Natural Fill
High-fiber show supplement for upper and lower body dimension — increases fill and bloom while maintaining palatability in stressed show animals
Always read and follow the product label for feeding directions and copper safety before feeding to sheep.
Overview
Natural Fill is Hi-Pro’s show-specific fill and bloom supplement, listed under their “Show” product category on the website. Its description — “increases the dimension of the upper and lower body” and helps stressed animals maintain intake — is classic show circuit language for a fill/bloom product. The formula uses forages, soy hulls, steamed barley, oats, and yeast to deliver highly digestible fiber-based fill alongside palatable, familiar grain ingredients that keep show animals eating under stress. With 11% protein, 2% fat, and 30% crude fiber, it is a fiber-dominant supplement comparable in function to commercial fill products like Purina High Octane Depth Charge or Ultra Full — but based on whole-food fiber ingredients rather than processed fiber concentrates. Available in 50 lb bags.
Manufacturer Specifications
Guaranteed Analysis
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein (min) | 11.0% |
| Crude Fat (min) | 2.0% |
| Crude Fiber (max) | 30.0% |
| Calcium | — |
| Phosphorus | — |
| Copper | — |
Key Ingredients / Active Components
| Ingredient | Role |
|---|---|
| Forages | Primary fiber source — provides bulk, digestible fiber, and rumen mat |
| Soy hull pellets | Highly digestible fiber energy — gut fill without acidosis risk |
| Steamed barley | Palatable energy grain — encourages intake; steaming improves digestibility |
| Oats | Palatability and moderate energy; familiar to show lambs |
| Yeast culture | Rumen health support and fiber fermentation efficiency |
Official Feeding Rate
- Rate: Not listed on product page — contact Hi-Pro or a dealer for label rate
- Introduction: Not listed
- Species notes: Listed under “Show” category — likely labeled for multiple show species; confirm sheep-specific rate
Show Circuit Use
Sources: hiprofeeds.com manufacturer product page; no independent show circuit reviews found
How Experienced Feeders Actually Use It
Natural Fill’s ingredient profile and website positioning align with how experienced feeders use fill products: introduced in the final 3–5 weeks before a show to build visual rib depth and belly fill while keeping palatability high for limit-fed or stressed animals. The combination of soyhulls + oats + steamed barley + forages is a whole-food version of the fiber-concentrate fill supplements made by Purina and Show-Rite. No firsthand feeder reports found during research — this is a regionally distributed product with limited national show circuit visibility.
Commodity Comparison
The ingredient list is essentially a pre-mixed, yeast-enhanced version of the commodity fill stack (soy hull pellets + rolled oats + beet pulp) that show feeders build themselves. The added value is consistency, palatability optimization, and the yeast culture. Feeders in Hi-Pro’s distribution area (TX, NM, OK, AZ) can compare cost-per-feeding against DIY commodity blends.
Phase Protocols
Weeks 5–3 | Begin Fill Work
- Rate: Per label (not retrieved — obtain from Hi-Pro)
- Purpose: Start building fiber-based fill; establish palatability before show week
Weeks 2–1 / Show Week | Maintain Fill
- Rate: Hold at established rate
- Purpose: Sustain upper and lower body dimension; maintain intake under show conditions
Stacking Protocols
Based on ingredient profile, Natural Fill is likely compatible with standard show lamb rations. It provides fiber, moderate energy, and yeast support — not protein or fat supplementation. Pair with a protein source (alfalfa pellets, soybean meal) and the show lamb base feed. Evaluate copper confirmation before stacking with other copper-containing supplements.
Budget Alternatives
- DIY commodity stack: Soy hull pellets (0.25 lb) + rolled oats (0.25 lb) + beet pulp (soaked, 0.25 lb) achieves a similar fiber-based fill effect with known nutritional profiles and confirmed sheep safety
- Commercial alternatives: Purina High Octane Depth Charge or Ultra Full for more precise fill targeting; both have confirmed specs and broader circuit documentation
Community Tips
Reserved for verified community submissions — do not populate during initial documentation.
Sources
- https://hiprofeeds.com/products/natural-fill-50-lbs/(manufacturer)