PURPOSE:
- 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.
- To promote performance testing and the identification
of genetically superior beef cattle.
LOCATION AND FACILITIES
- 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.
- The facilities include four 30' x 180' pens constructed
of steel and cable with adequate shed for shade and concrete for drainage.
- Steel bulk feeders and automatic waterers will be used.
- Working facilities include scales, loading chute and
head gate, all situated adjacent to the test pens.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
- 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.
- Registration and/or breeding information must be
presented upon delivery of animals to the center.
- Birth date, actual weaning weight, and weaning data
must be available when bulls are delivered to the evaluation center.
- Bulls must have a minimum of 2.0 pounds of weight per
day of age at the time of delivery.
- All bulls will be subject to inspection upon arrival at
the center. Inferior quality, structurally unsound, obvious over-aged
animals will not be accepted.
- All bulls must be tattooed or fire branded prior to
delivery.
- Bulls will be penned according to age groups.
TESTING PROCEDURES:
- 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.
- Weights will be taken at 28-day intervals.
Progress reports will be mailed following each weigh period.
- Bulls will be fed a growing-finishing ration adequate
for maximum growth and expression of genetic potential.
- All bulls will be ear tagged at time of delivery.
- 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.
- 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.
- No bull may leave the station under any circumstance
without the consent of the evaluation center committee.
- 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.
- No bulls with horns will be allowed in the program.
COSTS:
- A basic entry fee of $100/bull is payable with the entry
application. This fee covers pen rental, labor, management and
performance data reports.
- 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
Thomas Taylor
(903) 571-0771 Cell