1. Selection
Purchase animals that weigh 500 Ibs (or more for steers) at 7 months of age (weaning). Purchase from breeders who can tell you the sire, dam, date of birth and immunization history of their animals.
- Breeding Animals (Long-term project). Select for type, structural soundness, breed and sex characteristics. Use both pedigree and performance data (if available) to assist in selection. Animals can be exhibited up to 2 years of age.
- Commercial Heifers (Short-term project). Selection is basically the same as for breeding animals with the exception that heifers are F1 or crossbred animals. Heifers are dehorned at early age and can be exhibited as long as baby teeth are intact.
- Market Steers (Short-term project). Select for type, muscling, finish, capacity, structural soundness, carcass merit, balance and style. Steers are castrated and dehorned at early age and should grow out to 850-1200 Ibs and be 12-18 months old at show time.
2. Basic Equipment
Buckets, rope halter, shears, scott and curry combs, brush, scales (to keep track of weights) and show stick.
3. Shelter & Pen
House animals in shelter that is draft-free in winter and cool in summer. Stall should be at least 10' x 1O'. Use sand, sawdust or straw for bedding. A lot, 30' x 40', adjoining shelter provides enough exercise space for one calf. Lot and shelter must be fenced and well drained.
4. Feeding
Be consistent in feeding. Give bulls an amount equal in weight to 2.5% of their body weights; allow 1/2 of this amount in roughage (not to exceed 4 Ibd of hay per day); protein requirements range from 12.5% for the 544-Ibs calf to 9.3% for the 1,600-Ibs mature bull. Give heifers and steers 12-14 Ibs per day of a 12% protein ration. Mineral supplements and water should be available at all times.
5. Disease/parasite Control
Vaccinate (if not done so by breeder) for Blackleg, Malignant Edema, IBR, P13, Leptospirosis and Pasturellas. Learn how to use chemicals that control grubs and lice; flies can be controlled by keeping stall and lot clean. Control stomach worms with wormers such as TBZ orTramisoI. Follow manufacturer's/veterinarian's directions when using medicines or chemicals. Vaccinate calf for shipping fever before transporting to show.
6. Fitting for Show
Fitting includes getting to know your animal as well as washing, shearing, trimming hooves and performing other tasks that allow exhibition of the animal at its best. The most important part of fitting is halter breaking.
7. Other Hints
Keep good records on your project and know everything about your animal (birthdates, weight, breed, tag numbers). Watch for signs of illness and disease. If you plan to exhibit, get to know experienced exhibitors.
References:
1) La Cooperative Extension Service Publications #1925, Selecting and Feeding Your Beef Calf; and #2392, Introduction to the 4-H Beef Project.
2) 1FAS Publication 4-H270, Beef Feeding Project.
3) Merck Veterinary Manual.