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 product labels for feeding and sheep safety.
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
Sheep Safety
Copper: Not listed in guaranteed analysis. The ingredient list (forages, soyhulls, barley, oats, yeast) contains no typical copper-supplemented components, but confirmation is needed before recommending to sheep feeders.
Urinary calculi (wethers): Calcium and phosphorus values are not listed. The ingredient profile (forages, soyhulls, oats, barley) suggests a Ca:P ratio in the moderate range — better than a grain-only product but needs verification.
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)