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Topics to Discuss. The following topics will be discussed:General InformationSelectionValidationFacilities and EquipmentNutrition HealthManagementRules. Texas 4-H and Youth Development. General Information. Market Steer Project last 7
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1. Market Steer Essentials
2. Topics to Discuss The following topics will be discussed:
General Information
Selection
Validation
Facilities and Equipment
Nutrition
Health
Management
Rules
3. General Information Market Steer Project last 7 – 12 months
Individuals should set aside 1 – 3 hours per day.
Steers are sold and harvested for their beef.
Production skills are learned
Life skills are learned
4. Selection Classification
First step in buying steer is determining what breed the individual would prefer
16 breed and breed-cross classes in Texas
Personal preference plays a big part in selection
Animals classified at the show.
Based on visual appraisal by officials
More details on classification listed in the “Texas Show Steer Breed Classification” publication
5. Selection cont. Age
Market steers normally finish (fatten) at 14- 20 months of age.
Depends on breed type
Early maturing – Angus, Hereford, etc
Late maturing – Charolais, Simmental
Winter major show steers born – August – October
Fall market steers born – April - June
6. Selection cont. Quality Considerations
The following considerations should be taken when selecting a steer:
Structural correctness
Frame size
Muscle
Depth of body and capacity
Overall balance and eye appeal
Look past fat and hair present and pay attention to muscle detail.
7. Selection cont. Where to Purchase Steers
Steers can be purchased in a variety of ways
Private treaty
Auction sales
Other sources steers can be located:
Steer exhibitors
Internet
Show oriented magazines (The Showbox or Purple Circle)
8. Validation All major show steers must be validated in June
Tags must be ordered from the County Program’s office in April (1 order per county)
Many county or local shows require steers to be state validated
Others utilize their own market steer validation procedures.
9. Facilities and Equipment Functional facilities must be present for project to be successful
Minimum space of 75 ft2 of well ventilated and drained covered space per steer recommended
Adequate shade during summer and fans or cooling systems should be considered
Access to clean, fresh water and feed daily
Facilities should be free of manure and feed refusal daily.
10. Facilities and Equipment cont. Other equipment includes:
Water buckets
Feed pans
Brushes
Combs
Water hose
Trimming chute Electric clippers
Hot air blower
Rope halters
Show box
Extension cord
Electric fan
11. Nutrition Steers have the following basic daily nutritional requirements:
Water
Protein
Energy
Minerals
Vitamins
12. Nutrition cont. Balanced, commercially mixed feed contains 12-13% crude protein and contains 45-60% corn depending on animal
Steer should be fed 2.0 – 2.5% of body weight daily
Separated into two feedings
Feed should be fresh and consistent
Make diet changes gradually
Maintain a set daily feeding schedule
Monitor average daily gain and adjust feed accordingly
13. Health Keeping steers healthy is very important!
Prevention is the key to a successful health program.
Administer vaccination program recommended by local veterinarian
Deworm steers on arrival and at least twice a year afterwards.
Symptoms of sick animals
Depressed eyes
Droopy ears
Nasal discharge
Labored breathing
Change in eating habits
14. Health cont. When administering drugs follow all directions on drug labels to assure Beef Quality Assurance.
Administer intramuscular injections in neck
Administer subcutaneous injections in front elbow pocket
The use of drugs in manner unintended violates laws set by the Food and Drug Administration
Texas livestock shows have strict laws for illegal drug use and will disqualify animals if illegal drugs are used
15. Management Success of project determined by effort put into it.
Daily care just as important as nutrition, selection and health.
Must pay attention to details
Daily grooming, washing, and practicing showmanship is important.
Hair and skin care are a competitive advantage that exhibitors work hard to make look good
Success Comes With Hard Work!!!
16. Rules Exhibitors should refer to Exhibitor’s Handbook for all rules
Exhibitors should read handbook each year to check for new rules
Animal Health Regulations section is very important to read
Health papers are required by many major stock shows.
Ignorance of Rules is NO EXCUSE!!!
17. Additional questions to address with Exhibitors What are the goals of the 4-H member and family?
Do you understand that the project is a 7 to 12 month project?
What facilities are available?
Which shows will you be exhibiting the project?
Will you need assistance in locating and selecting your project?
18. Additional Resources for Market Steers Managing Beef Cattle For Show
AS 1-2
19. Conclusions All aspects of the selection process should be understood. (classification, age, quality, where to purchase)
Exhibitors and County Extension Agents must follow all validation rules and regulations.
Proper facilities should be available.
Proper diets and nutritional information about feeding steers should be identified.
Health is one of the most important aspects of raising market steers.
Success is a direct reflection of the management practices that take place.
All rules must be followed. Ignorance is no excuse!