Longhorn Chute Sheet Guide

1. Official Horn Measurement Standards

• Tip-to-Tip (TTT): Measure in a straight line from the absolute tip of one horn to the absolute tip of the other. Do not wrap the tape around the curves.
• Total Horn (TH): Start at one tip, follow the top baseline curve of the horn down to the skull, cross the poll, and follow the curve out to the opposite tip.
• Base Measurements (L Base / R Base): Wrap tape around the absolute base where the horn joins the skull. Record both separate metrics as they are frequently different.

2. Recommended Core Vaccination Schedule

• 7-Way or 8-Way Clostridial (Blackleg): Critical protection against sudden, fatal environmental spore tissue infections.
• Respiratory 4-Way (BRD/BVD/IBR/PI3): High-density shield against shipping fever, pneumonia, and respiratory stress.
• Reproductive Protection (Lepto/Vibrio Combo): Essential coverage to safeguard matrix dams against early embryonic death and silent abortion.
• Brucellosis (OCV / Bangs): Must be administered strictly by a licensed veterinarian to heifer calves between 4 and 12 months of age.

3. Targeted Vitamin & Mineral Injectables

• MultiMin 90 (Zinc/Copper/Selenium/Manganese): Premium fertility engine. Administer 4 weeks before turnout or AI protocols to bypass gut antagonists.
• Vitamin A, D & E Combo: Crucial for early spring turnout when pasture color is low. Optimizes liver reserves and maternal antibody transfer.
• Vitamin B-Complex: Targeted metabolic jumpstart. Use for stressed weanlings, sluggish bulls, or animals recovering from illness to stimulate appetite.

4. Pregnancy Check & Trimester Benchmarks

• Methods: Blood Testing (28+ days), Ultrasound (heartbeat/sex at 35-90 days), Rectal Palpation (manual vet check at 60+ days).
• 1st Trimester (Days 1-90): Fetus is mouse to cat-sized. High structural risk; handle dams with extreme care chute-side.
• 2nd Trimester (Days 91-180): Fetus scales from cat to small dog size. Uterus drops down. Core development phase.
• 3rd Trimester (Days 181-283): Rapid size acceleration. Monitor nutrition closely for calving ease and heavy colostrum.

5. The 30-Point Matrix [H|C|B|S|D]

Rank each 1-5 (5 is Elite). Total score identifies Foundation vs. Sale inventory.

• [H] Horn: Score for velocity (inches per month), direction, base thickness, and overall "wow" factor for the animal's age.
• [C] Color: Marketability and depth of pigment. Chrome, tri-colors, and unique patterns generally increase buyer demand.
• [B] Body: Correct physical structure. Look for a straight, strong back and a deep, powerful build that indicates health and longevity.
• [S] Size: Overall frame size relative to age. Proving growth efficiency and "doing ability" on your specific pasture.
• [D] Disposition: Behavior in the chute and pasture (1=Dangerous/Flighty, 5=Pet-like/Calm). Highly critical for herd safety.

6. Action Codes

• AI: Route to Strategic AI Matrix or specialized breeding pasture.
• ET: Designate as Recipient or Donor cow for Embryo Transfer protocols.
• W: Wean animal today. Move to designated weaning pens or groups.
• S: Steer bull prospect. Record weight and move to steer program.
• C: Cull or Consign. Animal is scheduled to leave the foundation herd for sale or market.
• V: Hold for Vet / Medical follow-up, re-testing, or specialized attention.
• F (Featured): Social Media or Website promotion. Mark this to update measurements, price, or "show off" a new look.