breeding heifer essentials texas 4-h and youth development

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


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


SelectionBreeds• 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


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.


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.


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)


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.


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.


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


Nutrition• No particular feed that should be fed

• Heifers must have basic daily nutritional requirements:– Water– Protein– Energy– Minerals – Vitamins


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


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


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


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!!!


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!!!


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?


Additional Resources for Breeding Heifers

Managing Beef Cattle For Show

AS 1-2


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

breeding heifer essentials texas 4-h and youth development

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