Gordon County 4-H. Gordon County Extension/4-H. Livestock Manual for the Experienced and Novice Exhibitor

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1 Gordon County 4-H Livestock Manual for the Experienced and Novice Exhibitor This manual was created by Joan Sutherland, Gordon County Extension Secretary and edited by Allie Griner, Gordon County Extension Agent - 4-H. Any suggestions or comments should be addressed to uge1129@uga.edu. Gordon County Extension/4-H Highway 53 Spur, SW Suite 200 Calhoun, Georgia Phone: Fax: uge1129@uga.edu caes.uga.edu/extension/gordon Gordon County Extension/4-H Contact Information 1282 Highway 53 Spur, SW Telephone Suite 200 Fax Calhoun, Georgia uge1129@uga.edu

2 Page 2 To veteran livestock exhibitors, The staff of Gordon County 4-H looks forward to working with you again during the upcoming show season! You are truly incredible youth who work very hard both inside and outside the ring. The time you invest in your livestock project is well noted and evident as you possess the characteristics of responsibility, caring and good showmanship. We will do our best to have any and all local, area and state show entry forms and rules available to you in a timely manner. Should you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office. To potential livestock exhibitors, Our staff would be delighted to have you on board! Participating in the livestock program is a wonderful opportunity to sharpen lifelong skills. If you have a love of animals, drive and determination...the livestock program is for you. Call our office and make an appointment to speak with our livestock coordinator about participating. GORDON COUNTY EXTENSION/4-H STAFF Kurt Sutherland Youth Livestock Coordinator/County Extension Associate 4-H kurts@uga.edu Rebecca Pass County Extension Program Assistant 4-H bpass@uga.edu Joan Sutherland County Extension Secretary uge1129@uga.edu Allie Griner County Extension Agent 4-H allie723@uga.edu Greg Bowman County Extension Coordinator/ County Extension Agent ANR gbowman@uga.edu Gordon County 4-H Page 39 You know you re a show kid if. you have ever combined pajamas and rubber boots to make a midnight animal check you may or may not comb through your hair on show day; however, you will spend hours fixing your animals your neighborhood watch group focuses on looking for stray animals you learned to drive by backing up to your livestock trailer you have more show shirts than all your other clothes combined everything you own is labeled with your name and county you ve mastered the ability to sleep on show stands, show boxes or just about any other show equipment your annual family vacation is traveling to NAILE your tee shirts have either 4-H or FFA printed somewhere on them your room is a mess, but your barn is clean you know better than to get attached to your animal, but you do it anyway you ve been to Perry a hundred times, but never seem to make it past the lake to the rides you re more concerned about your animals weight than your own your earrings are either a goat, lamb, hog, steer or heifer your animals eat, drink and sleep before you do

3 Page 38 Gordon County 4-H Page 3 A c k n o w l e d g e m e n t s We respectfully give acknowledgement and thanks to the following for information printed in this publication: Shane Carney Mickey and Mele a Cook J im Mi ss ildine Doug and Sandy R alston Gracy Se xton Mi ke and M yra Stamey S am Womble Je rry Wood ard Al abam a Cooperative Extension Georgi a 4-H North Carolina Extension Oregon State Unive rs ity Extension Texas Extension Texas A&M Extension (Ag rilife ) Table of Contents Greetings and Staff Introduction Page 4 Local Breeders -Page 5 General Livestock Show Information --Pages 6-8 Local and Area Livestock Shows -- Page 9 Market Lamb -Pages Market Goat -Pages Market Hog - --Pages Breeding Heifer and Market Steer --Pages Livestock Show Checklist -Pages After the Show Do s and Don ts --Page 33 Placement Points --Pages Related Web Sites - Pages Acknowledgements - --Page 38 You Know You re a Show Kid if. - Page 39 Unive rsi ty of Georgi a Extension We re not saying it s gonna be EASY; we re telling you it s gonna be WORTH IT!!

4 Page 4 Gordon County 4-H livestock program teaches responsibility through raising and showing livestock. Youth will acquire new knowledge in the areas of animal science, business, time management and leadership. Our livestock program is one of the strongest in the state! There are presently six active show teams in our county: market lamb, breeding ewe, market goat, breeding doe, heifer, steer and hog. Our office coordinates 9 local livestock shows annually: AgGeorgia Farm Credit Jr. Heifer Show AgGeorgia Farm Credit Jr. Swine Show Northwest Georgia Lamb Classic Gordon County 4-H Market Goat Show Northwest Georgia Regional Fair Shows: Market Lamb Market Goat Market Hog Breeding Heifer Gordon County 4-H Page 37 R e l a t e d We b S i t e s Georgia Club Lamb Producers Association (GCLPA) - gclpa.com/breeders.html American Boer Goat Association - abga.org/ Georgia Junior Swine Boosters - gjsb.com Georgia Club Calf Producers Association (GCCPA) - georgiaclubcalves.org/ Georgia Junior Cattlemen s Association - thecattlecall.wordpress.com/tag/georgia-juniorcattlemens-association/ Georgia Junior Livestock Foundation - gajrlivestockfoundation.org/foundingfamilies.htm Market Steer We actively support show team members and have certain pieces of equipment (clippers, etc.) available for loan to exhibitors. Our youth livestock coordinator will work with you to gather the necessary information and complete the on-line state registration. He can also assist you in obtaining and completing forms to enter Georgia National Fair livestock shows.

5 Page 36 Gordon County 4-H Page 5 R e l a t e d We b S i t e s L o c a l B r e e d e r s Gordon County 4-H - caes.uga.edu/extension/gordon/index.html Georgia 4-H - georgia4h.org/livestock/default.htm Georgia 4-H and Georgia Junior Livestock Show- georgia4h.org/livestock/gajrlivestockshow/ JuniorNational/ _StateShowRulebook.pdf Georgia National Fair - gnfa.com/ Georgia Young Farmers Association - georgiayoungfarmers.com/ Northwest Georgia Regional Fair - northwestgeorgiaregionalfair.com/ Tractor Supply Company, Inc. - tractorsupply.com/ There are several local livestock breeders. Contact Kurt Sutherland, Gordon County 4-H Youth Livestock Coordinator, at or for the most current names and contact information on market lambs, market goats, market hogs, breeding heifers and market steer. NOTE TO BREEDERS; If you would like to be included on Mr. Kurt s list mentioned above, contact Gordon County Extension/4-H at Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon 1:00 until 5:00 p.m. NOTES Somewhere in the Barn, there is a little kid who wants to be JUST LIKE YOU SOMEDAY; you owe it to them to be the BEST you can be both in and out of the show ring.

6 Page 6 Gordon County 4-H Page 35 G e n e r a l I n f o r m a t i o n Record Your Placements for Points The State Market Lamb and Market Goat Shows take place in October while the State Market Hog, Breeding Heifer, Market Steer, Breeding Ewe, and Breeding Doe Shows are in February. Veteran exhibitors will often book their overnight accommodations a year in advance. Being state shows, the rooms fill up quickly and having a short drive from barn to hotel and back again is a big plus! Hotel/Motel Information in Perry, Georgia Best Western Jameson Inn 205 Lect Drive 200 Marketplace Drive For market lamb, breeding heifer and market steer, you can submit market class points as well through the Georgia Club Lamb Producers and Georgia Club Calf Producers Association, respectively. It is required that you be a member of these associations to submit your tally sheet. Market Lamb: gclpa.com/points.html Breeding Heifer and Market Steer: Comfort Inn New Perry Hotel/Motel 201 Lect Drive 800 Main Street Econo Lodge Passport Inn 102 Valley Drive 1519 Sam Nunn Boulevard Fairfield Inn by Marriott Quality Inn of Perry 110 Perimeter Road 1602 Sam Nunn Boulevard Hampton Inn Ramada Perry 102 Hampton Court 200 Valley Drive Holiday Inn Express/Suites Travellodge 1502 Sam Nunn Boulevard 100 Westview Lane georgiaclubcalves.org/pointssystem.asp

7 Page 34 Record Your Placements for Points Georgia Junior Livestock Foundation wishes to recognize youth exhibitors that have exceled in the show ring with their showmanship skills and participation. Awards will be broken out into five different species to include Beef, Swine, Dairy, Goat and Sheep. Within each category, prizes will be awarded to the Top 5 in the Junior Division (8th grade and below) and Senior (9th grade through 12th grade) of the current school year. A minimum of 15 exhibitors must compete in each age category of each specie for awards to be provided. If the minimum number is not met, the two age divisions for each specie will be combined. Showmanship points can be accumulated at any livestock show (local, state or national) from May 1, 2015 through April 30, The contest will be based on the exhibitors highest points from eight (8) shows. An additional two (2) shows can be listed in case of a tie. Exhibitors are responsible for keeping up with their own records and submitting them on the GJLF Showmanship Point Circuit point sheet by May 30, No point sheets will be accepted after this date. All point sheets must be complete, accurate and must include a signature by the applicant and parent/guardian. Any application that is not complete will be disqualified. The GJLF will maintain a list of show results on their website at for any show results provided to the Foundation. Placings for all categories will be verified before awards are presented. Exhibitors must complete a separate point sheet for each specie. Awards for each specie and each age group will include 1st Place - $250, 2nd Place - $200, 3rd Place - $150, 4th Place - $125, and 5th Place - $100. The GJLF Showmanship Point Circuit awards will be presented during the fall. Exact times and location TBA. Completed point sheets must be postmarked by May 30, 2016 and mailed to: Georgia Junior Livestock Foundation, c/o Christy Page P. O. Box 119 Commerce, Georgia Entry form can be found at documents/13_gjlf_showmanshippointcircuit.pdf Gordon County 4-H Page 7 G e n e r a l I n f o r m a t i o n Plan and Prepare : If you have not already done so, complete a 4-H enrollment card and Code of Conduct form for the current 4-H year As soon as possible, learn the show dates which you would like to attend. Shows usually repeat from year to year. The date of the first show you wish to enter is extremely important. This date will determine the age and size/weight of what your animal should be and therefore of what time of year to purchase. Speak with a local veteran showman about supplies and equipment you will need to begin showing your animal. With show experience you will gain knowledge on what to add to your show box. Most often, local and area livestock shows will follow state rules; refer to the most current Georgia 4-H and FFA State Livestock Shows Rules and Regulations for state General Rules and Regulations and the State Department of Agricultural Health Requirements for your animal. State Ear Tags: The deadline to have your animal ear tagged with an official state tag is as follows: Market Lamb and Market Goat - August 1st Breeding Heifer and Market Steer - October 1st Market Hog and Breeding Ewe - December 1st Let Mr. Kurt know the species you have and the number of tags you will be needing; he will order state tags for you. Fee for these tags are minimal and must be paid when tags are ordered. State Show Registration: Mr. Kurt will contact you to confirm certain information and will register you for the appropriate state show. Deadline for on-line entry is as follows: Market Lamb and Market Goat - August 1st Market Steers - October 1st Breeding Heifer - November 1st Market Hogs, Breeding Ewes and Breeding Does - December 5th

8 Page 8 Gordon County 4-H Page 33 G e n e r a l I n f o r m a t i o n Livestock Animal Equipment for Loan: Our office has the following available for loan out: Market Lamb - clippers, hauling trailer and hot blow dryer Market Goat - clippers, hauling trailer and hot blow dryer Market Hog - hauling trailer Breeding Heifer and Market Steer - two clipping chutes, hoof trimming table, hot blow dryer L i v e s t o c k R e c o r d B o o k s : Georgia 4-H offers the competitive activity, Livestock Project Record Book, which relates to your livestock project. Record books are grouped as follows: Pre-Club Market Record Book: Grades 1-2 Division Grades 3-4 Division Junior and Senior Market Record Book: Juniors must be age 9 before January 1, 2016 and must not have completed 8th grade A f t e r t h e S h o w D o s a n d D o n t s All Species Don t neglect your animal after your last class of a show. Once you have penned your animal, let it eat and drink before it settles down to rest. Only when your animal has been cared for should you go to watch the remainder of the show. Do listen to the judge s comments and watch more experienced showmen; this could be beneficial to you in the future. Do pay close attention to the top three exhibitors in each class. Pay close attention to how they stand, how and when they move to ensure that their animal is between them and the judge at all times and how they set their animal up for the judge. Do try to speak with the judge when the show is over. Ask for any advice he/she may have for you and thank him/her. Do check in and around your pen once you have packed up and loaded up. Make sure you didn t leave any equipment, supplies or trash. Also, check the wash rack area to make sure you didn t leave anything behind. Don t wait and unload your animals last when you arrive home. Unload and get them settled before you unload your vehicle. Taking care of the animals before yourself is part of the process and will help ensure a successful show season. Remember, if you have questions, call Kurt Sutherland on his cell at or at our office at Seniors are grades 9-12 Please read a more extensive list of the rules and regulations within the record book. The top five Junior and Senior Record Books will be recognized at the Georgia Junior Livestock Award Banquet. Additional awards may be awarded to selected placements once donor funds have been confirmed. Find additional information at this URL - georgia4h.org/livestock/recordbooks/default.htm

9 Page 32 Page 9 Livestock Show Checklist M a r k e t L a m b Livestock - Grooming - Care sheep blankets stand for trimming hoof trimmers currycomb scrub brush #2 wool card #1 packing card or rake clippers, combs, cutter sports drink mix blades drenching gun show halters M a r k e t G o a t Livestock - Grooming - Care collar goat blankets or socks hoof trimmers stand for trimming soft scrub brush 20 and 23 tooth combs show halters with cutters drenching gun M a r k e t H o g Livestock - Grooming - Care livestock cane or whip small hand brush sprinkle can heat lamp B r e e d i n g H e i f e r a n d / o r M a r k e t S t e e r Livestock - Grooming - Care stiff and soft bristled brushes tail comb hair oil ratting brush alcohol talcum powder fly spray hair spray clippers L i v e s t o c k S h o w s Shows Coordinated by Gordon County 4-H are in Boldface Market Lamb: West Georgia Lamb Classic - Carrollton, Georgia Northwest Georgia Lamb Classic - Calhoun, Georgia Gwinnett County Fair - Lawrenceville, Georgia Northwest Georgia Regional Fair - Calhoun, Georgia Georgia National Fair -Perry, Georgia Market Goat: North Georgia Market Goat Show - Jasper, Georgia Gordon County 4-H Market Goat Show - Calhoun, Georgia Gwinnett County Fair - Lawrenceville, Georgia Northwest Georgia Regional Fair - Calhoun, Georgia Georgia National Fair - Perry, Georgia Market Hog: Georgia Farm Credit Association-Winter Pig Classic - Perry, Georgia Northwest Georgia Regional Fair - Calhoun, Georgia Georgia National Fair - Perry, Georgia Breeding Heifer and Market Steer: AgGeorgia Farm Credit Jr. Heifer Show - Calhoun, Georgia AgGeorgia Farm Credit Jr. Swine Show - Calhoun, Georgia UGA Block & Bridle & Cattlemen s-classic City Showdown Steer & Heifer Show - Athens, Georgia Carroll County Young Farmers Association Winter Classic Livestock Show - Carrollton, Georgia West Georgia Livestock Show - Carrollton, Georgia Bartow Fall Classic - Cartersville, Georgia Northwest Georgia Regional Fair - Calhoun, Georgia Georgia National Fair - Perry, Georgia

10 Page 10 Gordon County 4-H Gordon County 4-H Page 31 M a r k e t L a m b Taken from North Carolina Extension - Market Lamb - 4-H Member s Manual Livestock Show Checklist Facilities: Your lamb s facility should be predator proof. The feeding area must be rodent and animal proof and you should maintain a clean, healthy feeding environment. A simple, well-constructed shed with the open side facing south and plenty of ventilation during warm weather works well. The shed should provide 10 to 12 square feet of space for each lamb and should have room for hay and grain feeders. Dirt floors well bedded with shavings keep the lambs comfortable. Note: During hot, summer months, you should have shade available and all four sides open for your lambs. Large trees are an ideal source of shade. Selecting Your Show Lamb: Consider four basic areas when selecting your market lamb: (1) weight (2) frame (3) muscle and (4) structure, balance and eye appeal. Champions are heavy muscled, structurally correct and nicely balanced lambs. When properly fed, the lamb should gain approximately 1/2 pound per day. Small-framed lambs mature and fatten earlier, thus they are shown at lighter weights. Large-framed lambs can be shown at heavier weights. Try to select lambs that are uppermedium to large-framed. Your lamb should also be structurally correct and nicely balanced. Select lambs that set their feet squarely at all four corners. They should also be trim fronted, long hipped and free of wrinkles. If a lamb has eye appeal when it is young, it should maintain that same appeal as it gets older and be more likely to catch the judge s eye. Nutritional Management: There are three basic feeding phases for show lambs: starting growing finishing The starting phase is when the lamb gets accustomed to eating from a trough. This phase allows for proper rumen (also known as the paunch) development; rumen serves as the primary site for fermentation of ingested feed. All Species Readily Available notebook with copy of health papers entry form and show registration papers rules/regulations Livestock - Grooming - Care pen signs show box electric clippers towels hot air blower hand shears 3 or 6 way electrical outlet extension cords mild soap water hose and nozzle spray bottle fan and fan stands feed hay water troughs or buckets feed troughs bedding broom and rake Personal clean not faded button-down or polo or ripped jeans shirts leather boots or shoes toothbrush and for safety toothpaste washing clothes and boots first aid kit camera flashlight and batteries lawn chairs

11 Page 30 Breeding Heifer and Market Steer Taken from the Publication 4-H Show Cattle Facilities by Sam Womble, County Extension Agent Gordon County 4-H Page 11 M a r k e t L a m b Taken from North Carolina Extension - Market Lamb - 4-H Member s Manual April May June July Management and Show Calendar buy a show prospect place on starter ration administer health shots administer a parasiticide to control internal parasites halter break and begin training trim hooves treat for external flies (stable, horn, face flies) begin training; move to grower diet administer a parasiticide treat for external flies (stable, horn, face flies) trim hooves contact Mr. Kurt about upcoming shows treat for external flies (stable, horn, face f lies) August treat for external flies (stable, horn, face flies) administer a parasiticide September treat for external flies (stable, horn, face flies) trim hooves (if needed) move to finisher ration October administer a parasiticide November trim hooves December administer a parasiticide January trim hooves (if needed) Nutritional Management: (continued) The growing phase is a time of gradual increases in energy and feed. As your lamb grows, the amount and kind of feed will need to be changed. You will need to make changes slowly to prevent the lamb from going off feed. The finishing phase will vary from lamb to lamb depending on condition when leaving the growing phase. Lambs that are almost ready to be marketed or shown will need less time than thin, under conditioned lambs. Clean water is essential when raising lambs. The water trough should be cleaned and placed in the shade. If the lamb does not drink water, their daily weight gains will decrease. Plastic tubs cut in half work well as do buckets; however, buckets must be kept full. Exercise: A properly conditioned lamb should have 0.15 to 0.25 inch of fat over the rib and down the top. To get an idea of what this feels life, make a fist. Press on the back of your hand. This would be close to the pressure needed to feel the bone of a lamb with 0.15 inch of back fat. Lambs that are finished correctly need to be exercised or walked only a quarter to half of a mile per day. Lambs that are over-finished will need to be walked more. Start slow and increase to longer workouts. Always exercise your lamb in the coolest part of the day; do not let your lamb get over-heated. Fitting for the Show: Two to three days prior to each and every show, your lamb should be washed. Start with the lamb s legs to let it get accustomed to the water and work your way up. Avoid getting water in the lamb s ears by covering them with your hand. Once the lamb is completely wet, apply a mild liquid soap by rubbing it on your hands and then onto the lamb. Never apply directly onto the lamb. A currycomb or stiff brush may be helpful in loosening the dirt and manure. Be sure to rinse the lamb thoroughly to remove all soap. Dry your lamb with an animal blower or towels. Blanket the lamb afterwards.

12 Page 12 M a r k e t L a m b Taken from North Carolina Extension - Market Lamb - 4-H Member s Manual Fitting for the Show: (continued) On the day of the show, repeat the washing process removing the excess moisture only and shear. The lamb should not need to be completely dry. There are many types of electrical clippers available, but the heads come in only two sizes. One size is 2.5 inches wide while the other is 3 inches wide. The 2.5 inch head has only one sheep comb that fits. It will leave ridges of wool during the shearing process; not idea for show sheep. However, if flat head clippers are available, together the two heads will result in a smooth clip on your lamb. These flat head clippers are very good for the small exhibitor; it is extremely difficult to cut the lamb or the exhibitor. The 3 inch machine is more versatile and has a wider variety of combs available. The best blade for a close cut and greater safety from cutting or nicking the lamb is a 20 tooth goat comb. This would be for the more experienced exhibitor. There are two basic methods used most frequently in shearing lambs slick shear and fitted. Slick method is shearing the entire body; legs above the knees and hocks. The fitted method combines slick shearing and wool fitting. The lamb is slick sheared from the hooks forward, leaving wool on the rump and leg. Wool is carded and hand trimmed to look meatier. This extra wool should blend in smoothly with the rest of the sheared body. You will find which is preferred in the rules of the show. Gordon County 4-H Page 29 Breeding Heifer and Market Steer Taken from AgriLIFE Extension Publication Managing Beef Cattle to Show Fitting for the Show: Two weeks before the first show of the season, start handling the calves just as you will at the show. A good practice is to make some type of tie outs at home along a fence and tie the calves as you will at the show. The bedding should be the same type you will use at the show. Calves should be tied in the barn all day and exercised each afternoon. Another method is to tie the calves during the day and turn them loose in the lot or small trap at night. Feed and water the calves just as you would at the show twice a day out of the same feed and water buckets you will use at the show. You can gain an advantage in the show ring if you work at home correctly. Sometimes animals make better listeners than people do.

13 Page 28 Breeding Heifer and Market Steer Taken from the Publication 4-H Show Cattle Facilities by Sam Womble, County Extension Agent Nutritional Management: An adequate amount of a properly formulated diet or ration is essential to develop the genetic potential of show cattle. The concentration of nutrients in foods and the concentration needed in the diet are commonly expressed as a percentage of the diet consumed at a predictable level. However, remember that cattle require an actual amount (weight) of various nutrients, not some percentage or proportion. So, consider the percent of nutrients in the diet as a feeding guide only when feed intake is within a normal range. Measures of energy content or requirement are expressed as percent TDN (Total Digestible Nutrients) or as NEM (Net Energy of Maintenance) and NEG (Net Energy of Gain). Both are measured as Mega calories (Mcal) per pound or 100 pounds of feed. The dry part of a feed, not the moisture, contains the nutrients. However, feed tags express nutrient content on an as-fed basis, not dry basis. It is important to know the basis on which nutrient values are expressed when you are reviewing information and making comparisons. It is suggested for the beginner feeder to keep 5 to 10 percent roughage in the ration. The extra roughage reduces feed efficiency slightly, but it adds a measure of safety against serious digestive problems that can result in drastically reduced performance. A small slab of hay during stressful weather periods or when cattle show signs of bloating or scouring can help keep them on feed and prevent serious digestive upsets. Exercise: After the initial halter breaking, you should tie up your halter or steer for a few hours each day. Every day, the animal should be rinsed off to remove dirt and encourage healthy skin and hair coat. Then, brush or blow dry the animal s cost to condition and train the hair. After this daily routine is completed, you should walk the steer to develop familiarization and confidence between yourself and the calf. The more you work with your calf, the more effectively it will respond to feed, training and showing while developing the healthy skin and hair coat that proper grooming encourages. Gordon County 4-H Page 13 April May M a r k e t L a m b Management and Show Calendar get facility ready for lamb inventory supplies and make any needed purchases buy a show prospect isolate new lamb from any other lambs at your home record weight at arrival consult with veterinarian, if not done prior to purchase check for internal and external parasites, treat as needed record any vaccinations and/or medications given begin halter breaking teach your lamb to lead with halter begin regular exercise routine trim hooves teach lamb to lead without halter, properly set up and brace vaccinate for types C and D enterotoxaemia trim hooves provide small amount of high quality long hay June July examine for anemia; as needed examine for anemia; as needed August trim hooves examine for anemia; as needed September examine for anemia; as needed

14 Page 14 M a r k e t G o a t Portions Taken from Article Written by Jerry Woodard, Livestock Feeding Specialist, Gordon County 4-H Page 27 Breeding Heifer and Market Steer Taken from the Publication 4-H Show Cattle Facilities by Sam Womble, County Extension Agent Facilities: A barn or shed where goats can retreat from cold, wet conditions and a pen with outside exposure is all that is necessary. Goats need both access to a shed and an area where they can get outside in the sunshine. The shed area should have at least 15 square feet of space for each goat. The outside pen needs to be as big as possible to allow the goat to exercise himself. The shed should be well drained so water does not accumulate under the barn. Sheds or barns should open to the east or south. Barn temperature is critical. Structures should be well ventilated so goats will remain cool and continue to grow during the summer months. Fence height should be at least 42 inches tall to keep goats from attempting to jump and should be predator proof. If you are using net wire fences, 12-inch mesh should be used rather than 6-inch mesh to keep goats from getting their heads hung. Self feeders should be blocked up at least 6 inches off the ground. Selecting Your Goat: When selecting young goats, note the age and fat thickness. Learn to look past fat and recognize muscle so that you can pick those goats that are genetically superior. When selecting goats there are five major areas to consider: (1) structural correctness, (2) muscle, (3) volume and capacity, (4) style and balance and (5) growth potential. Structural Correctness: The goat should stand square where his/ her legs should be straight underneath the body. The goat should be level over the top, not sway backed or weak behind the withers. Muscle: From this point, the gauging the future overall muscle volume your kid will gain is hard to judge. The reason for this is during the one month to three month period they are nursing off the doe, they are gaining a lot of baby fat. This fills them out, making them look full and muscled. However this is very deceiving, because once they are done nursing the majority of them are going to loose some of that fullness. The following period will be the time when they need to be on a feed ration and you will be able to see you how much true muscling they re going to develop and sustain. Facilities: Plan ahead and consider using an existing facility. The basic need is a to tie the animal and you have storage for feed, equipment and supplies. Ideally, the facility will be convenient to your home with trailer access for loading/unloading. Pens should be cleaned twice daily which will aid in controlling insects, disease and order. This will also optimize cattle performance. Carry waste from pen clean-out away from pens and create a compost pile. minimum 400 square foot stall. Make sure outlets are in a safe location, there is proper ceiling height, flooring should not be a surface that when wet can become slick (shavings work well), there is an area Selecting Your Show Cattle: Taken from AgriLIFE Extension Publication - Managing Beef Cattle to Show When selecting your show animal, age, weight, frame size and breed are all important. Most steers are exhibited at 16 to 20 months. Heifers may be shown to 24 months old. Show steers normally are on feed about 270 days and gain between 2.0 and 3.5 pounds a day. This rate of gain and growth can be controlled slightly for faster or slower gain by regulating the feed ration and amount fed. Begin to look for and buy calves in March and complete your selection by the end of June. Your date of purchase is your beginning on feed date, about 6 to 7 months after birth. Frame size is generally associated with growth and can be used to predict the final height that correlates with a mature weight range. On average, steers grow about 3/4 inch per month from weaning to finishing. There are several breeds to consider when selecting a market steer or breeding heifer. Always check the show rules for classification and breed class.

15 Page 26 M a r k e t H o g Management and Show Calendar July-Market Hogs, Barrows and Gilts for State Show in February get facility ready for hog inventory supplies and make any needed purchases buy a show prospect (mid- August born pigs are ideal) isolate new hog from any other - at home record weight at arrival consult with veterinarian, if not done prior to purchase check for internal and external parasites; treat as needed record any vaccinations and/or medications given start training hog using show cane/whip begin exercising hog daily during cool part of day August - September weigh hog and record trim hooves if desired, change to finisher feed October Ga. National Show have veterinarian blood-test hog for pseudorabies weigh hog and calculate average daily gain November make sure drinking water does not freeze December make sure drinking water does not freeze January trim hooves February-Registered Breeding Gilts for Ga. National in October same as July except ideal pig birth is in February - April make sure drinking water does not freeze March weigh hog and record make sure drinking water does not freeze April - May trim hooves have veterinarian blood -test hog for pseudorabies weigh hog and calculate average daily gain June Gordon County 4-H Page 15 M a r k e t G o a t Portions Taken from Article Written by Jerry Woodard, Livestock Feeding Specialist Selecting Your Goat: (continued) Volume and Capacity: A wether needs to be boldly three dimensional. That means he needs to have width, depth, and length. Width corresponds to having a bold spring of ribs and being open in his heart girth. Depth of body is needed to assure feeding capacity. Too much depth is disliked because of added waste when it comes time for slaughter. Length of body is crucial, because a long goat will generally yield a leaner carcass. Length adds to the goats balance and style. Avoid selecting goats that are short bodied, shallow bodied, narrow based or flat ribbed. Style and Balance: Style refers to how attractive a goat is. Goats should have a long neck that sits high on top of their shoulders and blends smoothly into their shoulders and forerib. They should also have a clean chest floor with a trim midline that is parallel with their strong level top that flows into their level hip. Balance refers to the proper proportion of length, depth and width. A goat that has a neck that is longer than his deep body is not balanced. A goat that has a long neck, long body, and adequate depth of body would be considered balanced. Growth Potential: Animals that are wide framed grow to be bigger than narrow framed animals. Other signs of growth are the volume of muscle that an animal exhibits and carries. If the goat doesn t have muscle it can t put high volumes of meat on it s bones. Other size indicators are the width of the eyes, and length of the head. The width of the eyes is a direct correlation to the width behind the shoulders. The length of the head is a direct correlation to the length of hip. So, if your goat has a long head, he will generally have a long hip and be long bodied.

16 Page 16 M a r k e t G o a t Portions Taken from Article Written by Jerry Woodard, Livestock Feeding Specialist Nutritional Management: There are 5 basic nutrients required by all livestock: (1) water, (2) protein, (3) energy, (4) minerals and (5) vitamins. Water is the least expensive nutrient and the largest component of live plant and animal tissue. Goats obtain water from their feed as well as from drinking. An adequate supply of fresh, clean water is critical during their entire life cycle. Water troughs should be small so they can be drained and cleaned on a daily basis. Water troughs should be located in the shade to keep water cool. However, in the hot summer months, some goats tend to drink too much water and appear full. Water should never be totally removed from the goat, but rationing water prior to the show will help remove the belly from the goat and increase ones chances in the show ring. Remember, do not dehydrate your goat. The proper amount of fluids is vital to the feel and condition of your goat. Protein consists of amino acids that are the basic units of all body cells. The goat s body requires protein for growth, reproduction, milk production, disease resistance and general maintenance. Protein deficiencies in the diet can result in depleted stores in muscles, retarded fetal development, low birth weights, reduced growth and depressed milk production. Taken from Alabama Cooperative Extension Nutritional Management of Meat Goats Energy requirements of the animal s body is supplied mostly by carbohydrates and fats. Much of the goat s energy comes from the breakdown of cellulose in roughages and the breakdown of starch and fat in concentrates. Energy deficiency in goats results in reduced growth or weight loss, reduced reproductive performance, reduced milk or fiber production and reduced resistance to infectious diseases and internal parasites. Mineral concern in goats include common sale, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and sulfur. The trace involved in goat nutrition are cobalt, copper, molybdenum, fluorine, iodine, iron, manganese, selenium and zinc. Most often, minerals are added to mixed feeds. Gordon County 4-H Page 25 M a r k e t H o g Taken from Texas Extension Publication 4-H Swine Project Guide Fitting for the Show: Brush your pig daily for 2 months before the show. Brush the hair back and down so it lies naturally. Wash your pig once or twice the last month before the show and the day before the show, using a stiff brush and a mild soap. Clipping is done shortly before show time to the ears, tail, and underline. To blend the clipped hair with the unclipped hair, lightly clip the blended area with the clippers standing on their point. Additional grooming which can be done at the show is to snip long stray hairs on the snout with a pair of scissors. A current trend is to body clip the entire hog to emphasize muscling and leanness. Check with the particular show rules to determine what grooming techniques are allowed. T h e E X P E R T i n a n y t h i n g w a s o n c e a B E G I N N E R ~Helen Hayes

17 Page 24 M a r k e t H o g Taken from Texas Extension Publication 4-H Swine Project Guide Nutritional Management: Genetics, nutrition, environment and the health of your pig will determine the animal s growth rate. Leaving the pig on a self-feeder is ideal, but be sure to check it twice daily. A self-feeder will do you no good if there is no feed in it or if the feed is not flowing to the bottom. In humid weather, feed may cake along the sides. If this occurs, push the fed down to prevent spoilage. When the pig reaches about 125 pound, start monitoring its growth closely. Begin by weighing once per week; weight should be taken at the same day of the week. Once you have recorded the weight after a few weeks, the average daily gain can be calculated by dividing the weight gain by the number of days between weighing. Once you know the average daily gain and knowing the date of the show, you can now begin to control feed intake. Pigs should be fed at least twice a day (more often if you would like the pig to gain weight quickly). Most diets are formulated for animals that are allowed to eat all they want. When limit-feeding, you may need to add vitamins and minerals to the pig s diet. Water is the most essential of all nutrients. Carbohydrates give the animal energy; however, over-feeding carbohydrates can cause an animal to store the excess in the form of fat. Exercise: Taken from Oregon State University Extension Publication The Market Hog Guide to Success Exercising your market hog not only helps tone and strengthen your hog s muscles, but it also allows you to identify your market hogs strengths and weaknesses. You should start an exercise program one month before your show. Your market hog should get a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise per day. The exercise may include walking your hog or playing with your hog. Be sure to exercise your market hog in a safe area free of harmful, sharp edges and wires that might bruise or cause damage to your hog. Gordon County 4-H Page 17 M a r k e t G o a t Portions Taken from Article Written by Jerry Woodard, Livestock Feeding Specialist Nutritional Management: (continued) Vitamins are organic compounds required in small amounts by the goat s body. Symptoms of vitamin A deficiency are associated with abnormal bone development, low resistance to infections, night blindness and birth of abnormal kids. Vitamin D deficiency results in bone abnormalities such as rickets in kids. In feeding goats you have a choice of feeding a specifically prepared ration, mixing your own, or feeding a ration that has been mixed by the local feed store. Since goats are picky eaters a pelleted ration may be preferred over a textured or loose ration. The most important thing to remember is that there is no such thing as a "magic" ration. Find a balanced ration, learn how to feed it, and learn how your goats respond to it. The feeding program for your club goats will dictate how they develop and mature. A feeding program cannot make up for a lack of superior genetics, but will allow your goats to reach their genetic potential. Feeding is a daily responsibility and one which can be continually changed to maximize your results. To best monitor your results, goats should be weighed on a regular basis. Know whether your goats are gaining or losing and how much. Exercise: Exercising your goats will give them energy and can be very beneficial to your success in the show ring. Goats are very active animals; and, if given enough room, will exercise themselves. Having objects in your pen for your goats to jump and play on (i.e. big rocks, wooden spools, etc.) will provide your goat with an excellent opportunity to exercise themselves. Goats that have been exercised will handle harder and firmer, which may give you an advantage in the show ring if the judge does not want exhibitors to brace (bracing is a constant, steady pressure applied by the exhibitor s upper leg to the lamb s breast that enables the it to express muscle definition and firmness for the judge).

18 Page 18 M a r k e t G o a t Portions taken from Goat Guide: To Assist FFA & 4-H Members in Raising a Successful Market Goat Project by Jim Missildine Retired Agricultural Science Instructor Fitting for the Show: Many shows have a shearing rule for club goats. Therefore, it is very important to read the show rules prior to clipping your goat for a particular show. Here are steps to shearing your market goat: Blow out all of the dirt from the body with a blower. It is not generally necessary to wash the goats unless they are extremely dirty or muddy, but it can be beneficial. If washing is done, use a mild soap sparingly, rinse the animal thoroughly, and dry the goat completely. Brushing with a stiff brush on a regular basis is usually all that is needed on clean goats. The brushing action removes all of the dead hair and dirt on the goat. Once the goat is clean it is time to shear. Shearing should be done a week to ten days prior to the show to allow clipper tracks to even out and the pink skin to become less apparent. Secure the goat on a trimming table. Shear the goat by starting at the rear hock and shear up towards the back. Repeat for the front leg- knee up to the back. Shear the back and sides forward from the tail to the neck. Shear the neck from the shoulders and brisket- up and forward towards the head. Shear the inside of the back leg from the hock up. Shear the underline to include between the front legs. Shear the head last. Hair will be left on the legs from the hock/knee down and the tail. Trim the hair around the hoof line on each leg. Block out the tail. Apply a skin conditioner. Blanket or sock the goat. Return to a clean and dry pen. 4-H is not just about showing livestock, it s about kids learning to become self-sufficient and growing into tomorrow s leaders. Gordon County 4-H Page 23 M a r k e t H o g Taken from Texas Extension Publication 4-H Swine Project Guide Facilities: There are three questions to ask when considering a facility for your show pig: Will it protect my pig from the weather? Is it affordable? Is it easily cleaned and disinfected? Your animal will grow better and most likely be healthier if it is not stressed. Shade is extremely important, especially for white pigs that can easily sunburn. The pen should be long and rectangular in shape and open to the south. A pen which is at least 6 feet wide and 12 feet long will provide more than enough space. Bedding such as straw or shavings should be used to keep the pigs warm, especially during the winter, and to help keep them cleaner. Your pig will not eat if its body temperature gets too low. Make sure to keep a heat lamp on the pig at home and shows during cold weather. The flooring of a pen can be dirt, sand, wood or concrete. Dirt and sand are the less expensive; however, it is almost impossible to completely remove microorganisms from such floors. Concrete is the most expensive flooring and the hardest on the feet and legs of a pig. However, it is the easiest to clean and disinfect. Selecting Your Show Hog: Rules of a show may vary from year to year so it is important to know and understand current rules of any show you may want to enter. Special emphasis should be placed on feet and leg soundness when selecting you animal. Soundness is an animal s ability to walk smoothly with body weight evenly supported on the feet and legs. Select a pig with an adequate width of bone and angulation to the joints. When you are examining a prospective animal, step back from the pig about 10 to 20 feet and watch the animal walk and move. Pigs should take long strides and appear to be comfortable while walking. If an animal is heavily muscled in the top or loin area, it will likely be heavily muscled throughout the rest of the body. As a pig ages, it will begin developing fat. Animals fatten from the front to the rear of the body. A pig will not drastically change its overall shape during the growing period; it will just change its dimensions and get bigger.

19 Page 22 M a r k e t H o g Submitted by Gracy Sexton Gordon County 4-H Member and Market Hog Exhibitor When You Arrive at Show Barn: everyone is responsible for setting up their own pens use hang on waters and feeders most hang a fan or heat lamps in pens at shows, according to the season wash your pig and make sure they are clean you can make waters out of pipe or buy them Shows That Gordon County Swine Team Attends: All shows except the state show is self entry. Any other shows you wish to attend you must complete the entry form by deadline and submit with entry fee. You are responsible for all transportation to and from all shows. Gordon County 4-H does have a trailer, but it must be checked-out. Shows to Attend in the Fair Season: UGA Double Hitter Hog Show (Athens, GA) Northwest Georgia Regional Fair (Calhoun, GA) Gwinnett County Fair (Lawrenceville, GA) Coosa Valley Fair (Rome, GA) Georgia National Fair (Perry, GA) Shows to Attend in the Winter Market Hog Show Season: Gordon County Young Farmers Classic (Calhoun, GA) UGA Showring Showdown (Athens, GA) Georgia Farm Credit Show (Perry, GA) Pickens County Winter Pig Classic (Jasper, GA) AgGeorgia Farm Credit Jr. Swine Show (Calhoun, GA) Georgia Junior Nationals (Perry, GA) Gordon County 4-H Page 19 April May M a r k e t G o a t Management and Show Calendar get facility ready for goat inventory supplies and make any needed purchases buy a show prospect isolate new goat from any other goats at your home record weight at arrival consult with veterinarian, if not done prior to purchase check for internal and external parasites, treat as needed begin halter breaking teach your goat to lead with chain begin regular exercise routine record any vaccinations and/or medications given teach to properly set up and brace or drive vaccinate for types C and D enterotoxaemia trim hooves June July August trim hooves September You can also look on (Georgia Junior Swine Boosters) to find upcoming shows. Good Luck to all and hope y all have fun! I know we do! : )

20 Page 20 M a r k e t H o g Submitted by Gracy Sexton Gordon County 4-H Member and Market Hog Exhibitor Picking Out Your Show Pig: You start from the ground up when looking for a show quality animal. First, you want to make sure they are sound which means they walk good and have good flexibility. You also want good structured pigs, heavy boned, round ribbed and wide based. A good age for bringing your piglet home is about 6 weeks of age and older. You will need to know show dates and the minimum/maximum show weights so you will know what age pig to select. Most show pigs should be between 6-7 months old at show time. Pigs older than 7 months on show day begin to push or exceed the maximum weight unless a special feeding program is planned. Vet Care - Health Papers: A blood test must be preformed by a licensed veterinarian before you go to any show this is good for 90 days. (at owner s expense) All swine projects will need a state ear tag which will be issued by your advisor or agent. Home Care: Summer - You need to keep pigs cool with fans and make sure they have access to water at all times. (Pigs love to play in water because they do not sweat so if you want to play with them in the water hose or small pool feel free because they will love it!) Clean their pens twice a week. Winter - You need to keep your pigs good and warm. You may need to hang tarps around their pen to keep the wind off of them and hang heat lamps high enough so it does not burn them but will keep them warm. (Pigs burn very easily and will chew on any thing then can reach). Clean their pens twice a week. Gordon County 4-H Page 21 Training: M a r k e t H o g Submitted by Gracy Sexton Gordon County 4-H Member and Market Hog Exhibitor Training starts as soon as they arrive home with you just spending time with your pig and getting them used to you. At around 80 lbs. you want to start trying to walk your pig (using a pig whip, cane, pipe or pig training stick this is your preference) lightly tap on the side to make them go and tap them on each side of their face to make them go side to side. This may not go smoothly at first, but a lot of patience and hard work will pay off. There Are Two Swine Show Seasons: The first season is fall - we call this the fair season. For this show season you show registered breeding gilts which need to be born in February, March and/or April. For registered breeding gilts there is no weight limit at the Georgia National Fair in Perry, Georgia which is the last show of the fall season in the 2nd week of October. Crossbred s gilts have to be lbs by Georgia National Fair. Market hogs can be gilts or barrows they must weigh lbs by Georgia National Fair. You can have up to four entries (one registered breeding gilt, one commercial breeding gilt and two market hogs) at Georgia National Fair. The second season is winter - for this season you show market hogs barrows and gilts. These are usually born late July to early September with mid August born pigs being ideal. These hogs need to weigh between 220 and 280 lbs by mid February for the state market hog show at the Georgia Junior Nationals in Perry, Georgia. There are maximum two entries at this show. The Average Cost of Show Pigs/Feed: The average cost of show pigs are about $250 to $500. The average cost of show pig feed is about $15 to $22 per bag. When the pigs start to grow and Bloom you need to try to feed six pounds per day (Three pounds in the morning and three in the afternoon) to achieve the average 2 pound weight gain per day, therefore allowing one 50 lb bag of feed per pig per week (this being said you can find pigs for less or more and you can put your pig on a self feeder but this is where we have seen the best results).