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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Facilities and Equipment Functional facilities must be present for project to be successful Minimum space of 75 ft 2 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

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

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

Nutrition cont. Balanced, commercially mixed feed contains % 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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