Booth Id:
ANIM045
Category:
Animal Sciences
Year:
2026
Finalist Names:
Ferguson, Abagail (School: Tioga High School)
Abstract:
The purpose of the experiment was to see if FerAppease had an effect on calves during times of stress. The procedure for this experiment is as follows: Once calves are separated from mother, load one in the cattle shute. Once the calf is in the shute, determine if they will get FerAppease or not. This project was done using every other calf. Record the ear tag number, weight, FerAppease or No FerAppease, and level of calmness. If they are getting FerAppease, apply 5cc to the calves poll, and above their nose. Continue steps 1-4 with the remainder of the calves. Continually monitor the calves physical condition for a month. The results for this experiment supported my hypothesis. The average daily gain for the group of calves with FerAppease was 2.24 pounds/day. The average daily gain for the group of calves without FerAppease was 1.97 pounds/day. In conclusion, this experiment supported the hypothesis that calves with FerAppease applied had a higher average daily gain than calves without FerAppease. Ranchers can use this information to determine if they would like to incorporate FerAppease applications on their calves during times of stress, such as weaning or vaccinating. If calf prices were $4/pound and calves with FerAppease gained on average 0.27 pounds per day more than non FerAppease calves and the weaning period was 45 days, that equates to an extra $48.60 per calf. FerAppease application costs are $3/head, so the increased weight gain paid for the application costs. Based on these results, FerAppease is a sound management practice that helps reduce stress on cattle and improves ranchers bottom line.
Awards Won: