Livestock Exhibitors Meeting

Purpose of projects

There are 3 major purposes of students getting involved with project programs:

Character DevelopmentKnowledge of the livestock industryProper Showing Techniques

Character Development

“Adversity doesn’t build character; it reveals it.”

Six Pillars of CharacterTrustworthinessResponsibilityCitizenshipCaringRespectFairness

In order to exhibit projects of any type in the major shows in Texas students must complete a program called “Quality counts”. Part of this program includes character development.

Knowledge of the Livestock Industry

Proper care of livestock includes the following

Selection Feeding Health Grooming Show preparation

Students should develop knowledge about their project program. Having more in depth knowledge will lead to a more successful experience at shows.

Knowledge of the Livestock Industry (cont.)

SelectionKnow the end point for that animal.

What are your plans for that animal.Set a budget.

Projects can cost a lot of money. Example: Show pig $400 & up, feed $300

to 500 total investment $700 to $900. Start with a high quality animal.

All animals are not created equally. Get someone to help you if you don’t have enough knowledge.

Knowledge of the Livestock Industry (cont.)

FeedingFeed a high quality feed. All feeds sold at feed

stores are regulated by the Texas Dept of Ag.Know how the feed “Feeds” How will your

animal grow on this feedFeed on a regular schedule—within 2 hours

every day. If you feed at 6:00 am on the week day then you should feed at 6:00 on the weekend as well.

Have a clean source of water available at all times. Water is the most important nutrient.

Knowledge of the Livestock Industry (cont.)

HealthSigns of good health

Vigorous appetite Alert attitude Thrifty Appearance—slick hair, bright eyes, full

belly Proper waste production

Scours (diarrhea) Urinary calculi –most often in sheep and goats

Your animal is like a race car if it’s not running right you’re not going to win. Know when your animal is not performing to the best of it’s ability.

Knowledge of the Livestock Industry (cont.)

Proper VaccinationsParasite ControlAccepted Practices—castration,

dehorningA knowledgeable vet or producer can help you with

this.

MedicationsKnow what you’re giving your animalObserve withdrawal datesKnow how to administer medication

Knowledge of the Livestock Industry (cont.)

GroomingProper grooming will help make your animals more manageable at show time.

Pigs—brushed every dayGoats—brushed several times a weekSheep—kept relatively short fleecedCattle—rinsed, if not too cold, and brushed

several times a week

It will also make your animal have a better appearance which will help it get a better look at the show.

Knowledge of the Livestock Industry (cont.)

Show PreparationGood showmanship takes cooperation between

the exhibitor and the animalProper showing techniques are developed over

the entire feeding period.There are no short cuts—you cannot have a

crash course for the animal or the exhibitor.Know how to safely work or move your animal.

It needs to be in be put in different situations so that it and you can learn how to act

What is the end result ?There are several things that could happen to yourproject after your done showing. Make sure you have a plan.

County—Premium Sale; all animals come homeSell at auction saleProcessed—need to make arrangements earlySell privatelyGo on to another show

Major Shows—Terminal shows for all species(market ) except steers.

Breeding Animals—Keep and breed, sell to a breeder or treat as a market animal

AssistanceLots of people will be willing to give advice.

Be sure the advice you are listening to comes from a good source and is not just “barn gossip”.

Nobody has more at stake that will be giving you advice than us, your ag teachers.

Drugs & Show AnimalsStaying within the guidelines

DefinitionDrug--: a substance intended for use in the

diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease; a substance other than food intended to affect the structure or function of the body.

Types of animal health productsRx—prescription

Can only be used on the animal prescribed as instructed by the vet prescribing it

OTC—over the counter. Anybody can buy & use according to the label

directions

Types of drug useLabeled use—using the drug exactly as it is specified

on the label (this includes feeds and additives) (ok)

Extra Label—vet prescribes a drug to be used in a manner other than what’s on the label. (ok with vet documention)

Off Label—Feeders use drugs on their own in a manner other than what is stated on the

label w/o Vet guidance (not allowed)

Drug Label-all information concerning correct use can be found on the label including the following.Expiration DateLot NumberDosageWarningsCautions

Application MethodsPrecautionsActive ingredientTrade nameWithdrawal time

Other things to knowWithdrawal period—the amount of time needed for a

drug’s level in the animal’s body to reach a level that is acceptable for that animal to enter the food chain.

Check each shows policy for drug use and other rules concerning drug residues. For example Houston has a zero tolerance for any drug in an animal’s system.

The cattle supplement Zilmax (Zilpaterol hydrochloride), although FDA approved, was removed from the market in 2013. All stock shows will not tolerate residue from Zilmax present in cattle.