Stephen F. Austin State University Hosts Backgrounding Program

About the Program: Stephen F. Austin State University is preparing for its Backgrounding Program. The program is designed to assist producers in managing weaned calves. It offers producers relief from providing additional facilities, labor, and feed to background calves. The program is designed for weaned calves ranging in weight from 400-700 lbs. Calves are entered into the program in mid-October and fed through mid-March. Producers are issued a monthly report on the performance of each calf in the program with information including BW, ADG and a relative temperament rating.

Requirements

1. Calves must be weaned and bunk broke for a minimum of 2 weeks.
2. Ear tag identification is required indicating owner and calf number.
3. Calves must be dehorned or tipped (no longer than 2 inches).
4. Calves must be dewormed and deloused a minimum of 30 days prior to entry.
5. Calves must be free of active Pinkeye, ringworm and warts.
6. 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)

7. Unsound calves 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 calves October of 2013. 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 calves in mid-October
3. Feeding trial starts November 1st
4. Weights recorded monthly November- March
5. End feeding trial mid-March

Program Cost

Cost will be figured by entry weight starting at $0.50/lb of gain per day or a minimum of a $1.00 per day.

Additional costs include medical treatment or veterinary care if deemed necessary by the SFASU staff. Un-thrifty calves 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 Backgrounding Program Agreement that is located on page 3