Heifer Development Program to be Hosted by Stephen F. Austin State University

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 mid-March. Producers are issued a monthly report on the performance of each heifer in the program with information including BW, ADG, REA, RF, IMF, and a relative temperament rating. 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 2013-2014 program is accepting heifers October of 2013. Heifer calves weighing between 400-700 lbs are eligible for the 4 month program. Acceptance into the program will be first come first serve, based on availability of silage and feedlot space. Contact Dr. Erin Brown (936)564-5924 or Chris Koffskey (979)224-8178 for reservations.

1. Sign-up prior to October 1st
2. Drop off heifers in mid-October
3. Feeding trial starts November 1st
4. Weights recorded monthly November- March
5. Ultrasound for carcass data late February
6. End Feeding trial mid- March
7. A.I. program begins mid-March
8. Synchronize and breed eligible heifers by timed A.I.
9. Ultrasound for conception mid-April
10. A.I. heifers go home mid to late April

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. The A.I. program costs roughly $100 per head including one month feeding, synchronization, breeding, and ultrasound for conception.

Price is subject to fluctuation with market values of corn and beans. 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 936-564-5924 or Chris Koffskey 979-224-8178

Stephen F. Austin State University SFASU Beef Farm

442 CR 123

Nacogdoches, TX 75965

Click here to download the Development Program Agreement that is located on page 3