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Stephen F. Austin State University Department of Agriculture Heifer Development Program

by Joe Mask | Published August 25, 2016

About the program:

Stephen F. Austin State University is preparing for its Heifer Development Program. The program is designed to assist producers in selecting and managing for replacement heifers. It offers producers relief from providing additional facilities, labor, and feed to retain young heifers. The program is designed for heifers ranging in weight from 400-700 lbs. Heifers are entered into the program in mid-October and fed through May. Producers are issued a monthly report on the performance of each heifer in the program with information including BW, ADG, REA, RF, and IMF. Additionally, heifers can be entered into the breeding program and be artificially inseminated at the conclusion of the feeding period. Heifers should gain 1-3 lbs per day in the program.

Requirements

1. Heifers must be weaned and bunk broke for a minimum of 2 weeks.
2. Ear tag identification is required indicating owner and calf number.
3. Heifers must be dehorned or tipped (no longer than 2 inches).
4. Vaccination for brucellosis is recommended.
5. Heifers must be dewormed and deloused a minimum of 30 days prior to entry.
6. Heifers must be free of active Pinkeye, ringworm and warts.
7. Any bull exposure must be disclosed before entry.
8. Vaccination for the following must be completed according to the manufacturer’s specifications a minimum of 2 weeks prior to entry.
  • IBR, PI3, BVD I / II, BRSV (MODIFIED LIVE WITH BOOSTER)
  • 7-way Clostridium
  • Haemophilus Somnus
  • Pasteurella H&M
  • Lepto and Vibrio
  • Moraxella bovis (Pinkeye)

9. Unsound heifers will be reported to the owners and will either be treated at the owner’s expense or removed from the program.

Program Timeline

The 2016-2017 program is accepting heifers for fall 2016. Heifer calves weighing between 400-700 lbs are eligible for the program. Acceptance into the program will be first come first serve, based on availability of space. Contact Dr. Erin Brown (936)468-6948 or Chris Koffskey (979)224-8178 for reservations.

  1. 1. Sign-up prior to October 1st
  2. 2. Drop off heifers on October 8th, 14th or 15th between 8 am and 5 pm with prior notification.
  3. 3. Feeding trial starts November 4th
  4. 4. Weights recorded monthly November- April
  5. 5. Ultrasound for carcass data (if desired by producer)
    1. 6. End Feeding trial end of April
    2. 7. A.I. program begins end of April
    3. 8. Synchronize and breed eligible heifers by timed A.I.
    4. 9. Ultrasound for conception mid- June
    5. 10. A.I. heifers go home mid to late June

Program Cost

Cost will be figured by entry weight starting at $2.00/day for a 400 lb heifer. An additional $0.15 will be charged for each cwt above 400 lbs. The cost will remain fixed for each individual heifer throughout the program. In other words, a heifer coming in at 600 lbs will be charged $2.30 per day until it leaves the program.

Example

Entry Wt Cost/day
400-499 lbs $2.00
500-599 lbs $2.15
600-699 lbs $2.30
700-799 lbs $2.45

Price is subject to fluctuation with market values of feed. Additional costs include medical treatment or veterinary care if deemed necessary by the SFASU staff. Unthrifty heifers will be brought to the attention of the owner before consideration for removal from the program. Billing is conducted on a monthly basis. All bills must be paid before cattle are allowed to leave the facility. For more information or to visit the facility contact:

Dr. Erin Brown (936)468-6948 or Chris Koffskey (979)224-8178

Stephen F. Austin State University, SFASU Beef Farm 442 CR 123, Nacogdoches, TX 75965

Click here to download program agreement form: SFA Heifer Development Program 2016

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