Replacement Heifer Record Book. mcfa.org

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1 Replacement Heifer Record Book 2019 mcfa.org

2 MONTGOMERY COUNTY FAIR ASSOCIATION REPLACEMENT HEIFER SHOW & SALE TAG-IN: RECORD BOOK DUE: RECORD BOOKS NEED TO BE FINALIZED AND CLOSED OUT ON MARCH 15th. NO LATE RECORD BOOKS ACCEPTED! INTERVIEWS AND WRITTEN TEST: SHOW ARRIVAL TIME: SHOW WEIGH-IN TIME: JUDGING: (SALE MEETING IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING) REPLACEMENT HEIFER SALE: **NOTE THE REPLACEMENT HEIFER SHOW AND SALE WILL BE HELD IN THE LIVESTOCK SHOW ARENA **ADDITIONAL WORKSHOPS: (PLEASE BRING YOUR REPLACEMENT HEIFER HANDBOOK TO THE WORKSHOPS) **CALF SCRAMBLE PARTICIPANTS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND** **TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, :30 PM AT P-6 FARMS Dr. Schmidt from Beard in Navasota **THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, :30 PM AT THE MASTER GARDENER BUILDING Dr. Kelly (Sam Houston State) **SUNDAY, JANUARY 13, :00 PM AT NEW WILLIS AG FACILITY Gary Yancey **MONDAY, MARCH 4, :30 PM AT THE MASTER GARDENER BUILDING **IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU ATTEND ALL (4) WORKSHOPS IF POSSIBLE, BUT NOT MANDATORY** **THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY FAIR ASSOCIATION, ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, OFFICER-IN-CHARGE, DIVISION CHAIRMEN, COMMITTEEMEN, ETC. WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY PERSONAL INJURIES, DAMAGES, FIRE, THEFT, ACCIDENT AND/OR ANY MATTERS RESULTING FROM OR RELATING TO THE ACTIONS OF ANY EXHIBITOR, EXHIBITOR S IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBER(S), PARENT(S), GUARDIAN(S), AND/OR REPRESENTATIVE(S), COMMITTEEMEN, VOLUNTEERS, SPECTATORS, VISITORS, EXHIBITS, ANIMALS, ANIMAL CLINICS, ETC.

3 ****SAMPLE PAGE**** MCFA Junior Replacement Heifer Division Interview Score Sheet Exhibitor Name: Club or Chapter: Points Awarded Section Worth COMMENTS: (Please make comments in the boxes below) VETERINARY / DISEASE & REPRODUCTION KNOWLEDGE Points Awarded Section Worth COMMENTS: (Please make comments in the boxes below) HEIFER SELECTION, NUTRITIONAL & FEED KNOWLEDGE Points Awarded Section Worth COMMENTS: (Please make comments in the boxes below) RAISING, HANDLING, FACILITIES, SAFETY & SHOWMANSHIP KNOWLEDGE

4 TABLE OF CONTENTS RULES AND REGULATIONS PROGRAM OBJECTIVES... 6 HEIFER SELECTION... 6 BUYING VS. RAISING REPLACEMENT HEIFERS FRAME SCORE, FRAME SIZE AND WEIGHT IMMUNIZING BEEF CALVES BASICS OF CATTLE... 19,20 PREVENTIVE HEALTH REPRODUCTIVE DISEASES IN CATTLE BRUCELLOSIS COMMON CATTLE PARASITES INTERNAL & EXTERNAL PARASITES COMMON WORMS IN CATTLE DIAGRAM BEEF ANIMAL PARTS DIAGRAM NUTRITION FEED LABEL INFORMATION BODY CONDITION NUTRITION & REPRODUCTION ERUPTION OF TEETH ERUPTION OF TEETH DIAGRAM BREEDING ESTROUS CYCLE CHART OPPORTUNITIES USING Al & (OR) SYNCHRONIZATION OF ESTRUS THE CALVING PROCESS TRAINING AND HALTER BREAKING SHOWMANSHIP ACKNOWLEDGMENTS NOTES RECORD BOOK SECTION RECORD BOOK WORK SHEETS SAMPLE RECORD BOOK WORK SHEETS

5 JUNIOR REPLACEMENT HEIFER SHOW & SALE Arrival Time Thursday, April 4 th, 7:00 a.m. 9:15 a.m. Weigh-in Time Thursday, April 4 th, 8:15 a.m. 9:15 a.m. Judging Thursday, April 4 th, 11:00 a.m. (Sale meeting immediately following) Sale Thursday, April 4 th, 7:00 p.m. THIS PROJECT IS IN ADDITION TO THE JUNIOR LIVESTOCK DIVISION. 4-H AND FFA MEMBERS CAN SELL IN THIS PROGRAM AS WELL AS IN THE JUNIOR LIVESTOCK SALE. (EXAMPLE: YOU CAN SELL A HEIFER IN ADDITION TO A BARROW, COLT, LAMB, BROILERS, RABBIT, STEER OR TURKEY.) HOWEVER, EXHIBITOR MUST ABIDE BY THE GENERAL JUNIOR LIVESTOCK DIVISION RULES AND THESE DIVISION RULES. 1. All Junior Replacement Heifers to be entered and eligible to show must be the property of the exhibitor, on feed and under the daily care of the exhibitor by October 9, Each exhibitor can tag, weigh and register two (2) animals, but may only show one. Exhibitor must present a LEGIBLE color photograph of himself and the Heifer at the time of registration, which will be held on October 9, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. No late pictures will be accepted. Heifers will be nose printed and DNA will be collected for positive identification. Exhibitors should be present. A parent or guardian MUST be present in order to sign tag-in card and hair sample envelope. Exhibitor must bring with them a statement signed by the breeder showing the heifer s approximate birth date. If an exhibitor requires a General Exception Form (refer to Page 2), it will be due on the date/time of tag in of animal exhibitor is showing. Each application will be reviewed for compliance. 2. All heifers must have official tag on at time of weigh-in at the Fair. If you should lose your tag, contact the Fair Office at (936) This show is limited to projects owned, fed and cared for by Montgomery County 4-H and FFA members in good standing and under the supervision of the Ag. Teachers and County Agents. 4. The Junior Replacement Heifer show and sale is an opportunity for Junior exhibitors to show and sell replacement heifers. Crossbred heifers are desired but purebred heifers will be permitted to show. Scramble heifers participating in the Replacement Heifer Show must be tagged in on October 9 th but can decide later whether they want to show and sell the heifer. 5. All heifers must be brucellosis calf hood vaccinated by the initial weigh-in on October 9 th. They must have a tattoo and the exhibitor may bring vaccination papers with them. Heifers must be de-horned BEFORE weigh-in on October 9 th. 6. No grooming material is allowed. This is a "Blow and Go" Show. All heifers will be shown with hair in a natural state WITHOUT the use of glues, adhesives, paints, etc. Heifers with any type of glue, paint, adhesive, etc. in the hair will be disqualified and premiums forfeited. Heifers will be toweled. 7. Stomach pumping, drenching tubes or any other method (by esophagus) is prohibited. 8. The following age heifers will be eligible to show: Heifers born July 1, 2017 March 31, Classes will be broken by weights and number of classes will be determined per number of entries. 10. Additional program dates will be set and exhibitors will be notified. 11. Heifers will be weighed in for the Fair on April 4 th, beginning at 8:15 a.m. Heifers will be weighed one time only and that weight will be the official weight. 12. If heifers are to be sold as registered, registration papers must be in the exhibitor s name and turned in to the chairman prior to the show. 3

6 FOR RECORDBOOK COMPLETION AND SUBMISSION: 13. Exhibitors will be required to complete all aspects of the Replacement Heifer Project to be eligible to sell their animal. Exhibitors will be judged as follows: 20% on record book and project closeout summary, 30% on interview, 20% on test and 30% on calf placement in show. 14. To complete the record book and closeout summary, the exhibitors must weigh back their heifer prior to closeout date of March 15 TH, 2019; ending weight MUST be documented in the closeout summary. 15. Record book and closeout summary sheet completion is required BY MARCH 15TH. The record book with completed closeout summary sheet is due in the Fair Office on MARCH 18 TH by 5PM NO LATE ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED, nor will items placed in the drop box be accepted. 16. The summary sheet will be used by the judges to conduct interviews on MARCH 23RD. NOTE: All interviews and testing will be completed on the same day and all exhibitors must participate in BOTH to be eligible to sell their heifer. FOR AWARDS, SALE PROCEDURES AND RULES 17. Ribbons will be awarded 1 st through 10 th places. A Grand and Reserve Banner will be given at the Heifer Show and to the overall winners. A Showmanship award will be given. 18. All heifers must sell on Thursday. Cattle will sell beginning with Grand through 10 th Place. All others will be drawn at random. Any heifer weighing in at 700 lbs. or less will not be able to show or sell. A 5% sales fee will be deducted from each sale. HEIFERS THAT ARE TO BE REPRESENTED AS PREGNANT AT THE TIME OF SALE, MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A WRITTEN STATEMENT FROM A VETERINARIAN THAT THE HEIFER HAS BEEN PALPATED AND A PREGNANCY EXAM PERFORMED VERIFYING SAID PREGNANCY. 19. All heifers will be released after the sale by the Committee. 18. In order to comply with the national law on the beef check-off, two dollars ($2.00) will be deducted from the sale price of each heifer. 20. All heifers entered in this program and sold become property of the buyers and will remain sold. THERE SHALL BE NO RESALE OF THE HEIFERS BACK TO THE EXHIBITOR. Montgomery County Fair Association will not act as an agent in the resale of the heifer. Buyers must pay for the heifers the day of the sale. The halter that the calf has on when it is sold becomes the property of the buyer. 21. All exhibitors who sell MUST HAVE THANK YOU LETTER(S) to their buyer, their receipt of delivery and their social security number to the Fair Office WHEN CHECKS ARE RELEASED ON TUESDAY, MAY 28 th. Only the exhibitor or the parent may pick up the check. ALL CHECKS MUST BE PICKED UP BY MONDAY, JUNE 10 th BY 5:00 P.M. CHECKS NOT PICKED UP BY JUNE 10 th WILL BE FORFEITED AND THE MONIES WILL GO DIRECTLY TO THE FAIR SCHOLARSHIP FUND. 22. The following scholarship money will be given: $1,500 for First Place overall; $1,000 for Second Place overall; and $500 for Third Place overall The scholarship money will be funded directly to the college, university or institution of higher learning of the exhibitor s choice upon satisfactory proof of enrollment. Scholarship must be used within one year from date of graduation of high school. 23. Entries must be completed and paid by Friday, February 8 th, 2019 at 5:00PM with a $20 entry fee/hd. JR. AND SR. SHOWMANSHIP WILL BE HELD AFTER THE SHOW AND IS OPEN TO ALL EXHIBITORS WHO WISH TO PARTICIPATE. YOU PAY $5.00 (CASH) AT THE ENTRY GATE AND THE WINNER WILL BE AWARDED ALL PROCEEDS AT THE EXIT GATE. JR S = 13 & UNDER, SR S = 14 & OVER AS OF THE DAY OF THE SHOW. 4

7 Heifer Record Book Since this is your project, we want YOU to do this recordbook. Your parents can certainly help you, but it is not acceptable for them to do it for you. Recordbooks are due MONDAY, MARCH 18, 2019 ON OR BEFORE 5PM. PLEASE TURN INTO THE FAIR OFFICE. NO LATE RECORDBOOKS WILL BE ACCEPTED. **NOTE: RECORDBOOKS WILL INCLUDE PAGES 1-7 IN THE RECORDBOOK SECTION OF THIS HANDBOOK** SALE DAY The main thing you need to do on Sale Day is know what your Sale Order Number is. Then get your number and be ready when it is your turn to go in the Sale Ring. As soon as possible after your heifer sells, find your buyer in the audience and personally thank them for buying your heifer. Before leaving the grounds, you will need to go to the table outside of the sale ring and pick your copy of the receipt of delivery. AFTER THE FAIR The first thing you need to do is write your thank you letter! If would be also be a good idea when it comes along time for your heifer to calve, (if she was bred), contact your buyer and let them know you are interested in the calf, etc. If may assure you of having a buyer next year! Start immediately to look for a heifer for next year s fair. DO NOT WAIT until next year when it is time to check in heifers for the 2019 Fair! 5

8 PROGRAM OBJECTIVE The purpose of the Replacement Heifer Show is to provide a project that will expose the exhibitors to commercial cattle production. This includes the purchasing, development, breeding, exhibition and marketing of crossbred beef cattle heifers. HEIFER SELECTION When selecting a heifer, it is important to remember that she must have the potential to be a breeding animal. If she is going to make you money, she must produce a calf. The heifer should exhibit fertility. Outward signs of fertility include feminine head, long clean neck and a smooth shoulder, free from bulging muscle. Udders should be strongly attached in front and high in the rear with four visible, evenly spaced teats. She should have normal vulva development. The selection of cattle is based on the traits of economic importance those that make money. The animal should exhibit the beef producing traits of fertility and weight gaining ability. Select heifers that have above average size for their age. She should walk out on a sound set of feet and legs. An animal with a bad set of feet and legs will not show well and will not last long in the breed herd she will not be able to travel well to forage for food. The heifer should have adequate bone without coarseness of joints. The front legs should be straight when viewed from the side. The rear legs should have some angle to the hock. The feet should point straight, and the knees be in a straight line with the leg. The hocks should be in a straight line with the feet and set squarely under the heifer. Your heifer should have a strong, level top-line and a clean neck and brisket for her breed. Correct conformation will give the heifer the appearance of being balanced or proportional. Her muscles should be long and tie in smoothly at the joints. They should be smooth over the shoulder and strong down the top and over the loin. The muscling should continue down the leg almost to the hock. There should be fullness through the stifle and round, and the muscle should tie in smoothly to the hock. Heifers must be no younger than a year old and no older than 20 months at time of show. 6

9 E /06 Replacement Heifers Jason Cleere* Should beef cattle producers raise replacement heifers, or buy them? Many pieces of paper have been scribbled on by producers trying to find the right answer. The problem is that no one answer is right for all producers. Each producer operates under conditions unique to that situation. When deciding on the best strategy for replacing heifers, producers need to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of raising or buying replacement females as well as consider other economic and general management issues specific to their operations. Factors to consider include: *Assistant Professor and Extension Beef Cattle Specialist The Texas A&M University System To clarify which strategy is best for a specific operation, producers should develop individual- option. Current and future market prices The beef industry is cyclical, with a series of high and low prices occurring about every 10 years. The law of supply and demand governs these cycles. As in other businesses, when supplies are down and demand is steady, prices tend to rise. When cattle prices are high, producers begin to rebuild their herds by retaining high value heifers or by purchasing replacements. The to get into beef production or to increase current cow inventories. After the rebuilding phase occurs, supplies increase and prices drop. This is the beginning of the herd liquidation phase of the cattle cycle. Another explanation of the cattle cycle is that cash flow often determines the number of heifers retained or purchased. When prices are low, producers often must sell more or buy 7

10 fewer heifers to meet cash flow demands. Conversely, as prices rise, producers are able to sell fewer heifers to meet cash flow demands. Thus, and sell low. Buying or retaining more replacements when prices are high is contrary to good business principles. Another problem with this practice is that heifers born during periods of high prices will produce calves during the following period of low prices, and vice versa. To improve cow-calf profitability, producers need to adjust their replacement strategies. A study of replacement strategies by Iowa State University in 2001 examined production and financial data from 1970 to The strategies that were studied included: ers each year year when calf prices are high, the producer retains or buys more heifers heifers each year when calf prices are low, the producer retains more heifers The researchers found that the return over higher than the CF strategy and 33 percent higher than the SS strategy. These findings indicate that it is more profitable to use countercyclical replacement strategies. That is, they should purchase more replacements when calf prices are strategy must be able to weather large variations in cash flow. Cycles are affected by changes in consumer demand, environmental conditions that affect production, and other unforeseeable events - Herd size One of the first issues to address in deciding whether to buy or raise replacements is opera- ducer must retain about 30 percent of the heifers in the herd. For a 30-head herd, this means an average over time of five heifers per year. Is it more economical for a producer to raise these five heifers, or buy replacement females? Usually, small producers find that buying replacements is more cost-efficient because of economies of scale. For this reason, larger producers find that raising replacement females some large producers prefer to buy replacements to free up time and resources that could be better used elsewhere. Pastures, facilities and management level Young, growing heifers require more management than do cows. The amount of labor associated with heifer development can be substantial and should always be considered in To reach the optimal level of maturity for breeding, heifers must be managed separately from the rest of the herd. The higher level of management required for heifers begins when they are weaned. The first 14 to 21 days post an extra time commitment because of the in- heifers must be developed carefully to ensure that they reach puberty and can be bred at 8

11 Because their nutritional needs are different, additional pastures and facilities are necessary to properly wean and develop replacement heif- heifers contained during the initial weaning ing season. The extra management does not stop after to 90 percent of mature weight by the time of calving. The development phase of heifers will cuts in management will affect the value of the female for its entire productive life. Buying replacements can free up pastures for about 10 percent more cows in an operation. to factor in this additional income. Need for additional heifers Another factor to consider is the need to raise more heifers than will be retained. The Most producers will cull about 20 percent of heifers because of non-reproductive issues such as structure or poor weight gain. Consequently, This ties up capital for an extra 10 to 12 months When considering whether to raise or buy replacements, remember to factor in the cost of The cost adjustment for culling or death loss is shown in Table 1. Table 1. Sample budget for raising a replacement heifer from weaning to first calf. Value of heifer at weaning (500 lb x $1.05) $ Cost of gain weaning to breeding ($0.45/lb x 250 lb) $ Cost of bull service $35.00 Interest $30.00 Management $50.00 Grazing and feeding cost to calving $ Vet costs $20.00 Cost adjustment for culls and death $75.00 Total $ Economics The decision on whether to buy or raise replacement females involves many economic factors. These include opportunity costs, feed costs, interest, labor, facilities, tax advantages, conception rates, replacement costs, bull costs and cull rates. The cost of raising replacement heifers from weaning to first calf varies from operation to operation, depending on the resources available. As described previously, be sure to factor in your feed costs, which are a substantial portion of the total cost of developing heifers. Each producer must develop a budget that accurately reflects the individual operation. - opportunity cost. Also factor in the labor costs, which are often omitted in replacement heifer cost analyses. The sample budget in Table 1 can be used as substitute the data from your operation and add any extra costs based on your situation. Assumptions: 1. The value of the retained heifers is for example purposes and will vary. 2. Estimated expenses will vary among pro- sion, you will need to develop your own budget. Most economic analyses indicate that there is a slight advantage in raising rather than buying replacement heifers, especially for larger advantage of economies of scale to reduce feed and labor costs. For the small producer buying heifers is usually more economical because of feed and labor costs. For detailed and interactive cow-calf budgets, see the Texas Cooperative Extension Agricultural Economics Web site at edu/budgets/commodity/ cow-calf/index.php.

12 Herd health concerns One reason producers choose to raise their own replacement females is to help prevent diseases from being introduced into their herds. Buying cattle from outside sources always car- This is a valid issue because herd health affects profitability. of disease-causing agents into a herd is called biosecurity. In cattle operations, the highest level of biosecurity is to maintain a closed herd. The health without a quarantine period. when buying cattle: records and that are from reliable sources. Consult a local veterinarian about the health requirements that purchased females should meet. Cow genetic base The U.S. beef industry has changed dramati- so to satisfy consumer demands for consistent, high-quality beef products. To meet these demands, the industry is shifting toward a production system based on quality. In the beef industry, quality begins with ge- years. ers to use genetic selection criteria to improve production and management. The producer can select cattle for maternal traits, performance traits or carcass traits for sires of heifers. A major advantage of raising replacements is the opportunity to select heifers that are born in the first 60 days of the calving season and that are heavier at weaning. These heifers are more set of puberty. Also, these older heifers are usually from the most fertile dams that conceived early in the breeding season. ducers to cull those females that fail to conceive. 10 Field trials in eight Texas herds in 2000 demonstrated that open heifers held over for a second breeding 6 months after first breeding had aver- study that year, calving data from five Texas evaluated. This research found that the average lifetime calf weight was highest in females whose first calving date as a heifer occurred the first 21 days of calving. This does not mean that buying replacement females is not an option for selecting the most fertile and productive females. There are many good replacement female sources that implement strict selection criteria and provide quality genetics. You may want to choose outside sources for replacement heifers if you want to improve the genetic selection is limited due to heavy culling because of drought or age. Crossbreeding systems When cattle are crossbred, the resulting offspring are often more vigorous or fast-growing than are the parents. This improvement from crossbreeding is called heterosis. percent in Bos taurus x Bos taurus - Bos indicus x Bos taurus - - erosis and genetic improvement from combining breeds with different characteristics. For more information on crossbreeding, see Texas Adapted Genetic Strategies, a series of 10 Texas Cooperative Extension publications available at g. Another goal for producers is to select cattle that are genetically adapted to the local environment. A producer should match the cow to the environment and then use a bull that complements the cow to produce a calf to fit a specific genetically different, a terminal cross is required. A terminal cross can be defined as a mating that produces progeny that are not suitable as replacement animals. Ultimately, producers strive for excellent maternal traits, longevity and efficiency

13 In the southern United States, producers should choose cattle that are genetically adapted to hot, humid climates. Crossbred females with a combination of Bos indicus and Bos taurus genetics have become the female base for producers in the South. Producers often use Bos taurus terminal sires on Bos indicus mance, improve carcass quality and/or decrease the amount of Bos indicus appearance in the system is used, the daughters may not be as maternally oriented or environmentally adapted as ments. The alternative is to use a continuous cross- performance or carcass quality of the calves but and females for replacement that are at least as productive as their dams. Producers must decide whether to give up some growth, performance and possibly carcass traits to raise their own re- and buy replacements. This issue should be factored into the cost analysis. Larger producers can operate a splitherd design in which one group of cows is designated to produce replacement females and the other group is placed in a terminal system or rotational crossbreeding system. Calving difficulty University indicate that 2-year-old first-calf heif- old cows. The two major causes of dystocia in heifers are small pelvic area in underdeveloped weights are most commonly attributed to genetics of the sire and can be reduced by using lowbirth-weight or calving-ease sires on heifers. A major concern when buying heifers is whether they are bred to a calving-ease bull. Producers raising their own replacement heifers decide which bull to use and so have more assurance that the heifers are bred to a calvingease bull. Buying replacements from a reputable source can help reduce this concern. The use of calving-ease bulls on heifers does not a guarantee a dystocia-free calving season. Calving problems can also occur because the heifers have not reached full maturity at calv- or because of improper calf presentation. Thus, producers without the ability, facilities or time to calve heifers may choose to buy second-calf heifers or cows. Conclusion portant role in the future profitability of the cow herd and should be considered carefully. Producers should address both economic and general management considerations when deciding whether to raise or purchase replacements. Always base your decisions on the circumstances of your individual operation. 11

14 E /09 Texas Adapted Genetic Strategies for Beef Cattle X: Frame Score, Frame Size, and Weight Stephen P. Hammack and Ronald J. Gill* Body size is an important genetic factor in beef cattle production. Historically, size was first estimated by measurements such as height or length. As scales were developed, weight became more common as a measure of size. Although measurement and weight are related, their rates of maturity differ. By 7 months of age, cattle reach about 80 percent of mature height but only 35 to 45 percent of mature weight. At 12 months, about 90 percent of mature height is reached, compared with only 50 to 60 percent of mature weight. Frame scores Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Frame Scores, a method of estimating skeletal size based on hip height, are shown in Table 1. Frame scores represent differences in height at the same age of about 2 inches. Values in the chart represent averages of thousands of cattle, but individual animals may vary in how they change in height while growing. Heights should be determined on the topline directly over the hips or hooks (Fig. 1). The most common device for determining height is a measuring stick, available through some livestock supply companies. It consists of a cross-arm (with a bubble level) attached in a 90-degree angle to an upright containing a rule. Figure 2 depicts measuring hip height with such a device. The chart lists only six scores but may be expanded either way for individuals outside the listed values. Formulas in the chart can be used to calculate scores for animals *Professor and Extension Beef Cattle Specialist Emeritus, and Professor and Extension Livestock Specialist, The Texas A&M System 12

15 Table 1. Cattle Frame Scores based on hip height in inches 1. Males 2 Females Frame Score 3 Frame Score 3 Age in Age in months months Mature Mature Frame Score (5 21 months) = (ht) (days of age) (days of age) (ht) (days of age) Steer slaughter weight 5 Mature bull weight 6 1,000 1,100 1,200 1, ,500 Heifer slaughter weight 5 1,570 1,730 1,890 2,050 2, Mature cow weight 7 Frame Score (5 21 months) = (ht) (days of age) (days of age) (ht) (days of age) ,000 1,100 1,200 1,300 1,400 1,000 1,100 1,200 1,300 1,400 1,500 1 Approved by the Beef Improvement Federation. 2 Steers continue growth longer than bulls, being about 1/2 to 1 inch taller at 18 to 21 months. 3 USDA Medium Frame Size is a Frame Score of approximately 4.0 to If calved first at 2 years old. Add 1 inch if calved first at 3 years. 5 At 0.5 inch fat cover. 6 At 12 months, bulls weigh 50 to 60% of this mature weight, under most development programs. 7 Moderate body fatness, cow Body Condition Score 5 (where 1 = extremely thin and 9 = obese; cow weight varies 7% to 8% per condition score and up to 10% for extremes in muscling). For breeding at 14 to 15 months, heifers should weigh 60 to 65% of this mature weight. bubble level Hip height measurement rule reading Figure 1. Determine height by measuring to the topline directly over the hip or hooks. 13 Figure 2. A measuring stick is the most common tool for determining height.

16 5 to 21 months of age, although 12 months is probably most useful for determining Frame Score. Variation in angularity of skeletal junctions influences height, so Frame Score is not an exact measure of skeletal dimension. But Frame Score is the simplest, most useful method for estimating relative skeletal size. Frame size The U. S. Department of Agriculture Agriculture Marketing Service Standards for Grades of Feeder Cattle include evaluation of frame (skeletal) size, body thickness, and thriftiness (evidence of health). A depiction of Frame Size by the USDA is shown in Figure 3. Frame Size relates to projected weight after finishing to carcass fat cover at the Figure 3. Frame Size can differ among cattle of the same age. 12th rib of 0.5 inch. According to the standards, Medium Frame steers are projected to finish at 1,100 to 1,250 pounds. Small Frames are projected to finish below that range and Large Frames above. Heifers are projected to finish at 100 pounds less than their genetically equivalent steer mates. Skeletal size, body weight, and composition Weight is often used to characterize body size. But a mature cow weighing 1,200 pounds in medium fatness or body condition weighs about 900 pounds when extremely thin and 1,600 pounds when extremely fat. So, if weight is to be used as an accurate measure of size, it must include consideration of body condition. When Frame Scores were first developed in the 1970s, some guidelines related it to weight. The most common figure was that a finished steer with a Frame Score of 5 (at 0.5 inch fat) weighed 1,200 pounds, with a change of 100 pounds for each variation in Frame Score. The weight of mature cows in medium body condition (those with a Body Condition Score of 5) averages about the same as that of genetically equivalent steers with 0.5 inch fat. Mature bulls weigh about 55 to 60 percent more than cows of the same Frame Score. For a complete discussion of the body condition 1 through 9 scoring system, consult Texas AgriLife Extension publication B-1526, Body Condition, Nutrition and Reproduction of Beef Cows. Research is limited relating Frame Score to weight. Iowa State University reported results on over 4,000 records of females contained in the American Angus Association database. In their analysis, a mature (4- to 7-year-old) cow with mid-5 Frame Score in mid-5 BCS averaged 1,245 pounds. Weight varied about 95 pounds for each Frame Score from 4 to 7. The U. S. Meat Animal Research Center analyzed data from 5-year-old cows of 12 breed groups ranging from 4 to 6 in Frame Score. Angus cows of mid-5 Frame, mid-5 BCS averaged 1,222 pounds. However, across the entire 12 breed groups, the average was 1,282 pounds, with a range of 113 pounds per Frame Score. In addition to variation in body condition, muscularity affects weight at a particular Frame Score. As an example, in the Meat Animal Research Center study, mid-5 Frame, mid-5 BCS Limousin weighed 1,365 pounds. Also, cattle can have relatively shorter legs (or longer) in relation to their body size, which affects the relationship of Frame Score and weight. Overall, mature cows with mid-5 Frame Scores in mid-5 BCS appear to weigh on average about 1,250 pounds (or 1,200 pounds for Frame Score 5.0) with about a 100-pound variation per Frame Score. Since USDA Medium-Frame slaughter steers weigh 1,100 to 1,250 pounds, this equates to Frame Scores of probably low 4 to mid 5. Small-Frame steers weighing 950 to 1,100 pounds are probably mid Frame Score 2 through 3. And Large-Frame steers weighing 1,250 to 1,400 pounds are probably upper Frame Score 5 through 6. Frame Score 7 and higher should probably be called Very Large. The most useful measure of body size is weight at a particular level of fatness or condition, which also accounts for differences in muscling, a shortcoming of the Frame Score system. Frame Score is perhaps most useful as a predictor of future weights at slaughter, puberty, and maturity rather than as a measure of body size. 14

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18 These immunizations properly use noninfectious vaccines of various types: killed, subunit, inactivated toxins or intramuscular, temperature sensitive, modified live. Table I: Cow Herd Vaccines Stress at the time of calving reduces resistance to disease. Infectious microorganisms of bovine respiratory disease (BRD viruses and pasteurella and haemophilus bacteria) can break out of dormancy and be shed. However, the active immunity provided by regular vaccinations is expected to suppress shedding of disease agents from the calving cows to the nursing calves of the current year s calf crop. The active immunity also provides protection for the following year s calf crop against abortion diseases. Immunized cows provide passive immunity to calves through the colostrum (first milk). Calves are protected until 2 to 3 months of age against nursing calf diseases. Passive immunity is expected to minimize infection and shedding of disease agents and prevent development of sickness and death. Susceptible baby calves are those that do not receive an adequate amount of good-quality colostrum during the first 24 hours after birth. A calf should receive an amount equivalent to 2.5 percent of its body weight in the first 6 hours after birth, and again over the next 18 hours. An 80-pound calf needs 2 quarts of colostrum from an immunized cow during the first 24 hours of life to receive protective immunity. Vaccinate Nursing Calves Nursing calves are vaccinated at 2 to 3 months of age against calf diseases. The immunizations are noninfectious vaccines and are repeated 2 to 4 weeks later. The first vaccination is a priming, Table 2: Calf Herd Vaccines 16

19 sensitizing dose that provides no protection or a low protection for 1 to 4 months. The second vaccination is a required booster dose, recommended within 2 to 4 weeks, but acceptable within 4 months. It should precede weaning by at least 3 weeks. Duration of the immunity following the second dose is 6 to12 months. Immunizations precondition calves by providing immunity to nursing and weanling calves destined to be stockers, feeders and replacements. Heifer calves selected for replacements are immunized against venereal diseases at the time of boosters within 3 to 6 weeks before breeding. The active immunity developed by the nursing calves is expected to minimize infection and shedding and prevent sickness and death from disease caused by exposures before and after weaning. Immunity might suppress shedding of BRD viruses and pasteurella and haemophilus bacteria at times of stress during hot or cold weather, weaning, selling and hauling. Dormant infections in calves not immunized with two vaccinations prior to weaning commonly break out and cause shedding, sickness and death in calves with weakened immunity at weaning. noninfectious vaccine because it prevents the desired infection of the modified live vaccine from being established. Nursing calves in a cow herd with low risk to bovine virus diarrhea (BVD) and bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) are not given the priming and booster four-way viral BRD vaccinations. An infectious bovine rhinotracheitis/ parainfluenza-3 (IBR/PI 3 ) infectious vaccine (intranasal, temperature sensitive, modified live) is administered as a nasal spray at 2 to 3 months of age. At weaning, an infectious IBR, PI 3, BVD, BRSV vaccine is administered intramuscularly. The four-way viral BRD vaccine does not contain intramuscular, temperature sensitive, modified live IBR virus. Immunity induced by the infectious four-way viral BRD vaccine will last a lifetime in properly vaccinated weanling calves. When the desired infections of the BRD viruses are established, repeated modified live infectious vaccinations become unnecessary. If the required booster vaccines are not given before weaning, they must be given at 3 weeks after weaning. Because the first dose is noninfectious, the second dose in weanling calves also is a noninfectious vaccine. An infectious vaccine (modified live) usually is ineffective following a Background Weanling Calves Weaning is traumatic to a calf and one of the greatest stresses it undergoes. Other stressful procedures should precede or follow weaning by at least 3 weeks. It is best to perform castration and dehorning at birth or before the calf reaches 3 months of age. 17

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21 E Basics of Cattle Immunity When establishing a vaccination program it is important to understand how animals naturally protect themselves from infection and how vaccination and other management practices enhance that protection. There are three major ways the body defends itself against infectious organisms. 1. The rst method is physical barriers, such as skin, normal microorganisms, and selfcleaning procedures such as coughing, sneezing, vomiting and diarrhea. Organisms that penetrate the body are often eliminated by these procedures. Animals must be adequately hydrated and nourished for these barriers to work effectively. 2. The second method of body defense is native or innate immunity. The native immune system controls invading organisms with chemicals and/ or by ingesting them. The native immune system lacks memory, so each infection is treated in the same manner. The immune system needs adequate nutrition (including energy, protein and minerals) to function at a maximum level. Stress reduces the ef ciency of the native immune system. 3. The third method is the acquired immune system, which responds to vaccines. This system can recognize and destroy speci c invaders. With acquired immunity, the body remembers speci c invaders and can respond more intensely if stimulated by those invaders later. While physical barriers and the native immune system respond rapidly, the acquired immune system takes days to weeks to become effective. When the acquired immune system is compromised, as in human AIDS patients and cattle with bovine viral diarrhea (BVD), other diseases can rapidly overcome the animal s defenses. Acquired immunity may involve the production of a speci c antibody (humoral immunity); or, it may involve the rapid recognition and destruction of speci c foreign cells (cell-mediated immunity). The humoral immune response is relatively easy to measure and it is the most common way immune responses to vaccine and/or disease are detected. Cell-mediated response is much more dif cult to quantify. The body reacts to speci c diseases with either an antibody or a cell-mediated response. Organisms that attack the outsides of cells usually respond to antibodies. Organisms that invade the cell, such as all viruses and some bacteria (including brucellosis), often are better controlled with a cell-mediated immune response. Vaccines made from modi ed live products are usually more ef cient at protecting against diseases such as brucellosis or BVD that infect the insides of cells. Modi ed live vaccines replicate in the animal and usually do not require boosters. However, these vaccines are easily degraded and made ineffective by exposure to chemicals or extremes of light or temperature. Vaccines made from killed products are usually more ef cient at destroying organisms that attack the outsides of cell, such as those that cause blackleg or tetanus. Killed Tom Hairgrove and Steve Hammack* *Program Coordinator for Livestock and Food Animal Systems and Professor Emeritus and former Extension Beef Cattle Specialist, The Texas A&M System. 19

22 products do not replicate, so boosters are usually needed for good protection. Killed products can give undesirable results if shaken excessively or frozen. All vaccines should be handled according to manufacturers recommendations. A vaccination program is simply a tool in a total health program. Animals must have adequate nutrition for their immune systems to work properly. Animals also should be protected from environmental and social stressors and parasites, which may decrease an animal s natural response to disease and the effectiveness of vaccines. Administering too many vaccines, or vaccines that are not compatible, also can lower the immune response. Some vaccines should not be administered to pregnant animals because they may cause reproductive loss. Vaccines may not be effective when given to calves with high levels of maternal antibodies. All of these factors are reasons why you should consult with your veterinarian when designing vaccination programs. Vaccines are not always effective under eld conditions, so producers should have reasonable expectations of vaccine programs. A vaccine program to prevent unborn calves from becoming persistently infected with BVD might be quite different from one to control BVD in a group of stocker calves. Always consult with your veterinarian, who is familiar with disease patterns in your area and can recommend the most effective vaccination program. References Tizzard, I.R Veterinary Immunology: an Introduction, 8th ed. Saunders Elsevier. Abul, A.K. and A.H. Lichtman Basic Immunology: Functions and Disorders of the Immune System, 3rd ed. Sanders Elsevier. Roth, J.R Basic Immunology and Principles of Vaccination. Institute for International Cooperation in Animal Biologics. Produced by AgriLife Communications, The Texas A&M University System Extension publications can be found on the Web at: Visit Texas AgriLife Extension Service at Educational programs of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, or national origin. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work in Agriculture and Home Economics, Acts of Congress of May 8, 1914, as amended, and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture. Edward G. Smith, Director, Texas AgriLife Extension Service, The Texas A&M University System. New 20

23 PREVENTIVE HEALTH CARE You have made a large investment of time and money for your project. It is your obligation to feed and care for your animal and to follow an effective health care program for it. Prevention is the easiest and cheapest method of disease and parasite control. Cleanliness of feed and water throughs, shed and lots will help prevent disease. Vaccines increase the animal s tolerance to a disease, but some does not create a lifelong resistance; annual boosters may be necessary. The vaccines should be administered correctly by label instructions. Common diseases and ailments that may affect your animal are: DEHORNING: Dehorning is much easier on a heifer if it is performed before the base of the horn gets too enlarged. To prevent horns from scurring or regrowing remember to get hide and hair around the entire base of the horn. BLACKLEG AND MALIGNANT EDEMA: An acute and general infection in cattle. Symptoms are a high fever and swelling of the muscles. Treatment is difficult, and death is rapid. Vaccines are very effective and are normally given at 3-4 months of age, just before or after weaning, and annually thereafter. SHIPPING FEVER (IBR/P13/BRSV): A viral infection that usually occurs when cattle are under stress conditions such as weaning or showing and exposed to the causative viruses. HAEMOPHILUS: A bacterial respiratory disease which can be followed by abortion. Vaccination is usually in combination with blackleg vaccines. LEPTOSPIROSIS: A bacterial disease-causing fever, weakness, anemia and kidney failure. Pregnant females may abort. Oral ingestion of contaminated feed or water is the route of transmission. Can be from rat contaminated feed. Vaccinations is usually done at the same time as blackleg and repeated annually. VIBRIOSIS: A true bacterial venereal disease transferred from cow to cow by a carrier bull. Vaccination is effective and is usually given prior to breeding. BOVINE VIRUS DIARRHEA (BVD): A viral infection causing pneumonia or severe diarrhea. Vaccination is effective. 21

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25 Leptospirosis Leptospira pomona, Leptospira hardjo Leptospira grippotyphosa IBR and BVD complexes Vibriosis Campylobacter fetus Trichomoniasis Trichomonas fetus 23

26 Diseases Causing Abortions in Cattle State of Samples gestation needed for Diseases Organism How spread at abortion diagnosis Vaccination Remarks Brucellosis Bacterial Aborted fetuses, 6-9 months Blood sample Live vaccine in Cull infected animals. Do (Brucella abortus) fetal membranes from aborting heifers at 4-12 not vaccinate bulls. cow; fetus; months. placenta Leptospirosis Bacterial (At least Urine of infected Any stage, Sample 10 Every 6 months Laboratory should deter- 5 serotypes) animals, aborted usually 6-9 percent of herd at 2-4 weeks mine the type of lepto fetuses months before breeding. causing infection. Red nose (IBR) Viral Contagious from 6-9 months Fetus; placenta; Killed or modified Abortion may or may cow to cow blood samples live vaccine. See not be associated with veterinarian. illness in cows. Virus diarrhea Viral Contagious from Variable, Two blood Killed or modified Calves born with disease (BVD) cow to cow usually early samples, 3 live vaccine. See (loss of hair, brain in gestation weeks apart veterinarian. damage) Vibriosis Bacterial Venereal Early abortion, Vaginal mucus Two injections of Also causes few (Campylobacter disease spread repeat from infected vaccine the first abortions fetus venerealis) by infected bulls breeding cow, cervical year, days mucus; fetus; before breeding. preputial Bulls and cows washings from should be the bull vaccinated. Vibriosis (Campylobacter Ingested +6 months Fetus None Sporadic abortions fetus intestinals) Trichomoniasis Protozoal Venereal disease 2-4 months Preputial 1st dose: 60 days Treatment consists of (Trichomonas spread by washings from prebreeding. 2nd sexual rest of cows for fetus) infected bulls infected bulls; dose: 30 days 90 days; artificial insemuterus from cull prebreeding. inations; cull infected bulls cows Single booster and open cows. annually. 24

27 BRUCELLOSIS (BANGS): An Infectious abortion contracted by oral ingestion of grass, water and feedstuffs contaminated with infective fetal fluids. It is required that all heifers sold or shown must be vaccinated by an accredited veterinarian. The heifers must be vaccinated between 4 and 12 months of age. All heifers in this program MUST have been vaccinated prior to entry. EXPLANATION ON BRUCELLOSIS VACCINATION: Vaccinate between 4-12 months of age HEIFERS ONLY! Tattoo in right ear R 0 R- stands for RB51 which is the type of vaccine approved by the USDA Veterinary vaccination official shield 0 year in which heifer was vaccinated (will help in aging cattle later in life) If tattoo is done properly, it will remain in the animal s ear for life. The orange metal tag placed in the right ear is a brucellosis vaccination tag which may be lost during the cow s lifetime, but the tattoo will remain permanent. 25

28 L /05 Common cattle parasites Floron C. Faries, Jr.* Calves are more susceptible to internal parasites. WITH PROPER PREVENTIVE AND TREATMENT METHODS, producers can control many common internal and external parasites in cattle. Common important internal parasites of cattle are hairworms, lung worms, liver flukes and coccidia. Common external parasites include horn flies, lice and grubs. Internal parasites Hairworms The gastrointestinal tract of cattle is often infected with hairworms, also called stomach worms and intestinal worms. These worms are transmitted when: 1. Infected cattle pass eggs in manure onto the ground; 2. Eggs hatch in the manure; 3. Rain washes the larvae from the manure; and 4. Cattle swallow larvae on wet grass in moderate temperatures. The worms mature in about 3 weeks and lay eggs. In June, July and August, larval development of the brown stomach worm, the most common and harmful of the hairworms, is inhibited in the stomach lining. The worms are usually transmitted when soil temperatures are 55 F to 85 F in rainy periods in spring (April through June) and fall (October). Pasture larvae hibernate in winter (November through March) and die from heat, sunlight, drying and nutrient depletion in summer (July through September). Normally the disease (wormy cattle) is secondary to inadequate nutrition. Poor nutritional management practices such as overcrowdedness and overgrazing create inadequate nutrition and allow cattle to be reinfected continuously. Under these conditions, the cattle s gastrointestinal tracts are a suitable environment for worms to establish; their immune response is low, allowing establishment; and being in poor condition, the wormy cattle cannot withstand effects of the worms. The primary malnutrition condition, a protein deficiency, worsens because the larvae interfere with digestion, causing diarrhea and reducing the appetite. Calves have low immunity and usually become wormy during their exposures. Heavy exposures cause disease; light exposures produce immunity. Adult cattle and young cattle have immunity from previous exposures, but often become wormy when: Nutrition is inadequate and their immunity has lowered; Brown stomach worm larvae have emerged from the stomach lining in September; and Heavy exposures have occurred. Clinical signs of wormy cattle include pale mucous membranes, bottle jaw, pot belly, diarrhea, drawed, not grazing, not chewing cud, rough and dry haircoat, thinness, weakness and inability to stand. These signs are similar to those caused by malnutrition and liver flukes. The most important way to control hairworms is to maintain good nutrition by: Rotating pastures; Preventing overcrowding and overgrazing; and Providing good quality pasture, hay and supplements. When cattle have a diet with enough protein, vitamins and minerals, fewer worms are normally established and the cattle are more able to withstand their effects. Management practices that maintain good nutrition also prevent severe reinfection of worms. Addition- *Professor and Extension Program Leader for Veterinary Medicine, The Texas A&M University System. 26

29 which include moderate temperatures, rainfall and wet grass. For stomach worms, administer drugs 3 to 6 weeks after optimal environmental conditions develop. For liver flukes, administer drugs 4 to 6 months after optimal conditions are present. Manure-contaminated environment provides exposures to internal parasites. al control measures include proper drainage and sanitation, separating age groups and strategic worming. Lung worms Lung worms cause a lung disease in cattle with clinical signs similar to those caused by viruses, bacteria and allergies. Transmission and control are the same as for hairworms. Lung worm disease occurs in previously unexposed cattle, such as in calves or moved cattle. Liver flukes Cattle living in wet areas with alkaline soils may develop liver fluke infections. Liver flukes are transmitted when: 1. Infected cattle, deer and rabbits pass eggs in manure and drop the manure in water; 2. Eggs hatch in water and larvae develop in snails; and reduces environmental contamination and infection of cattle and snails. A strategic method requires proper timing. This means that a drug against a parasite must be administered at the right time considering the parasite s biology. Therefore, the correct time is not when the cattle are confined and accessible, or because it has been a long time since the cattle received a drug, or because administrations are spaced evenly (fall and spring, every 6 months). The correct time is when cattle have become infected, the parasite is beginning to develop and cause damage, and conditions are best for transmission. Administering a drug at the right time breaks the life cycle of the worms and prevents them from building up in cattle. The right time to administer cattle wormers normally depends on the parasite and the development of optimal environmental conditions, Examine feces each month to check fluctuations of worm eggs per gram of feces, which will help you time the drug administration properly and monitor the effectiveness of your control measures. Drugs to control internal parasites should supplement but not replace management practices to improve sanitation and nutrition. Table 1 shows what products can be used for various parasites and how to administer them. Coccidia Coccidia cause an intestinal disease of young cattle, usually 3 weeks to 6 months old, but can affect cattle up to 2 years old. They are transmitted when: 1. Infected cattle pass cysts in manure onto the ground; 2. Rain washes the cysts from the manure; 3. The cysts develop under moist and moderate temperature conditions; and 4. Cattle swallow cysts on moist ground. As with hairworms and lung worms, transmission is common during rainy 3. Cattle swallow cysts on grass or hay. Clinical signs of digestive inefficiency are evident in young cattle with acute liver disease and in older cattle with chronic liver disease. Fluky cattle show signs similar to those with malnutrition and hairworms. Strategic worming Wormers are administered to cattle not only as a treatment to kill internal parasites and to stop damage caused by parasites, but also to prevent pasture contamination and reinfection of the cattle. Strategically administering drugs Good nutrition and sanitation practices prevent severe reinfection of internal parasites. 27

30 times in spring and fall. The diarrhea caused by coccidia may be confused with the diarrhea caused by hairworms, bacteria and viruses. Wormers are ineffective against coccidia. Effective drugs are amprolium (Amprol, Corid ), decoquinate (Deccox ), lasalocid (Bovatec ), and sulfonamides. After 1 week of optimal conditions, administer the drug in feed or water for 2 weeks to calves maintained in a manure-contaminated environment, such as haying and feeding areas. Control measures include the management practices for hairworms. External parasites Horn flies Horn flies reproduce in fresh cattle manure from early spring to late fall. Horn fly populations usually peak in late spring and again in late summer or early fall. Hot, dry conditions may naturally reduce horn fly numbers during mid-summer. Thousands of flies may infest a single animal, causing extreme nervousness and energy loss. Horn flies suck blood, irritate and annoy, reduce weight gains and cause weight losses. The annoyance and irritation interfere with cattle s feeding and resting. Treatment is economically justified when horn fly populations reach 250 per head. To control them satisfactorally throughout the season, use self-treatment insecticides or routinely apply spray, pour-on, spot-on or dust chemicals. Used properly, self-treatment devices are more effective than hand application in controlling horn flies and lice. Such devices include oil back rubbers, dust bags and tubes, liquid wicks and impregnated ear tags. Insecticide-impregnated ear tags control horn flies well for 2 to 5 months if they are properly attached to the ear and if pyrethroid resistance is not a factor. Currently labeled ear tags contain either a pyrethroid, an organo-phosphate or a pyrethroid/organophosphate/synergist mixture. Pyrethroid ear tags (permethrin, fenvalerate) have induced widespread horn fly resistance. Vary the types of ear tag insecticides rather than using the same kind year after year. Remove tags as soon as possible once they have lost their effectiveness in killing horn flies. Tags used 4 to 5 months emit too little insecticide to control fly populations adequately. Tags emitting reduced doses seem to add to the resistance problem by prolonging fly exposure, thus making the surviving population more resistant to the insecticide. Lice Biting lice and blood-sucking lice are transmitted between cattle by contact, especially in the fall, winter and spring when egg production increases in cool weather. Because cattle tend to bunch up more in cold weather, uncontrolled lice spread easily from animal to animal and quickly infest an entire herd. Lice cause a condition called lousy, an itching skin disease with possible anemia. Clinical signs are dry, scaly skin, hair loss and itching exhibited by biting, rubbing and scratching. Lice bites and allergies to lice cause the itching. The allergic dermatitis may persist after the lice are gone. These signs may be confused with malnutrition and allergies caused by horn flies, mosquitoes and gnats. Although chemicals do not harm lice eggs, cattle can be treated effectively Horn flies and lice cause hair loss and itching. by administering insecticides twice at a 2-week interval or once with avermectins (Ivomec, Eprinex, Dectomax ) or milbemycin (Cydectin ). Use spray, dust, pour-on, spot-on, injection or selftreatment methods in fall and winter for control. Injection does not work for biting lice. Grubs Cattle grubs (warbles, wolves) are larvae of heel flies, which lay eggs on hairs of the lower legs of cattle in late winter and spring. Grubs appear in the backs of cattle in winter. The migratory damage by the grubs in cattle causes weight losses and reduces weight gains and milk production. To control grubs, administer systemic organophosphate insecticides (CoRal, Warbex, Spotton, Neguvon, Tiguvon, Prolate ), avermectins (Ivomec, Eprinex, Dectomax ) or milbemycin (Cydectin ) to cattle no later than 3 months before grubs appear in the back. Use pour-on, spot-on, spray or injection methods to kill migrating grubs before they reach the esophagus. If cattle are not treated for cattle grubs in the summer, the systemic organophosphate insecticides and avermectins used in the fall and winter for control of lice, horn flies, and worms may cause reactions in the esophagus if many grubs are present. 28

31 Table 1. Cattle Parasiticides Products (Trade Name) Parasites Methods Levamisole Stomach worms 1, lung worms 1 Drench, injection 4, pour-on, bolus, feed, block (Levasole, Tramisol, Totalon ) Fenbendazole (Safe-Guard ) Stomach worms 1, lung worms 1 Drench, paste, feed, block (Panacur ) Stomach worms 2, lung worms 1, tapeworms Drench, paste Oxfendazole Stomach worms 2, lung worms 1, tapeworms Drench, paste, injection 5 (Synanthic ) Albendazole Stomach worms 2, lung worms 1, common liver fluke, Drench, paste (Valbazen ) tapeworms Moxidectin Stomach worms 2, lung worms 1, grubs, sucking lice, Pour-on (Cydectin ) mange mites, biting lice, horn flies Eprinomectin Stomach worms 2, lung worms 1, grubs, sucking lice, Pour-on (Eprinex ) mange mites, biting lice, horn flies Doramectin Stomach worms 2, lung worms 1, grubs, sucking lice, Injection 4, pour-on (Dectomax ) mange mites, biting lice 3 Ivermectin Stomach worms 2, lung worms 1, grubs, sucking lice, Injection 4, pour-on, bolus 6 (Ivomec ) mange mites, biting lice 3, horn flies 3 Ivermectin + Clorsulon Stomach worms 2, lung worms 1, grubs, sucking lice, Injection 4 (Ivomec Plus ) mange mites, common liver fluke Clorsulon Common liver fluke Drench (Curatrem 1 Adults, developing larvae; 2 Adults, developing larvae, inhibited larvae; 3 Pour-on; 4 Subcutaneous; 5 Intraruminal; 6 Sustained release The information given herein is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is implied. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service AgriLifeExtension.tamu.edu More Extension publications can be found at AgriLifeBookstore.org Educational programs of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating. Produced by Texas A&M AgriLife Communications 29

32 INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL PARASITES: A deworming program of your heifer is necessary for optimum growth, feed conversion and reproduction. A good program for your heifer would be to deworm every two to three months. Dewormers are in the form of injections, oral drenches and pastes, and pour-ons. Fly, Lice and tick control can be accomplished by using sprays, dusts, pour-ons and injectable. Any control should be used in conjunction with proper sanitation. If heifer ha some persistent diarrhea, which may or may not include blood, have the stool checked for coccidiosis (an intestinal protozoa which invades gut cell walls). 30

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35 NUTRITION A successful feeding program requires skills, careful planning and observation. The major objective in feeding a heifer is to provide her with the nutrients she needs to obtain maximum growth potential without becoming overweight. For drylot heifers, feed your ration by weight and not by volume. You should feed a 10-12% protein ration that is approximately 65% TDN at the rate of 1-3% of the heifer s body weight. For pasture heifer, supplement grass with a ration of 1# cottonseed meal and 2# corn per head per day. Provide free choice hay of good quality and free choice salt and mineral. Always keep fresh, cool, clean water available at all times. Use fresh feed and keep dust to a minimum. Feed twice a day at 12-hour intervals. Feed only what the heifer will cleanup in an hour or less. Keep feed and water buckets or troughs clean. Make changes gradually to avoid bloat, founder or acidosis. Increase or decrease the amount of ration according to body condition. Don t get her too overweight or let her get too thin. Two animals eating together do better than one. 33

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49 ERUPTION OF TEETH There is a general agreement among experienced veterinarians that the age at which teeth erupt in cattle varies widely. They generally agree that stresses related to faulty nutrition, environment, and disease cause about 97% of the variation in dental eruption and growth in young beef cattle. Without these influences the development of teeth is consistent and predictable. It can be used as a criterion for determining overage of beef cattle being exhibited when less than 38 months old. CRITERIA USED TO ASSESS TOOTH AGE From the 8 th through the 38 th month of a cow s life there are 29 distinct changes used to assess the age of erupted teeth. There also are criteria to measure changes in normal eruption. When bilateral teeth do not erupt or develop synchronously, the assessment of age is based on the one that is less developed. Visual inspection of the premolars and molars varies somewhat from that of the incisors. Because of the manner in which premolars and molars erupt and develop, their age is assessed on the appearance of the lingual surface. Attention is directed to the difference in the animal s age when various teeth erupt. When there is a spread of 2 months or more, other criteria are used to make a more exact determination of age. They include positioning of the teeth, teeth wear and groves, previous tooth pairings, spacing between and gingival margin, and condition of the gingiva. The 3 types of teeth (incisors, premolars, and molars) are considered as a unit in the final assessment. DENTAL ERUPTION Eruption of all deciduous teeth in calves occurs very early. From birth to 2 weeks, two or more of the temporary (deciduous) incisors are present. The entire 8 deciduous incisors erupt within the 1 st month. Usually all 3 pairs of deciduous premolars have erupted at birth or shortly afterward. This is no practical application of this information for determination of age. The time at which permanent teeth erupt is the best criterion for determining the animals age. The 1 st permanent teeth are molars, which do not have deciduous teeth. At 8 months of age the 1 st molar is erupting, and it is fully developed at 12 months. The 2 nd molar starts to erupt at 12 months of age. At 15 months the 2 nd molar is about half mature and 18 months it is fully developed. The 3 rd molar erupts at 24 months and is fully developed at 30 months. 47

50 The permanent premolar teeth start to replace the deciduous premolars at 18 months when the 2 nd (middle) permanent premolar appears. At 24 months the 1 st permanent premolar is erupting and the 3 rd permanent premolar is at the gum line at 30 months of age. UNDERDEVELOPMENT OF TEETH Inclement weather, faulty nutrition, and chronic disease can delay eruption of permanent teeth 3 to 6 months and in severe cases up to 1 year. A calf whose mother has not produced adequate milk may have its tooth development delayed for 3 to 6 months. Chronic pneumonia or diarrhea can result in a 4 to 5 month delay in eruption of permanent teeth. Delay of Normal tooth development due to such stresses is very common. In major purebred shows about 10% of the young cattle have evidence of delayed dental development. It is suspected that in average range cattle, about half of the calves will have some degree of dental retardation. Fortunately, in the show ring and perhaps in bull testing stations, veterinarians are usually asked to determine over-age only. Without knowing an animal s history, it is generally unwise to predict an exact age on the basis of dental eruption and development. ERUPTION OF THE TEETH Di 1 Before Birth P1 - Di 2 Before Birth P2 2 2 ½ year Di week P3 1 ½ - 2 ½ year I 1 1 ½ - 2 year P4 2 ½ - 3 year I ½ year I 3 3 year Dc 0-2 week M1 5 6 month C 3 ½ - 4 year M2 1 1 ½ year Dp week M3 2 2 ½ year Dp week Dp week 5 year All incisors in wear. Occlusal surface of I1 beginning to level, ie, the ridges on the ridges on the lingual surface are wearing out and the corresponding border of the occlusal surface is becoming a smooth curve instead of a zigzag line. 6 year I 1 is leveled and neck is visible. 7 year I 2 is leveled and neck is visible. 8 year I 3 is leveled and neck is visible. I 4 may be level. 9 year C is leveled and neck is visible

51 Cattle: Signs of wear are much less reliable than eruption for estimation of age because wear is largely determined by nutrition, ration, and sand content of soil. Eruption times of the permanent incisors are primarily used to estimate age up to 5 year. Except for very aged animals, the teeth are rarely used to determine the age of adult cattle. As cattle continue to age, the teeth wear shorter and more neck becomes visible; they loosen in the sockets and eventually drop out. 49

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53 BREEDING What bull should you use? You need to match the bull to your heifer. The ideal is to use a purebred bull that will produce a 3-way cross calf for optimum hybrid vigor. He should have the trait of producing calves with small birth weights. He should be very fertile. You need to produce a calf that your buyer will want to buy for another year. HEAT DETECTION: With a heifer by herself, it is very hard to detect heat. If so, you should notice her off feed, jittery, bawling, walking the fence, and she may have a clear, thick vulvar discharge. If you have a group of heifers, you may also notice a heifer in heat riding or attempting to ride other heifers. If two heifers are in heat, you may notice one heifer standing for another heifer. She or maybe both will be in heat. PREBREEDING REQUIREMENTS: Your Heifer must be genetic and nutritionally sound. She must not be too fat or too thin but be in a positive nutritional balance. PASTURE BREEDING: If you are to breed your heifer to a bull, be sure that the bull is fertile. A fertility exam or evidence that he has impregnated other animals is a must. ARTIFICIAL BREEDING: If you plan to artificially breed your heifer you need to do some advanced planning. First, decide which bull to breed to, then have semen available. The most important part of artificial breeding is heat (estrogen) detection. There are other options. Your heifer may be synchronized with injections or implants so that the heifer may be bred. Check with your veterinarian to set up such a program. Another part of getting your heifer pregnant is having her palpated in calf by your veterinarian. Watch for follow up heats they come at 18 to 21 day intervals. The heifer can be checked for pregnancy at days. Even if she is with a bull, she should be watched for heat so that you will have a breeding date for your buyer. GESTATION PERIOD: Approximately 283 days for European breeds and 295 days for Brahman influence breeds. 51

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58 THE CALVING PROCESS To reduce calving losses, a basic understanding of the stages of birth and time intervals is necessary. Familiarity with each stage of birth will help you determine when and how assistance may be provided. STAGE Stage 1 or Respiratory Stage starts when the uterus begins contracting and the cervix begins to dilate. This stage continues until the fetus begins to enter the birth canal. Generally, few signs of labor are evident at this time, but the positioning of the calf causes discomfort to the cow. The cow may be restless, look at her side, or get up and down frequently. This stage can vary in length from 30 minutes to 24 hours. The normal labor period lasts from 2 to 6 hours. STAGE II --- Stage II or Delivery Stage is the time of expulsion and actual delivery of the calf. In normal deliveries, this stage lasts from 30 minutes to 4 hours, but may be longer in young heifers. Early symptoms are recognized easily. The second stage begins with the movement of the calf s head and feet into the birth canal and the entrance of the calf into the cervix. During this time, uterine contractions occur at about 2-minute intervals and each contraction lasts about 1 ½ minutes. When the calf enters the cervix, abdominal straining, commonly called the abdominal press, occurs. At this time the behavior character of the cow changes markedly from one of being alert to becoming almost oblivious to her surroundings and concentrating on the uterine contractions. The cow may be standing or lying and showing long periods of straining. The feet should appear in 1 to 2 hours. Do not rush the cow to allow time for the complete dilation and reduced change of tissue damage. The calf will maintain placental attachment, unlike the horse or sow, so there is no big rush. A calf can survive in the uterus for 8 to 10 hours. Delivery should be complete within 2 hours after the water sac or feet first appear. STAGE III --- Stage III or Membrane Expulsion Stage is the final expulsion of the fetal membranes after the calf is born. The fetal membranes or placenta usually are expelled without complication within 30 minutes to 8 hours following delivery. If membranes are retained more than 3 days, they are considered pathological and may require attention. 56

59 TRAINING AND HALTER BREAKING Your initial contact with your heifer is critical. You must teach your heifer to trust and respect you from the beginning. Be calm and patient, move slowly around her and talk to her in a calm voice; it will help her get used to you. Start as young as possible. Use a rope halter with the lead coming through a plaited eyelet so it will slide easily to prevent choking or binding. Let her drag the lead for a few days; when she steps on the lead, she will learn to respond. After she becomes accustomed to the halter, tie her, when she settles down, start brushing her. Tie her for a few hours each day. Start leading her to feed and water. She will associate your presence with feed and water. Teach her to respond to pressure from the halter. Try to go a little father every day, turning and stopping. SHOWMANSHIP Showmanship is defined as: The art of exhibiting things to an advantage. Showmanship is not difficult, but it does require time, effort and patience. It is learned at home. You should work with your animal at home just as you would in a showmanship class or judging ring. The exhibitor should have a neat, well-groomed appearance. He or she should wear simple, not gaudy, western attire. You are drawing attention to your animal, not yourself. Hats and tennis shoes should not be worn in the show ring. Watch a class worked before your class, if possible. This will help you to become familiar with ring procedure. Be prompt when your class is called to line up. Delays are irritating to the show management and other exhibitors. The judge may ask you the pregnancy status of your heifer. Know how many months she has been bred, what bull she is bred to and the expected calving date. Be alert, be prepared, and be on time. Follow the instructions of the ring steward or the judge, If your heifer kicks, be sure to tell the ring steward and the judge as you enter the ring. Always walk on the left side of your animal with the lead strap in your right hand. Hold the show stick in your left hand, pointed to the ground. Hold the lead 16 to 18 inches from the animal s head. Hold your heifer s head at a natural and attentive 57 57

60 Level with your hand slightly above the heifer s head. Walk forward briskly keeping your eye on the judge. Begin showing as you walk into the ring and continue showing until the judge has talked his reasons, places have been called, and ribbons handed out. Lead your calf into the line and set it up as quickly as possible. Leave three to four feet between your calf and the next one. Lineup in a straight line so you are even at the head with other animals. When setting up the heifer, change your lead to the left hand, face your animal, and use the show stick with your right hand. Set the back feet first by pressing on the pastern with the point of the show stick. The hook of the show stick may also be used to move the foot. You may use your foot to set the front feet. Now where the holes and hills are in the arena. If possible, try to set the front fee on a slightly higher level than the back feet. When the judge or ring steward signals the line to move in a circle, keep your eye on the judge and the ring steward so you will know when and where to stop. Also watch the animal in front of you so you will not get to close. Help the exhibitory in front of you. If his animal is reluctant to move, tap it with your show stick; this is good sportsmanship. When the ring steward instructs you to stop, always stop a little short of where you want to be; this gives you room to move forward if the exhibitor behind you gets too close. Keep yourself in a position to watch the judge and your heifer. Always give the judge an unobstructed view of your animal. When the judge moves around in front of your animal, step back from her to give the judge a full view while continuing to stroke her underside. If she gets out of position, set her up again. It is your job to show the animal to its best advantage. If the judge should select the animal standing in front of yours, you should immediately close that spot by pulling your animal forward. 58

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62 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This handbook was compiled, in part, using information from the following sources: 1. Selecting Show Heifers Santa Gertrudis Breeders International, Junior Association. 2. Beef Showmanship for Youth for America Wrangler Jeans, in Association with the National 4-H Council. 3. Nutrition of the Cow Heard - Dr. Randall Grooms & Richard N. Evans at the request of the ABBA. 4. Fitting and Grooming Steers for Show - Spencer Tankersley 5. Washington County Fair Association Commercial Heifer Show Handbook. 6. Bovine Medicine and Surgery H.E. Amstutz, American Vet. 7. The Merck Veterinary Manual Eight Edition, The Veterinary Assistant Handbook First Edition, Ronald Gill, Extension Livestock Specialist 10. Stephen Hammack, Extension Beef Cattle Specialist 60

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64 Replacement Heifer Record Book 2019 mcfa.org