Official Publication, North Dakota Beef Cattle Improvement Association
July 2000 -- Volume 5, Number 2    

Heifer project attracts entries from 12 herds.

• By JAMES ODERMANN Editor

A total of 368 heifers from 12 beef production herds have been entered in the 1997-98 Heifer Development Project, co-sponsored by the North Dakota Beef Cattle Improvement Association and the Dickinson Research Extension Center.

The heifers will all be managed the same until their health is in line and they are gaining at a respectable level, Research Specialist Keith Helmuth said. "After that, we will break the heifers into four research groups." The four tests are as follows:

• Test 1 - a stair step feeding program which will consist of periods of moderate gain, no gain and compensatory gain in an effort to improve milking ability.
• Test 2 - a comparison of oat hay versus oat-pea hay.
• Test 3 - a low input study comparing long stem hay versus ground hay.
• Test 4 - an early puberty study

The NDBCIA board approved two breeding dates for 1998: an AI date for May 20 and a natural service date for June 9. An option allowing consignors to take heifers home early following breeding is being considered. The goal is still to keep costs under $250 per heifer.

Helmuth said several individuals were turned down. "It is kind of a compliment to us that we had more requests for room; yet it was kind of sad that we had to turn away some producers because we couldn't handle all of the cattle--particularly for the breeding and summer pasture time."

• Individuals wanting more information can contact the NDBCIA, 1133 State Avenue, Dickinson, ND 58601. Telephone: 701-483-2348. Email: ndsu.chaps@ndsu.edu