4-h beef series discovering beef 1: here’s the beef · pdf file ·...
TRANSCRIPT
Table of Contents
Introduction 1
Project Summary 2
Skill Builder 1: Responsible Handling
3
Skill Builder 2: Selection
6
Skill Builder 3: Nutrition
12
Skill Builder 4: Training
15
Skill Builder 5: Health
18
Skill Builder 6: Judging
21
Showcase Challenge
25
Portfolio Page 27
- Draft 2010 -
Introduction
Over 8000 years ago cattle were domesticated to be used for meat, milk, and labour. Horses replaced cows as the main animal used for labour about 2000 years later. Today, cows are still used for meat and milk. This project focuses on raising cattle for meat. With this guide you will learn how to select and care for a 4-H beef animal. Record keeping, health, nutrition, judging, and training your calf will also be explored. Pull your boots on and get ready for another exciting 4-H year.
Learning is 3D!
To help you get the most out of your learning, each project
meeting has the following parts: Dream it! Plan for success
Do it! Hands on learning Dig it! What did you learn?
Do It
Dig It
Dream It
More Cowbell!
This More Cowbell box will appear throughout the manual. Check out the great website link ideas wherever you see More Cowbell. These links will lead you to fun online content to help you with your 4-H project.
Meet Bobby!
Bobby is ready to discover 4-H beef along with you! Bobby will share neat and
important information throughout your manual.
4-H Beef Series
Discovering Beef 1: Here’s The Beef
What Skills Will You Learn? Each section or Skill Builder (or Builder) in this project has activities that will help your project group learn to do by doing while learning new skills and having fun!
To complete this project, you must: Complete the activities in each Builder OR a similar activity that focuses
on the same skills, as you and your leader may plan other activities. Plan and complete the Showcase Challenge. Complete the Portfolio Page. Participate in your club’s Achievement (See the inside back cover for more
information about 4-H Achievements).
Members will be able to... Activities Page
Skill Builder
1
Responsible Handling Know how to treat animals humanely Explain how to handle animals Illustrate the flight zone of cattle
Fight or Flight Basic Instinct Code of Conduct
3 4 4
Skill Builder
2
Selection Pick a 4-H calf and CCIA tag it Know how to calculate Average Daily Gain Understand the importance of records
What’s Important? ADG Spree Breaking Records My 4-H Calf/Calves
6 7 8 9
Skill Builder
3
Nutrition Understand what cattle need to digest feed Know where nutrients are found Calculate rations
Feed Tub Smashin’ Rations Nutrient Hunt
12 13 14
Skill Builder
4
Training Halter break a calf Teach a calf to lead Understand showmanship procedures
HALT! Walk on Show time
15 16 16
Skill Builder
5
Health Explain how cattle herds may get sick Use proper vaccination methods Understand the importance of records
Immunity Challenge SubQ vs. IM Healthy Records
19 19 20
Skill Builder
6
Judging Compare and contrast steers Compare and contrast heifers Correctly fill out a judging card
Steer in the Right Direction Heifers Carded
22 23 23
When you successfully complete your builders, you will showcase what you have learned.
Showcase &
Portfolio
Explain success in using the skills listed above Showcase Challenge My Portfolio Page
25 27
Skill Builder 1: Responsible Handling
SKILLS CHECKLIST
Know how to treat animals humanely
Explain how to handle animals Illustrate the flight zone of cattle
Dream it! 20% of all hospitalized farm injuries are from animal related trauma. What kind of situations will cause cattle to harm humans? Are these preventable? If so, how?
Do it! Fight or Flight
Cattle have a personal space bubble around them called the Flight Zone. The calmer the animal, the smaller the flight zone. Once you enter the flight zone, the cow might decide to take off and find a new spot where their flight zone is empty. Flight zones can also be helpful when trying to move cattle. By placing continuous slight pressure on the edge of the flight zone, you can peacefully direct the animals where you need them to go. Flight zones can vary from nothing (completely quiet animals) to 25 metres or more . Genetics, illness, past history of handling, and excitement can all increase an animal's flight zone. Label each line in the circle as either: A: point of balance B: position to start movement C: position to stop movement D: blind spot Hint: There should be two of each letter.
Bobby Says….
Cattle have different behavior patterns than humans. In this builder you will learn how to safely work with cattle.
Important words
Watch for these important words
throughout this builder: Flight Zone, Instincts,
Responsible
3
Situation Is this preventable? How?
B
C
4
Code of Conduct
The following describes general responsibilities of ___________________ in the proper care and handling of their animal(s). To provide food, water and care necessary to protect the health and welfare of my animal(s). To provide a safe and healthy environment for my animals that is clean, well ventilated, and
provides ample space. To provide a well-planned disease prevention program to protect the health of my herd. To use humane and sanitary methods when it becomes necessary to dispose of my animal(s). To insure proper handling techniques are used to eliminate any undue stress or injury when
manual manipulation is necessary. To provide transportation for my animal(s) that avoids undue stress or injury caused by
overcrowding, excessive time in transit, or improper handling when loading or unloading. The willful mistreatment of my animal(s) or the mistreatment of any animal will not be
tolerated. In cases of mistreatment, I will notify the proper authorities. To make management decisions based on scientific fact and to consider the welfare of my
animal(s).
I have read, understand and commit to the above statements. _______________________________ 4-H Member
_______________________________ 4-H Leader
_______________________________ Parent/Guardian
Adapted from:
Ohio Farm Animal Care Commission, Box 479, Two Nationwide Plaza Columbus, OH 43216-0479
Instinct Reason Challenge Cow’s Reaction Safe Handling
Safety from predators
Singling out an animal
Anxious, lonely depressed
Limit alone time Keep herd nearby
Safe personal space Movement towards something
Move away from you
Don’t enter too deeply
Feel comfortable Bulls dominate
Moving animals to a different place
Protects territory (bulls)
Leave animals alone at feeding time
Comfortable routine
Changing routine Frighten or agitated
Maintain routine
Cows protect young
Separating a calf from a cow
Aggressive kicking or charging
Do not go between a mother and calf
Adapted from: Ohio Farm Animal Care Commission
Bobby Says….
Over 95% of agricultural injuries and fatalities are predictable and preventable.
Basic Instinct
Cattle have several instincts that affect their behaviour. In order to understand how cattle act, we need to remember these instincts while working with them. Five main instincts are herding, habitual patterns, the flight zone, territorial, and maternal. Complete the chart with the five instincts listed above.
Dig it! Many people are hurt by cattle in preventable accidents. What are some steps that you will now take to prevent yourself from getting hurt?
If a friend from the city came to your farm and didn’t know anything about the behaviour of cattle, what would you tell them to keep them safe?
Practice working with cattle by using the following methods of movement from Dr. Temple Grandin’s website:
What’s next?
Now that you know how to treat cattle, it is time to figure out how to choose a 4-H calf. The next Builder looks at selection of market animals and heifers. Average daily gain and record keeping are also explored.
More Cowbell!
For more information on handling cattle: www.cchsa-ccssma.usask.ca/ahsn/pubs/Cattlehandlingblk.pdf
Sheep behave like cattle. To practice herding go to: www.sheepgame.co.uk/launch.php
5
Bobby’s Fun Facts!
Dairy bulls tend to be more aggressive than beef bulls because they are taken from their mothers and raised in isolation. By allowing bulls to be raised by their
mothers, they learn natural herd behaviour patterns.
Skill Builder 2: Selection
SKILLS CHECKLIST
Pick a 4-H calf and CCIA tag it Know how to calculate Average
Daily Gain Understand the importance of
records
Dream it! Draw or paste in a picture of your ideal 4-H calf and label 5 things that make it perfect. Does sex, breed, or colour matter? If so, indicate what your calf is in each of the three categories.
Do it! What’s Important - Market Animal?
Have your parents or leaders help you find a group of three calves to pick your 4-H animal from and put them all in one pen. Rank the animals in the following areas to help you make your decision.
I choose _______________________ for my 4-H Market Animal.
Important words
Watch for these important words throughout this
builder: Average Daily Gain, Target Weight, Mature Weight, Age
Verification
Bobby Says...
Animal selection is really judging. Do you remember what to look for in a steer or heifer?
Trait # 1 # 2 # 3
Confirmation: Loin/Rump
Growth Capacity
Balance
Health
Temperament
6
I choose _________________ for my 4-H heifer.
ADG Spree
ADG stands for Average Daily Gain and is the amount of weight that your animal must put on per day in order to reach a target weight you have selected for achievement. ADG helps you figure out how much you need to feed your 4-H animal every day. Complete the following calculations in the Imperial system (pounds or lbs).
Market Animal
A) Target Weight (Show Day) ________
B) Starting Weight (Weigh Day)________
C) Total Gain (A — B) _________
D) Days on Feed _________
E) ADG (C/D) _________
Heifer
A) Target Weight (Breeding Date) _________
B) Starting Weight (Weigh Day) _________
C) Total Gain (A — B) _________
D) Mature Weight _________
E) Breeding Weight (D * 0.65) _________
F) Days on Feed _________
G) ADG (C/F) _________
Bobby Says….
Ask your leader what a mature weight for your heifer would be. Different breeds are different sizes. Here are some breed averages: Limousin 1450 lbs Gelbvieh 1300 lbs Hereford 1400 lbs Salers 1250 lbs Angus 1250 lbs Blondes Aquitaine 1300 lbs Charolais 1450 lbs Simmental 1400 lbs Maine Anjou 1600 lbs Shorthorn 1400 lbs
7
What’s Important? — Heifers
The purpose of heifers is to breed and have a calf every year for as long as possible. Look at three heifers and rank them according to the following traits.
Trait # 1 # 2 # 3
Soundness
Volume
Balance
Health
Temperament
Femininity/Udder
Project Animal Market Animal Heifer Continuation Heifer
Birth Date
Breed
Breed of Sire
Breed of Dam
Tattoos/Brand
Birth Weight
Comments: Breeding Date
Type of Breeding
Sire
Preg. Check Date
Birth Date
Calf Birth Weight
Sex
Tag/Tattoos/Brand
Tag
Project Start Weight
Project Finish Weight
Breaking Records
Record keeping is an important part of looking after and keeping track of cattle. Fill in the chart below. My 4-H Animals for the Year ______________________
Bobby’s Fun Facts
The average lifespan of a beef cow is 7 years. The oldest cow ever recorded was Big Bertha. She reached 48 in 1993. Big Bertha also holds the record for producing 39 calves.
Dig It The next three pages are for you to include pictures of your animals. Make sure to include the animals’ CCIA tag numbers. Since September 1st, 2006, all cattle need a Canadian Cattle Identification Agency Radio Frequency Identification Tag in order to be sold. Once your achievement is over, you may add in your results on these pages too.
8
From Farming
History…
The first purebred
herd registry was in Britain in
1822 for the
Shorthorn Breed.
My Beef Animal
CCIA Number:_______________________
Achievement Results: Selling Price:
More Cowbell
To learn more about the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency, visit their website at www.canadaid.ca
or phone them toll free at 1(877)909-2333.
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My 4-H Calf/Calves
In this picture: ______________________________________________________________ I want you to notice: _________________________________________________________
To make sure the CCIA tag stays in place: Step 1: Ensure the back of the tag matches
the front. Step 2: Use the correct tag applicator for the
brand of tag you are using. Step 3: Read the tag manufacturers directions
and apply in the ear as seen in the picture at left.
My Heifer:
CCIA Number:_______________________
Achievement Results:
10
In this picture: ______________________________________________________________ I want you to notice: _________________________________________________________
Age Verification
Age verification is the process of associating a birth date with an individual animal using and identification tag. Only animals born on your farm can be age verified. The main reason for
age verification is to access markets in Canada and internationally. To prove your animals have been
age verified, certificates can be printed.
My Cow & Calf Pair
CCIA Numbers: _________________________________ Achievement Results:
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What’s next?
Skill Builder 3 examines what and how much to feed your calf. You will create a ration to record what you have been feeding your animal. A ration is like a menu.
In this picture: ______________________________________________________________ I want you to notice: _________________________________________________________
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Dream it! Cows need to digest nutrients. Can you name some foods that can provide your 4-H animal with it’s essential nutrients? Work with a friend and search on the internet to help.
Do it!
Feed Tub
Fill in the blanks with the words from the box. _________________________ should always be available. A ______________ ration is used to accustom animals to the feed to prevent digestive problems. A ____________ ration is used to grow out the animal so the calf does not fatten at a light weight. _____________ rations are usually 80% grain and 20% roughage to get the calf ready for slaughter. Dark cutters are animals with ___________ that is darker than normal and has a shorter shelf-life. ________________ or concentrates are important for market animals to gain muscle mass. Excess _____________ on a carcass devalues the carcass, so overfeeding the animal is an expensive mistake.
Important Words
Watch out for these important words in
this builder: Microbes, Forage,
Ration
SKILLS CHECKLIST
Understand what cattle need to digest feed
Know where nutrients are found Calculate rations
Bobby Says….
Beef is served more often in restaurants than chicken and pork combined. What we feed our calves, can make a big difference in how the meat grades and tastes.
Nutrient Foods that Contain that Nutrient
Water
Energy
Protein
Vitamins
Minerals
Fat Finishing Grain Growing Muscle Starting Water
Skill Builder 3: Nutrition
If you have another 4-H animal you can fill this chart out for them.
Smashin’ Rations
When you multiply your calf’s weight by 0.03, you will know how much to feed your calf per day. If you add the numbers from Grain and Forage in each time period they should equal the amount of food you need to give your calf. To approximate the next time period’s start weight multiply the ADG from last builder by the number of days in the last time period and add it to the last start weight. Ask a parent or leader for help if you need it. Multiply the number of days in each time period by the amount of grain per day and place in row A. Find out the price/unit and place in row B. Multiply A x B and put this in the row C. Add up all the numbers in the row C. This is your total cost. The first two lines are an example.
Time Period Start Weight Weight x 0.03 Grain Forage Mineral/Salt
A) Total Feed
B) Price
C) A x B = Cost
It costs me $ ______________ to feed my 4-H calf.
Dec.2-Jan.5: 35 Days 750 lbs 22.5 10 12.5 Trace
Jan.5-Feb.9: 34 Days 840 lbs 25.2 11.2 14 Trace
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Time Period Start Weight Weight x 0.03 Grain Forage Mineral/Salt
A) Total Feed
B) Price
C) A x B = Cost
It costs me $_______________
to feed my ________________
Dig it! Do you think your 4-H calf will gain weight like you hope?
If not, what might prevent this?
What’s next?
Training a calf takes a lot of time so we’ll start early by beginning the process in the next builder. Halter breaking, leading, grooming, and showmanship are topics that we will explore.
Bobby’s Fun Facts!
Cows eat for 6 hours a day and chew their cud for another 8 hours.
Your 4-H calf will eat about 3% of it’s weight in feed every day.
The rumen (one of the four stomachs) can hold over 50 gallons.
14
Nutrient Hunt
Across
1. What a cow chews for eight hours a day
3. Unprocessed feed like grass and hay
6. This + Forage = 3% of your calf's body weight
8. Bacteria and protozoa that break down food in a cow's stomach
11. Keeps your animal healthy and helps it grow
13. The average amount of weight your animal needs to gain every day
14. A fixed portion of food 15. Keeps an animal warm
Down
2. The process of breaking down feed 4. An animal with four stomachs 5. Can come from a well, a sand point, a dug out, or be
hauled in 7. One of the main building blocks of the body 9. Calcium, salt, phosphorous, and potassium are important
ones 10. A and E are examples that should be regularly
supplemented 12. The number of stomachs a cow has
Dream it! Training a calf for show takes a lot of time and effort. Fill in the dates by when you would like to have each of the goals accomplished.
My achievement date is _______________________
Do it!
HALT!
To halter break an animal, you should use a good rope halter that is not frayed. The first few times, it will be easiest to put the calf in the chute to put the halter on. Comb and talk to your animal so that it can relax and come to enjoy having the halter on. Make sure to use a quick release knot to tie the halter to a sturdy post. See your Exploring Beef book or ask someone for help if you forget how. Never leave your calf unattended while halter breaking. Draw a halter on the calf’s head in the right position.
Important Words
Watch out for these important words in this builder: Quick
Release Knot, Blower, Fogger, Clipper
SKILLS CHECKLIST
Halter break a calf Teach a calf to lead Understand showmanship
procedures
15
Bobby Says….
The earlier you begin working with your calf, the calmer it will be for the show. You will also be more confident in your calf and be calmer too!
Date Goal
Halter Broke
Willing to Lead
Used to Grooming Procedures
Used to Show Cane
Used to Neck Tie
Used to Leather Halter
Used to drinking out of a water pail and eating out of a feed tub
More Cowbell!
Want more help with tying a quick release knot? Follow these links for more information: http://horses.about.com/od/basiccare/ss/quickrelease.html and
http://www.gaitedhorses.net/QRKnot.html
Skill Builder 4: Training
16
Show Time
There are lots of rules for showing cattle so the more you practice, the better you will do. Enter the ring going to your left (clockwise) and keep about one animal’s length between you and the calf in front of you. This will help you keep an eye on the judge and ring person for any directions they give you. If the calf in front of you stops, give it a tap or twist it’s tail to get it moving. The ring person will come over to help if it still won’t move. Do not pass an animal unless the judge or ring person tells you to. Make sure to set your animal up correctly with it’s feet squarely underneath and head alert. When showing a heifer, the udder should be shown off by having the back leg on the judge’s side to be back a little bit. When switching positions there are correct procedures to follow. Talk with your leader about them and draw on the diagrams below. Note: The numbers are at the animal’s head.
Walk On
When you begin leading your calf, lead it to places it might want to go, like food or water. Walk at a normal walking pace and don’t let the calf always lead you. When the calf is walking well you can introduce the show stick. Hold the show cane vertical while walking unless you need it to be horizontal to hold back your calf. The show stick has a variety of uses in the show ring. See if you can unscramble them.
TSE PU EFET __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ LULP UP LEVAN __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ CHATCRS TREBISK __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ TRACCHS YELLB __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ LUPL LAIT WOND __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ LOWS FALC NOWD __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
1 2 3 4 5 6
1 2 3 4 5 6
1 2 3 4 5 6 Move from 4th to 2nd
Your calf is restless and gets out of place, reset your calf in 3rd.
4th and 5th switch positions.
Think about this builder and the activities you did…
Review the skills checklist on page 15. What skills have you developed? Do you need more practice?
What’s next?
Good health is very important to ensure your calves can do what they are supposed to do (produce meat or breed). Vaccinations, disease, and health records will all be discovered in Skill Builder 5.
17
Date Achieved
Willing to Lead (Does not fight or spin in circles)
Used to Grooming Procedures (combing, blowing, fogging)
Used to Show Cane (Does not kick at it or jump away)
Used to Neck Tie
Used to Leather Halter
Used to drinking out of a water pail and eating out of a feed tub
Halter Broke (Does not fight with halter)
Dig it! As you actually achieve each of these goals, write in the date. Were your predicted dates from the Dream It! Section reasonable goals? If you didn’t get the goals accomplished as predicted, why not? Will you make any changes for next year?
Bobby’s Fun Facts!
One cowhide can produce enough leather to make 20 footballs or 18 soccer balls or 18 volleyballs or 12 basketballs.
From Farming History…
Cattle were extremely valuable to the pioneers in Canada. They were used for meat, milk, butter, and cheese. Their hides were used for leather. In 1677, there were about 3000 cattle in New France. Twenty years later, there were 10000.
Skill Builder 5: Health
Dream it! Fill in the chart below with what you already Know and Want to Know about keeping
cattle healthy. In the Dig It! Section, you will fill in the Learned column.
SKILLS CHECKLIST
Explain how cattle herds may get sick Use proper vaccination methods Understand the importance of records
Bobby’s Fun Facts!
Cattle are considered to have a fever when their temperature is above 39.1°C. You are considered to have a fever when your temperature is above 38.3°C Over 100 medicines used by humans come from cows.
Bobby Says….
Cattle can get sick with illnesses just like humans. Some of these are pink eye, pneumonia, ring worm, foot rot, and coccidiosis. Most illnesses are prevented by vaccines and proper management, but others need to be treated as they occur with medicines. Keep an eye on your herd for illness.
Important Words
Watch out for these important words in this builder:
Quarantine, Vaccinate, Immunity, Subcutaneous,
Intramuscular
18
When in a pasture, cattle should be rotated as to reduce overgrazing. Prevent animals from standing in the water to keep the water clean and healthy.
Know Want to Know Learned
Fun Facts!
19
Do it!
Immunity Challenge
The best way to keep your animals healthy is to prevent them having contact with diseases. Decide whether these statements are True, Sometimes True, or False. 1. New cattle should be vaccinated when they arrive on your farm. T ST F 2. New cattle should be quarantined for a month when they arrive. T ST F 3. Cattle cannot catch disease while at 4-H shows. T ST F 4. You should change your chore clothes and shoes before and after visiting another farm. T ST F 5. Rodents are the only animals that carry diseases to cattle. T ST F 6. If an animal is sick you should: A. put it down T ST F B. leave it with at least one other cow T ST F C. give it food, water, bedding, and shelter T ST F D. call the vet T ST F E. monitor it closely T ST F
SubQ vs. IM
Vaccinations expose people and animals to a harmless form of the disease so that the body can build immunity to it and prevent the disease. All injections go in the neck. Make sure to sterilize your supplies before and after vaccinating. When giving a vaccination, you should read the label carefully and check: How to give the vaccine (subcutaneous or intramuscular)
The expiration date
How to store it (most need to be kept in the refrigerator)
I am best at giving __________________ needles.
Intramuscular
Means “in the muscle” Put straight into the neck Practice with an orange by putting the needle right into orange.
Subcutaneous
Means “under the skin” Pull back skin (tent) and stick needle under skin Practice with rubber glove on orange Needle goes through rubber but not into orange.
What you will need: A needle, syringe, orange, rubber gloves
Healthy Records
Every time you give your animal some medicine, you should record it to make sure that you don’t give your calf too much or too little. It’s also good to keep track in case your animal gets sick so you know what it can and can’t be. An example is given in the first line.
What’s next?
Judging is part of most shows and the last builder will help you practice judging heifers and steers.
Dig it! Think about your Learning...
Review the Skills Checklist on page 18. What skills have you developed? Do you need more practice? Go back to the Dream It! Section and fill out the Learned column with what you have learned while doing this builder. Did you get all your questions answered from the Want to Know part? If not, ask your leader or research it until you find all the solutions.
20
Date Steer, Heifer,
Cow/Calf
Procedure or Disease Prevented
Medication, Treatment, Vaccination
Dosage
Route
Site
Withdrawal Time
Oct. 9
Steer Heifer
Blackleg Vaccination 5 cc SubQ Neck 60 days
Cost
$0.50
21
Skill Builder 6: Judging
Important Words
Look out for these important words in this
builder: Carcass, Comparative Form
Dream it! Create a mind map or web with whatever words come to mind about judging. Feel free to use pictures too. Include at least 10 bubbles. The web has already been started for you.
Bobby Says….
Judging beef is looking at live animals to compare and rank them. Feedlot owners judge animals to decide which ones are ready to sell. Order buyers judge animals to decide which ones to buy. It takes practice to know which animal will produce the best carcass.
A judge must “undress” the steer with their mind to see the meat below.
SKILLS CHECKLIST
Compare and contrast steers Compare and contrast heifers Correctly fill out a judging card
Judging
Steers Heifers
Ribs
Heart Girth
Fore flank Rear Flank
Round (Quarter)
Pins (Pin Bone)
Hooks (Hip Bone)
In order to judge 4-H animals, we
need to know the parts of their
body. Fill in the missing parts with the words below. Back Bridge of
Nose Dewclaw Dewlap Forehead Hock Hoof Jaw Loin Muzzle Neck
Pastern Point of
Shoulder Poll Rump Sheath Stifle Switch Tail Throat Top of
Shoulder
Brisket: If the brisket is deep and full, it is full of waste fat. Too much fat in the brisket usually means there will be waste fat in other parts of the carcass. Forearm: The forearm is all muscle and bone. If the forearm is bulging and muscular, it is a sign that the animal has well developed muscles all over its body
Flank: The flank contains no muscle, meat or bone. If the flank looks very full, it is full of waste fat Rump: A thick, round, full rump usually means the carcass will have lots of meat. A flat or square rump is an indicator of excess fat
Twist: An overly full looking twist is an indicator of waste fat
Next, use your hand to feel the animals rib area. There should feel like about 1 cm of fat over the ribs. Now feel the shoulder blade, there
should only be a thin layer of fat over this bone.
Now it’s time for you to be the judge. Compare four different market animals for finish. Were any of them over-finished? Under-finished? When looking for finish, I placed this group of market animals ____ ____ ____ ____ .
Steer in the Right Direction
An animal is “finished” when it has a good amount of fat covering throughout it’s body. If an animal is under-finished, it needs more time and feed. An over-finished animal has too much fat and this can lower it’s grade. To see if an animal is finished, we check the brisket, flank, twist, rump, and forearm for fat and muscle.
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The Ideal Steer From the front: stands wide and shows trimness in the brisket and neck. From the rear: has a rounded top with the widest point through the stifle. The legs stand wide apart and the twist shows evidence of muscle development From the side: the brisket and neck are trim, the top line is long and straight, the flanks and middle are trim. The animal looks balanced.
Heifers
In order for heifers to breed and have several calves, soundness is a key factor. Good feet and legs are required for mating and grazing in pasture. Volume, balance, muscling, udder development, and femininity are other aspects to consider when judging females. Label which set of legs are bow-legged, correct, and cow-hocked.
Carded
In the judging class, you will be asked to place 4 animals and give reasons for why you placed them the way you did. You will be asked to give two reasons for why you picked your first place animal over your second place animal, then why you chose your second place over your third, and your third over your fourth. Finally, you will be asked why you placed your last place animal last. The only time you are allowed to give a negative reason is when you are asked to write down why you placed your 4th place animal last. Pick four of anything (teddy bears, cake, tea cups, …) and fill out this practice judging form:
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Name: _________________________________ Age: __________________________ Class: _________________________________ Club: _________________________
1st: _________ 2nd: ____________ 3rd: ____________ 4th: __________ I place _________ over __________ because: _____________________________________ I place _________ over __________ because: _____________________________________ I place _________ over __________ because: _____________________________________ I place _________ last because: _________________________________________________
Bobby Says…
To make sure you are using the comparative form when describing the body parts, use “er” words like “longer,” “wider,” “deeper,” “stronger,” “straighter,” “smoother,” “thicker,” “stronger,” “trimmer,” or “meatier.” Do not use “better” or "best."
Create some reasons for judging heifers.
What’s next?
Now that you have finished all the builders in this project, it is time to think about and plan for the Showcase Challenge on page 25, which will help prepare for your 4-H Achievement. Page 27 is your Portfolio Page, where you can make sure your Discovering Beef Project Skills Chart is complete. There will also be space for you to write down some thoughts and reflections on the project (what you liked, didn’t like, etc.).
Thinking about this builder and the activities you did…
Review the skills checklist on page 21. What skills have you developed? Do you need more practice? What skills did you use to make this project a success?
Record it . . .
Discuss what you have learned with your leader so that the information can be recorded on your portfolio page.
Apply it . . .
How would you explain to others the steps you need to take to have a successful project?
Dig it! Use the comparative form of words (page 23) and different body parts (page 21) to create some phrases you might use while in a market animal judging class. Think about the important body parts. For instance, "I place 3 over 2 because 3 has a deeper loin than 2" is a good reason.
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More Cowbell!
To do some cyber judging, check out: www.ca.uky.edu/agripedia/agmania/livestock/
Now that you have finished this project, it is time to think about how you will share your experiences and knowledge with others. You may put your new skills to work by helping at a community event or at your club Achievement or teach-ing others about your topic. The goal of the Showcase Challenge is to help high-light your new skills and help you understand how you can use them. It can be an opportunity to receive feedback from others on your project. So go back through your manual and find some highlights of your learning (what you are proud of) and think about how you will “showcase” it.
Showcase Challenge Bringing it all together!
Demonstrate something you made or learned about
Make a scrapbook
Act out a play Make a video or slideshow
Give a speech Write a report
Use your new skills to help with the Club Achievement plans
Or come up with your own idea. It is up to you and your leader!
Dream It!
Here are some Showcase Challenge Suggestions:
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My Showcase Challenge Plan My showcase idea: __________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
What materials and resources do I need? _________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Who do I need to help me? ___________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
When do I need to have things done by? _________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
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Do It! Insert or attach your finished product or a photo of you sharing your skills in your Showcase Challenge.
Dig It! Now that you have showcased your project skills; How did your Showcase Challenge go?
What would you do differently next time?
How will you use your new skills in the future? (in different situations?)
Name: __________________ Date: _____________ Year in 4-H: ____ Club: ____________ Hours Spent on 4-H: ___(Project and Other 4-H Activities)
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Discovering Beef 1: Here’s The Beef Project Skills Chart To be completed by the leader and the member based on observations and
conversations throughout the project.
Skill Builder
Members will be able to… Each Skill Builder had a Skills Checklist which
identified the skill you will learn.
We know this because… Identify activities completed and record
observations and information from discussions about activities.
1
Know how to treat animals humanely Explain how to handle animals Illustrate the flight zone of cattle
2
Pick a 4-H calf and CCIA tag it Know how to calculate Average Daily
Gain Understand the importance of records
3
Understand what cattle need to digest feed
Know where nutrients are found Calculate rations
4
Halter break a calf Teach a calf to lead Understand showmanship procedures
5
Explain how cattle herds may get sick Use proper vaccination methods Understand the importance of records
6
Compare and contrast steers Compare and contrast heifers Correctly fill out a judging card
Additional Comments/Activities:
Showcase Challenge
Explain success in using the skills listed above.
My 4-H Portfolio Page
Leader Point of Praise!
I am most impressed by… I acknowledge that the member has completed the 4-H project requirements. Leader’s Signature: _______________________________
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Member Point of Pride!
What I learned… What I need to improve on… What I want others to notice… Member’s Signature: _______________________________
Above and Beyond! In addition to project skills, 4-H also increases skills in meeting management, communications,
leadership, community involvement through participation in club, area, or provincial 4-H events or activities. List below any activities you participated in this year in 4-H.
(Some examples include Executive Positions Held, Workshops, Communication, Community Service, Rally, Bonspiels, Conferences, Judging, Camps, Trips, Awards, Representation to Area or Provincial Councils, etc)
________________________________ ___________________________________
________________________________ ___________________________________
_______________________________ ___________________________________
________________________________ ____________________________________
________________________________ ___________________________________
________________________________ ____________________________________
**Feel Free to add additional pages that include awards, certificates, new clippings, photos or other items that describe your 4-H involvement.
Point of Praise! Another’s perspective on your achievements in 4-H. (community professionals, MAFRI staff, 4-H club head leaders, 4-H Ambassadors, friends of 4-H)
I am most impressed by… I believe that you have learned… In the future I encourage you to… Signature: _______________________________
4-H Achievement
4-H Achievement is… a 4-H club celebration when members have completed their projects. Achievements are planned by the club to give recognition to members and leaders for their accomplishments in their 4-H projects and club activities.
A 4-H Achievement can take many different formats: from choosing a theme, to member project displays, to members using their new skills for the event (entertainment, food, decorating, photographer, etc.), to members presenting their project to the whole group, the options are endless and open to the creativity of the members and leaders in each club! Clubs may also plan their Achievement to promote 4-H to the community or to recognize sponsors and others who have helped the club. Members and leaders - be sure to check your project books for the project completion requirements, so you will be ready for your club’s Achievement celebration!
For more information about 4-H and the many 4-H opportunities available please visit
http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/4-h/
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions for this or other 4-H projects contact:
Manitoba 4-H Projects
Manitoba Agriculture Food and Rural Initiatives 1129 Queens Avenue
Brandon, MB R7A 1L9
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 204-726-6613 Fax: 204-726-6260
This manual is for educational use only and is not intended as professional advice.
4-H Motto
“Learn To Do by Doing” 4-H Pledge
I pledge, My HEAD to clearer thinking, My HEART to greater loyalty, My HANDS to greater service, My HEALTH to better living, For my club, my community, and my country.
What is 4-H?
4-H is an international youth organization involving more than 7 million members in 80 countries around the world. In Canada, 4-H began in 1913 in Roland, Manitoba as a community-based organization dedicated to growth and development of rural youth. Today’s 4-H program reaches both farm and non-farm youth across Canada. The motto of “Learn to Do by Doing” is embodied in the program, as 4-H focuses on skill development as well as personal development of life skills such as communications, leadership and citizenship.
4-H Quality Equation Principles
Quality People Promote responsibility, respect, trust, honesty, fairness,
sportsmanship, citizenship, teamwork and caring. Quality Experiences
Provide members with personal development and skill development experiences.
Quality Projects Promote and value quality effort. Promote high quality, safe food production within industry standards.
Manitoba 4-H project material is developed by
Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives (MAFRI)