Project Guide for Registered Heifers
Limestone County Fair and Youth Livestock Show
March 26-29, 2014
Nutrition and Selection:
Nutrition:
 No particular feed that should be fed
 Heifers must have basic daily nutritional requirements:

Water

Protein

Energy

Minerals

Vitamins
 Balanced, commercially mixed feed that contains 12-13% crude protein and
contains 45-60% corn depending on the animal
 Heifers should gain 1.5-2.5% of body weight daily
 Feedings should be separated into morning and evening
 Feed should be fresh and consistent
 Make diet changes gradually
 Maintain a set daily feeding schedule
 Monitor heifer body conditions and adjust feed accordingly
Selection:
 1st step in buying a heifer: determine what breed the individual prefers
 Understanding the rules for show should play a part in selection
 Individual should determine whether or not they want “hair” breeds
 Long hair breeds require more work
 Age:

Heifers born on any day of the year can be purchased

Divided into classes based on age

Heifers can typically be shown until they are ~30 months of age as long as
they are pregnant or have a calf by their side

This rule may vary based on show
 Quality Considerations: the following considerations should be taken when selecting
a heifer:

Structural correctness (pay close attention to this feature)

Frame size

Muscle

Depth of body and capacity

Feminity

Overall balance and eye appeal
 Heifers can be purchased in a variety of ways:

Private treaty

Auction sales

Internet

Show oriented magazines
Time Management:
 Success of project is determined by the effort put into it.
 Daily care is just as important as nutrition and selection.
 Must pay attention to details.
 Daily grooming, washing, and practicing showmanship are important.
 Hair and skin care are a competitive advantage that exhibitors work hard to make
look good.
 SUCCESS COMES WITH HARD WORK!!!
County Show Rules:
 Registered heifers will be divided into 2 divisions, Exotic or British and American,
according to the amount of entries entered into the show. The Registered Heifer
Committee will divide the divisions.
 Animals will be divided into classes by age according to major show rules. Heifers
must be born 09/01/2011 and after
 All exhibitors must meet all requirements as set forth in the general rules of the
show.
 Registered heifers will be validated on 01/11/2014.
 Registered heifers must show breed registration papers at validation.
 Registered heifers must show proof of bangs vaccination at time of validation.
 Battery-operated clipping of heifers on the show grounds will be allowed for
cleaning up only.
 All registered heifers must be dehorned at the time of show.
 The Fair Board will consider paying premiums on the registered heifers, depending
on number of entries per class.
 Heifers must be shown in natural state.
 Any additional rules will be left to the committee in charge
 Registered heifers are released upon completion of Registered Heifer Show.
Major Show Rules:
 State Fair of Texas Rules:





http://www.bigtex.com/sft/LiveStock/documents/PremiumListCombined2013.pdf
Heart of Texas Fair & Rodeo Rules:
http://i.saffireevent.com/files.ashx?t=fg&f=13_GeneralRulesRegulationswithEntry
Fees.pdf&rid=HOTFair
Fort Worth Stock Show Rules:
http://www.fwssr.com/pdfs/2014LivestockPremiumList.pdf
San Angelo Stock Show Rules:
http://i.saffireevent.com/files.ashx?t=fg&f=ALL(17).pdf&rid=SanAngeloRodeo
San Antonio Stock Show Rules: http://www.
sarodeo.com/data/files/607/2014_livestock_premium_list-_full_document.pdf
Houston Stock Show Rules: www.rodeohouston.com
Ownership Requirements:
 All heifers must be registered in a breed association and have an
original set of papers during check-in at the show.
 Many shows have ownership deadlines for the heifers to be
registered in the name of the 4-H member.
 Heifers must have a breed approved form of permanent individual
identification (brand or tattoo) at time of show check-in.
Parts of a Heifer:
Tailhead
Back
Neck
Poll
Hook
Bone
Nose
Pin Bone
Muzzle
Hock
Brisket
Cannon Bone
Flank
Ribs
Dew Claw
Pastern
Shoulder