Author: EBERT PubID: YANR-0147

Title:

4-H BEEF BREEDING PROJECT RECORD

Pages: 4     Balance: 938 Status: IN STOCK

Printable Copy (PDF)

YANR-147, Revised March 2001. Bob Ebert, Extension Animal Scientist, Animal and Dairy Sciences, Auburn University. Originally prepared by Bob Whittenburg, former Animal Scientist--4-H. Adapted from a publication prepared by the Southern Region 4-H Animal Science Literature Committee.

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Beef Breeding Project

Beef Breeding Project, ________

Name ________________________________ Social Security no. ________________ Age________

Address____________________________________________ Zip ________ Phone _____________

County _________________________ 4-H Club _______________________ Years in 4-H ________

Parent's signature ___________________________________________________________________

Leader's signature __________________________________________________________________

Agent's signature ___________________________________________________________________

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Table 1. Performance Record

If you have a registered heifer, list: Name _________________________________________________

If you have a commercial heifer, list: Breed of sire ________________ Breed of dam_______________

	Heifer #1	Heifer #2
1. Date project began
2. Permanent ID (tattoo or brand)
3. Heifer birth date
4. Birth weight/ratio/EPD
5. Weaning weight/ratio/EPD
6. Yearling weight/ratio/EPD
7. Milk EPD
8. Breeder
9. Heifer registration number

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Table 2. Feed Record

List as accurately as possible what you fed your heifer each month and the cost or value of the feed. All items should be listed in the month you bought and started them. Subtract the value of leftover feed from your feed cost at the end of the project period.

	Acres of Pasture	Lb. Hay	Lb. Silage	Lb. Grain	Lb. Protein Supplement	Salt & Minerals	Vet. & Medical	Total Cost
June Cost Amount
July Cost Amount
August Cost Amount
September Cost Amount
October Cost Amount
November Cost Amount
December Cost Amount
January Cost Amount
February Cost Amount
March Cost Amount
April Cost Amount
May Cost Amount
							Grand Total

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Table 3. Growth Record

Weigh your heifers at least once a month. Plot the weights of each by making a dot at the nearest weight. Draw a line to connect the dots. See the example.

Months

Age of your heifer in months.

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Table 4. Breeding Record

To calve at approximately 24 months old, heifers need to be bred at 14 to 15 months. British Breeds, those breeds originating on the British Isles, including England, should weigh a minimum of 600 pounds. Continental Breeds, those breeds originating on Continental Europe, should weigh a minimum of 700 pounds. American Breeds should also weigh a minimum of 700 pounds. A beef heifer should weigh 65 percent of her expected mature weight when she is bred and 85 percent when she calves. For example, if she is expected to reach a mature weight of 1,000 pounds, she should weigh 650 pounds at breeding time and 850 pounds at calving time.

	Heifer #1	Heifer #2
1. Breeding date
2. Age of heifer when bred (months)
3. Weight of heifer when bred (lbs)
4. Breed of bull used
5. Date calf born
6. Sex of calf born
7. Calf identification

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Table 5. Show Record

Date	Show	Placing	Premium

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Table 6. Summary of Finances

Number of animals included in the project at the beginning
Number of animals remaining in the project at the end
Cost
Value of heifers when project began			$
Pasture
Hay
Silage
Grain
Protein supplement
Minerals, vitamins, and salt
Veterinary and medical
Transportation
Other
	Total Cost		$
Income
Value of heifers when project ended			$
Show winnings
Other
	Total Income		$
Subtract cost from income to get net profit	Total Cost
	Net Profit		$

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Management Calendar

On a separate sheet of paper, list the management practices you used each month. Be sure to include vaccinations and other health related items.

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Story of My Beef Breeding Project

Write a story of your beef breeding project and attach it to your record.

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For more information, contact your county Extension office. Visit http://www.aces.edu/counties or look in your telephone directory under your county's name to find contact information.

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Published by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University), an equal opportunity educator and employer.

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