The Beef Cattle Evaluation
Center was opened in the fall of 1972. To date, 307 tests
have been completed, or currently in progress, involving over
6,500 bulls. Of the 6,500 bulls that have completed tests,
the following figures have been obtained:
Average Total Gain
458 pounds
Average Daily Gain
4.09 pounds
Average Weight Per Day
2.78 pounds
Average Yearling Weight
1,014 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:
• Cattlemaster
4 + VL5, Plus a booster shot two (2) or three (3) weeks after
the initial shot is required. The booster shot should be
completed at least two (2) weeks prior to delivery of the bulls
to the Test Center
• 7 or 8-Way
Vaccine
• Wormed
with approved Wormer
• ALL BULLS
EXCEPT LONGHORNS MUST BE DEHORNED; THOSE NOT DEHORNED PRIOR TO
DELIVERY WILL BE DEHORNED SOON AFTER ARRIVAL.
• 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 $75.00
(entry fee) is payable with the entry application. This
fee covers pen rental, labor management, and performance data
reports. The fee serves as your en 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:
• $100 per
bull, payable on delivery date of animals to the Center.
• $100 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 2004
Delivery Date
February 1, 2005
Starting Date
February 22, 2005
28 Day Weight
March 22, 2005
56 Day Weight
April 19, 2005
84 Day Weight
May 17, 2005
Completion Date
June 14, 2005
ALL BREEDS TEST
Bulls born in
July, August, or September., 2004
Delivery Date
May 2, 2005
Starting Date
May 23, 2005
28 Day Weight
June 20, 2005
56 Day Weight
July 18, 2005
84 Day Weight
August 15, 2005
Completion Date
September. 12, 2005
ALL BREEDS TEST
Bulls born in
October, November, or December 2004
Delivery Date
August 1, 2005
Starting Date
August 22, 2005
28 Day Weight
September. 19, 2005
56 Day Weight
October 17, 2005
84 Day Weight
November 14, 2005
Completion Date
December. 12, 2005
ALL BREEDS TEST
Bulls born in
January. February, or March, 2005
Delivery Date
November 1, 2005
Starting Date
November 22, 2005
28 Day Weight
December 20, 2005
56 Day Weight
January 17, 2006
84 Day Weight
February 14, 2006
Completion Date
March 14, 2006
ADDITIONAL TEST
INVOLVING ANY BREEDS WILL BE CONDUCTED IF REQUESTED
FOR
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT:
T. J. Davidson
Phone: Office (940)
668-4217 Ext, 4353
Home (940) 668-8984
