PURPOSE:

  1. To provide common environmental test conditions for evaluating rate of gain, soundness, structural frame, muscling, and other traits of economic importance to beef cattle producers.
  2. To promote performance testing and the identification of genetically superior beef cattle.

LOCATION AND FACILITIES

  1. The evaluation center is located on the Kilgore College Agricultural and Environmental Science Center (Demo Farm) on Highway 135, one mile east of Overton, Texas.
  2. The facilities include four 30' x 180' pens constructed of steel and cable with adequate shed for shade and concrete for drainage.
  3. Steel bulk feeders and automatic waterers will be used.
  4. Working facilities include scales, loading chute and head gate, all situated adjacent to the test pens.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

  1. All entries must have received the following vaccinations at least three (3) weeks prior to delivery:  CattleMaster IV VL (or equivalent), 7- or 8-way vaccine, internal and external parasite control, H. somnus, pasturella, pinkeye and wart vaccines.  A signed affidavit by a licensed veterinarian certifying that all of the above-mentioned vaccinations have been properly administered must accompany all entries.
  2. Registration and/or breeding information must be presented upon delivery of animals to the center.
  3. Birth date, actual weaning weight, and weaning data must be available when bulls are delivered to the evaluation center.
  4. Bulls must have a minimum of 2.0 pounds of weight per day of age at the time of delivery.
  5. All bulls will be subject to inspection upon arrival at the center.  Inferior quality, structurally unsound, obvious over-aged animals will not be accepted.
  6. All bulls must be tattooed or fire branded prior to delivery.
  7. Bulls will be penned according to age groups.

TESTING PROCEDURES:

  1. Test will consist of a 21-day warm-up period, to get the bulls accustomed to the new surroundings, followed by a 84-day official testing period.
  2. Weights will be taken at 28-day intervals.  Progress reports will be mailed following each weigh period.
  3. Bulls will be fed a growing-finishing ration adequate for maximum growth and expression of genetic potential.
  4. All bulls will be ear tagged at time of delivery.
  5. All bulls will receive the following treatments when processed at the center:
        (a)    CattleMaster IV VL
        (b)    Blackleg
        (c)    Internal and external parasite control
        (d)    H. somnus
        (e)    Pasturella
        (f)     Pinkeye
    Insurance, if desired, is the sole responsibility of each consignor.
  6. Breeders will not be allowed to work on their animals or handle them in any way during the test.  Feeding and any other handling deemed necessary will be performed by hired personnel, and all animals will be treated as near alike as possible.
  7. No bull may leave the station under any circumstance without the consent of the evaluation center committee.
  8. LIABILITY:  Test station personnel will make every effort to safeguard the health of the animals and to obtain competent veterinary services when necessary, but will not be responsible for loss by fire, theft, injury, sickness, death, or in any other way.
  9. No bulls with horns will be allowed in the program.

COSTS:

  1. A basic entry fee of $100/bull is payable with the entry application.  This fee covers pen rental, labor, management and performance data reports.
  2. Feed costs will be charged as follows:
    (a)  $100/bull, payable with entry application.
    (b)  Actual feed costs incurred during the test will be billed to each breeder by the 1st of each month and must be paid by the 10th of that month.
    (c)  Balance of the feed bill will be calculated and due at the completion of test.
    (d)  Veterinary services will be obtained when deemed necessary, and the consignor will be responsible for actual costs incurred.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Entry form available on web site.

Bob Young
Kilgore College Farm
2211 Hwy. 135E
Overton, Texas  75684
Telephone:
(903) 834-6255  Farm
(903) 834-6931  Fax
(903) 983-6969  Cell
E-mail:  bobyoung@kilgorecollegeagfarm.org