeding Rate
- Rate: 8–16 oz/day as a topdress
- Introduction: No gradual introduction required
- Species notes: Safe for sheep, goats, cattle, and swine
Show Circuit Use
Sources: Reference show program documentation, retailer education articles
How Experienced Feeders Actually Use It
Fitter 35 is a conditional supplement — it only enters the program when a lamb is visibly too fat or too soft. It is not a default. Feeders who run it understand they need to simultaneously reduce energy feed (barley, Golden Ticket) or the two work against each other — you cannot trim fat with Fitter 35 while aggressively adding it through energy supplements. The show circuit views Fitter 35 and Fitter 52 as two tools for the same job, with Fitter 35 used when there is time to fix the problem gradually (4+ weeks out) and Fitter 52 used when time is short.
Real-World Feeding Rate
- Typical rate: 8 oz/day to start, scale to 16 oz/day if needed
- Introduction timeline: Can be introduced immediately when problem identified; no ramp required
Common Deviations from Label
Show feeders often reduce or eliminate Fitter 35 as they approach show week — running it too close to the show can make a lamb look too lean or sharp. Most experienced feeders cut it by weeks 2-1 unless the lamb is genuinely still too fat.
Breed-Specific Notes
More commonly used with naturally fleshy breeds (Hampshire, Dorset, some club lambs) that tend to carry heavier cover. Less commonly needed with leaner breed types.
Phase Protocols
Weeks 12–9 | Foundation Phase
- Rate: 8 oz/day — only if lamb is already too fat/soft for its age
- Purpose: Establish leanness baseline early if needed
Weeks 8–6 | Condition Building Phase
- Rate: 8–16 oz/day depending on how much correction is needed
- Purpose: Trim excess cover while maintaining muscle. Reduce Golden Ticket simultaneously.
Weeks 5–3 | Fill & Shaping Phase
- Rate: 4–8 oz/day — taper down if cover has been corrected
- Purpose: Fine-tune leanness; most lambs come off Fitter 35 during this phase once shape is right
Weeks 2–1 | Final Prep Phase
- Rate: 4 oz/day optional — only if lamb is still too soft heading into show
- Purpose: Last chance for definition sharpening; use with caution — can make lambs too lean if overdone
Stacking Protocols
Conflict — Fitter 35 + Golden Ticket at full rate: They oppose each other. If running Fitter 35 aggressively, cut Golden Ticket significantly or pause it entirely. Running both at full rate cancels out results and wastes product.
Fitter 35 + Champion Drive: Compatible. Champion Drive continues throughout — Fitter 35 layers on top when needed.
Fitter 35 vs. Fitter 52: Use Fitter 35 when you have time (4+ weeks) to trim gradually. Use Fitter 52 when time is short and more aggressive action is needed.
Budget Alternatives
- High-protein base feed (Honor Show Chow Grower 15%) combined with reduced energy grains achieves a similar effect at lower cost
- No direct commodity equivalent for the concentrated protein push Fitter 35 provides
Community Tips
Reserved for verified community submissions — do not populate during initial documentation.
Pairs Well With
Avoid Combining With
Sources
- https://www.rockinghamcoop.com/blog/purina-high-octane-supplements-for-show-lambs (retailer)
- https://www.themillstores.com/products/purina-high-octane-fitter-52-show-feed-supplement-copy (retailer)
- https://www.augustacoop.com/wp-content/uploads/High-Octane-Sales-Chart_2019_5-20-19.pdf (manufacturer)