Purina High Octane Supplements for Show Cattle
How Targeted Nutrition Helps Fine-Tune Muscle, Fill, Bloom, and Performance
Understanding Purina High Octane Show Supplements
Raising show cattle is about more than feeding a complete ration and hoping for the best. Once the basics are in place, success comes from fine-tuning muscle shape, body condition, fill, bloom, and overall appearance as show day approaches.
That’s where Purina High Octane® show supplements come in.
The High Octane line is a collection of targeted supplements designed to support specific goals at different stages of a show animal’s development. Instead of changing an entire feeding program, these products allow exhibitors to make precise adjustments based on what their steer or heifer needs most right now. That might be more muscle expression, added bloom, better fill, or maintaining intake during stressful periods like hauling and show season.
While many High Octane products can be used across multiple species, how they’re used looks different for each one. Feeding strategies that work for hogs or lambs don’t always translate to cattle. That’s why we’ve broken the High Octane line down by species, starting here with show cattle.
If you’re raising other species, you can jump to those guides here:
Show Goats – CLICK HERE
Show Lambs – CLICK HERE
Show Hogs – CLICK HERE
Join the Rockingham Cooperative Show Team
As part of our commitment to youth livestock exhibitors, Rockingham Cooperative also supports families through the Rockingham Cooperative Show Team. The Show Team is designed to give 4-H and FFA exhibitors access to educational resources, feeding guidance, hands-on learning opportunities, and a network of people who care about helping young showmen and women succeed. From nutrition insights and show preparation tips to in-person events and project support, the Show Team is another way we invest in the next generation of livestock exhibitors. You can learn more about the program and available resources at https://www.rockinghamcoop.com/show-team.
What Judges Look for in Show Cattle
Before talking supplements, it helps to frame the goal.
In the show ring, judges are evaluating cattle on:
Muscle expression and shape
Body condition and fat cover
Depth of rib and lower body fill
Structural correctness and balance
Overall presence, bloom, and finish
The challenge for exhibitors is balancing all of those traits at once. Push too hard in one area and you risk losing correctness somewhere else. That’s where targeted supplementation becomes valuable.
Where High Octane Supplements Work for Show Cattle
Purina’s “Where Our Targeted Supplements Work” cattle chart visually shows how each High Octane product supports a different part of the animal’s body and performance needs.
Below is how those products fit into real-world show cattle programs.
Building Fill, Volume, and a Complete Look
Depth Charge®
Depth Charge is designed to support fill and volume, helping cattle maintain a full physical appearance for show day. It works by supplying highly digestible fiber sources that support gut fill without driving excessive weight gain.
This supplement is commonly used when:
Cattle are being limit-fed
Intake needs to stay steady
You want a fuller look without adding fat
Depth Charge is especially useful late in the feeding period when appearance matters more than gain.
Ultra Full®
Ultra Full focuses on lower body fill and expansion, helping cattle look deeper and more complete through the rib and flank. It’s designed to promote optimal expansion rather than bloating or softness.
Exhibitors often use Ultra Full:
When cattle look shallow or tight
To enhance rib shape and body dimension
As a complement to other performance supplements
Supporting Muscle Development Without Overdoing Fat
Champion Drive™
Champion Drive is a protein-based supplement designed to support muscle development while remaining fat-cover neutral. For cattle that need more shape and expression but don’t need added condition, this product helps sharpen muscle definition without softening the overall look.
Champion Drive is commonly used:
Mid to late feeding period
On cattle that are structurally sound but need more shape
When muscle expression needs improvement without pushing finish
Fitter® 35 and Fitter® 52
The Fitter products help support muscling and body fat optimization, giving exhibitors flexibility based on the type of cattle they’re feeding.
Fitter 35 is often used when moderate adjustment is needed
Fitter 52 is used when cattle need more aggressive muscling and condition support
These supplements allow families to fine-tune muscle and finish without dramatically altering the base ration.
Adding Bloom, Condition, and Finish
Golden Ticket®
Golden Ticket supports bloom and growth while helping cattle stay on feed during times of stress. It’s often used to enhance overall appearance and polish, especially as cattle get closer to show day.
This supplement is commonly added when:
Cattle look flat or dull
Bloom and body presence need improvement
Stress is affecting intake
Power Fuel® Extreme
Power Fuel Extreme is designed to support body condition, growth performance, and fat cover, while also helping support immune function. It’s an energy-dense option for cattle that need added condition and finish.
Exhibitors often use Power Fuel Extreme:
When cattle are behind on condition
During colder months or high-energy demand periods
When additional fat cover is needed
Heavy Weight®
Heavy Weight helps optimize fat cover and growth by supporting feed intake. It’s one of the most calorie-dense options in the High Octane line and is used when maximum condition support is needed.
This product is typically used:
Late in the feeding period
On hard-keeping cattle
When cattle need more cover and bloom
Supporting Intake, Rumen Health, and Stress Management
Alleviate®
Alleviate supports ruminal health for optimal performance and is designed to help maintain proper rumen pH during stressful situations. Stress can reduce intake and performance quickly, especially during hauling, weather changes, or show weekends.
Alleviate is commonly used:
During heat stress
When cattle are hauled frequently
When intake consistency becomes a concern
Safety Net™
Safety Net is designed to keep cattle eating and drinking during stressful transitions, including heat, changing environments, and the general chaos of show season.
This supplement supports hydration and intake when cattle are under pressure, helping maintain performance when it matters most.
Putting It All Together in a Show Cattle Program
High Octane supplements aren’t meant to be fed all at once. They’re tools that allow exhibitors to make small, strategic adjustments as cattle develop.
A common approach looks like this:
Early feeding: focus on structure, growth, and intake
Mid feeding: adjust muscle expression and body shape
Late feeding: fine-tune fill, bloom, and finish
Show season: manage stress, intake, and appearance
By layering supplements thoughtfully, families can respond to what the animal needs instead of guessing or overcorrecting.
Final Thoughts for Show Cattle Families
Purina High Octane supplements give show cattle exhibitors flexibility and control. Instead of changing feeds every time something looks off, these targeted products allow small adjustments that add up to a more complete, competitive animal.
The key is understanding why each supplement is used and pairing it with a solid base feeding program. When used intentionally, High Octane supplements help cattle look their best on show day without sacrificing performance or correctness.
Rockingham Cooperative is your locally-owned source for Purina High Octane® show supplements, and we’re here to help you get the most out of them. Whether you’re trying to add more fill, tighten up muscle, improve bloom, or keep intake steady through show season stress, our team can help you match the right High Octane product to your animal and your timeline. Stop by and talk with us in-store to get what you need for your next weigh-in and your next show, and let’s make sure your project is set up to look its best when it matters most. We’re Your Locally-Owned Show Feed Store.