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Breeding Heifer Essentials

Breeding Heifer Essentials . Texas 4-H and Youth Development. Topics to Discuss. The following topics will be discussed: General Information Selection Ownership Requirements Facilities and Equipment Nutrition Health Management Rules. Texas 4-H and Youth Development.

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Breeding Heifer Essentials

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  1. Breeding Heifer Essentials Texas 4-H and Youth Development

  2. Topics to Discuss The following topics will be discussed: • General Information • Selection • Ownership Requirements • Facilities and Equipment • Nutrition • Health • Management • Rules Texas 4-H and Youth Development

  3. General Information • Breeding Heifer Project last 1-2 years • Individuals should set aside 1 – 3 hours per day. • Opportunity to retain ownership or sell after showing. • Production skills are learned • Life skills are learned Texas 4-H and Youth Development

  4. Selection Breeds • First step in buying heifer is determining what breed the individual would prefer • 75 breeds that can be registered in U.S., not including cross-breeds(Star-5, Chi-Angus, Balancer, etc) • Understanding rules for show should play a part in selection • Individual should determine whether or not they want “hair breeds” (Shorthorn, Limousin, Brangus) or “slick breeds” (Santa Gertrudis, Brahman, Beefmaster, etc.) • Long hair breeds require more work Texas 4-H and Youth Development

  5. Selection cont. Age • Heifers born on any day of the year can be purchased. • Divided into classes based on age. • Heifers can typically be shown until they are ~ 30 months of age as long as they are pregnant or have a calf by their side. • This rule may vary based on show. Texas 4-H and Youth Development

  6. Selection cont. Quality Considerations • The following considerations should be taken when selecting a heifer: • Structural correctness • Frame size • Muscle • Depth of body and capacity • Feminity • Overall balance and eye appeal • Look past fat and hair present and pay attention to muscle detail. • Pay close attention to structural correctness. Texas 4-H and Youth Development

  7. Selection cont. Where to Purchase Heifers • Heifers can be purchased in a variety of ways • Private treaty • Auction sales • Other sources heifers can be located: • Internet • Show oriented magazines (The Showbox or Purple Circle) Texas 4-H and Youth Development

  8. Ownership Requirements • All heifers must be registered in a breed association and have an original set of papers during the check-in at show. • Many shows have ownership deadline for the heifers to be registered in the name of the 4-H member. • Heifers must have a breed approved form of permanent individual identification(brand or tattoo) at time of show check-in. Texas 4-H and Youth Development

  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 heifer recommended • An additional ¼ acre (100 ft. x 100 ft.) is recommended • Make sure have adequate shade during the summer and consider installing fans for additional cooling • Access to clean, fresh water and feed daily • Facilities should be free of manure and feed refusal daily. Texas 4-H and Youth Development

  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 Texas 4-H and Youth Development

  11. Nutrition • No particular feed that should be fed • Heifers must have basic daily nutritional requirements: • Water • Protein • Energy • Minerals • Vitamins Texas 4-H and Youth Development

  12. Nutrition cont. • Balanced, commercially mixed feed contains 12-13% crude protein and contains 45-60% corn depending on animal • Heifer should gain 1.5 – 2.5% of body weight daily • Feedings should be separated (morning and evening) • Feed should be fresh and consistent • Make diet changes gradually • Maintain a set daily feeding schedule • Monitor heifer body conditions and adjust feed accordingly Texas 4-H and Youth Development

  13. Health • Keeping heifers healthy is very important! • Prevention is the key to a successful health program. • Administer vaccination program recommended by local veterinarian • Deworm heifers on arrival and at least twice a year afterwards. • Monitor daily habits of heifer for sickness • Symptoms of sick animals • Depressed eyes • Droopy ears • Nasal discharge • Labored breathing • Change in eating habits Texas 4-H and Youth Development

  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 Texas 4-H and Youth Development

  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!!! Texas 4-H and Youth Development

  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!!! Texas 4-H and Youth Development

  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 1 to 2 year project? • What facilities are available? • Which shows will you be exhibiting the project? • Will you need assistance in locating and selecting your project? Texas 4-H and Youth Development

  18. Additional Resources for Breeding Heifers Managing Beef Cattle For Show AS 1-2 Texas 4-H and Youth Development

  19. Conclusions • All aspects of the selection process should be understood. (breeds, age, quality, where to purchase) • Exhibitors and County Extension Agents must follow all rules and regulations. • Proper facilities should be available. • Proper diets and nutritional information about feeding heifers should be identified. • Health is one of the most important aspects of raising breeding heifers. • Success is a direct reflection of the management practices that take place. • All rules must be followed. Ignorance is no excuse! Texas 4-H and Youth Development

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