The Beef Cattle Evaluation
Center was opened in the fall of 1972. To date, 353 tests
have been completed, or currently in progress, involving over
7,000 bulls. Of the approximately 7, 0000 bulls that have completed tests,
the following figures have been obtained:
Average Total Gain
476 pounds
Average Daily Gain
4.25 pounds
Average Weight Per Day
3.21 pounds
Average Yearling Weight
1,171 pounds
Bulls have been tested
from all areas of Texas , as well as several other states.
Normal delivery dates for animals to the Center are February 1,
May 1, August 1 and November 1, of each year. Additional
tests and dates involving any breeds or associations are conducted
if requests are received.
LOCATIONS
AND FACILITIES
North Central Texas
College 's Beef Cattle Evaluation Center is situated approximately
five miles east of Gainesville , TX , on U.S. 82; take County
Road 147 for two miles south and follow directional signs posted
for visitor's convenience. Facilities at the Beef Cattle
Evaluation Center include all-steel barns and pens, automatic
freeze-proof waters, concrete aprons and shade.
TESTING
PROCEDURES
Each test consists of
a 21-day warm-up period; to get the bulls accustomed to the new
surroundings, followed by a 112 day official testing period.
During this period, each animal is weighed at 28-day intervals
to determine rate of gain. Age regulations are provided
to show a true determination of the animal's individual genetic
growth ability. Bulls are fed a growing-finishing ration adequate
for maximum growth but which is not intended to "over-finish"
the animals.
The purpose of the Beef
Cattle Evaluation Center is to assist beef breeders in the systematic
collection of comparative production information for use in decision
making to improve efficiency and profitability of beef production.
Differences in performance among cattle must be utilized
in decision making for performance testing to be beneficial.
TESTING FACTORS
. Total Gain
. Average Daily
Gain (ADG)
. Weight Per Day
of Age (WDA)
. Yearling (365)
Weight (YW)
. Height Measurement
. Scrotal Measurement
. Feed Efficiency
. Cost of Gain
The Center will
not be responsible for loss by fire, theft, injury, sickness,
death, or any other circumstance, but will make every effort to
safeguard the health of the animals and will secure professional
veterinary service when necessary.
ENTRY
REQUIREMENTS
Registration and/or breeding information must be presented upon delivery of animals to the Center.
All bulls must be accompanied by an official health certificate verifying that the animals are in good health and have been vaccinated for the following
diseases according to vaccine manufacturers’ specifications:
REQUIRED VACCINATIONS:
- 7 or 8-way Clostridial: (Black Leg) Administer SQ (under the skin) in neck, 2 doses required.
- Respiratory Viruses: (IBR,PI3,BVD,BRSV) IBR/PI3-
BVD/BRSV Administer per label in neck, 2 doses required (killed vaccine on the first round, then MLV on the second round, is mandatory)
- Pasteurella haemolytica: Must be recognized as leukotoxoid type, May be combined with Pasteurella multocida, Doses required is dependent on label recommendations
- Haemophilus somnus: May be combined with Clostridial vaccines, 2 doses required.**
- Dewormed with an approved wormer.
** Optional, but recommended.
Vaccinations and treatments should be completed three (3) weeks prior to delivery; bulls will not be accepted if the requirements are not completed as scheduled.
COSTS
A basic fee of $95.00 (entry fee) is payable with the entry application. This fee covers pen rental, labor management, and performance data reports. The fee serves as your pen retainer and will be returned to you in the event of unforeseen circumstances, which may occur to prevent participation in the test.
Feed will be billed at the Center’s cost and is payable in the following manner:
- $150 per bull, payable on delivery date of animals to the Center.
- $150 per bull, payable at the end of the second month of the testing period.
- Balance of the feed bill calculated and due at the completion of the test.
Veterinary service
will be obtained when deemed necessary, and the consignor will
be responsible for actual costs incurred.
ALL
BREEDS TEST DATES
Bulls born in April, May, or June 2008
Delivery Date February 2, 2009
Starting Date February 23, 2009
28 Day Weight March 23, 2009
56 Day Weight April 20, 2009
84 Day Weight May 18, 2009
Completion Date June 15, 2009
ALL BREEDS TEST
Bulls born in July, August, or September., 2008
Delivery Date May 1, 2009
Starting Date May 22, 2009
28 Day Weight June 19, 2009
56 Day Weight July 17, 2009
84 Day Weight August 14, 2009
Completion Date September. 11, 2009
ALL BREEDS TEST
Bulls born in October, November, or December 2008
Delivery Date August 1, 2009
Starting Date August 22, 2009
28 Day Weight September. 19, 2009
56 Day Weight October 17, 2009
84 Day Weight November 14, 2009
Completion Date December. 12, 2009
ALL BREEDS TEST
Bulls born in January. February, or March, 2009
Delivery Date November 2, 2009
Starting Date November 23, 2009
28 Day Weight December 21, 2009
56 Day Weight January 18, 2010
84 Day Weight February 15, 2010
Completion Date March 15, 2010
ADDITIONAL TEST
INVOLVING ANY BREEDS WILL BE CONDUCTED IF REQUESTED
FOR
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Steve Keith - Department Chair
Phone: Office (940)
668-4217 Ext, 4353
Rodney St. John - Beef Center Manager
Phone: 940-736-9953
