Use of Technology in WV Career Development Events

The use of all electronic devices; including but not limited to cell phones, BlackBerries, PDAs, MP3 players, programmable calculators; are prohibited during all West Virginia Career Development Events.  If an event requires the use of calculators, the event coordinator will provide exact specifications on the type(s) of devices (including functions) that will be permitted.

 Failure to comply with this regulation will result in the elimination of the entire team from competition.  A letter will be sent to the school principal and superintendent by the state staff detailing the reasons for the dismissal.

 Use of Reference Materials in WV Career Development Events

Students participating in West Virginia Career Development Events are prohibited from bringing reference materials, paper, and/or other aids into the contest area unless the materials/aids are specified by the event coordinators in the official rules and regulations.  The exception, all students are permitted to use a standard clipboard.  Cover sheets will be provided for all contestants in all contests.  Contestants participating in contests with oral reasons will be provided two sheets of unlined white paper to take notes. 

 Failure to comply with this regulation will result in the elimination of the entire team from competition.  A letter will be sent to the school principal and superintendent by the state staff detailing the reasons for the dismissal.

Teams of Less than Three Members

Students may compete in a Career Development Event even if their school does not have a full team (3 or 4 members).  If a school has less than 3 team members, the students are only eligible for individual awards. A school may enter only one team (maximum 4 students) per event. (Passed 11/6/2006)

Dairy Cattle

The plaque to the winning team in the dairy cattle judging contest is donated by Division of Animal and Veterinary Science, Davis College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Consumer Sciences.

The Dairy contest will consist of:

1. The Dairy Management Exercise.  This will consist of a 20-question written test involving all aspects of dairy herd management.  50 points.  Students will have 14 minutes to complete the exercise. Dairy Cattle Science by Ensminger and Livestock and Poultry Production by Lee et al will be the primary references.
2.  Pedigree Class.  One class of pedigrees (no animals present) will be evaluated.  Pedigree evaluation will constitute the equivalent of one placing class. 50 points.  Students will have 14 minutes to complete the exercise.

 Pedigrees are to be evaluated on the following criteria:

1.  Ranking of pedigrees will be scored on the basis of 50 points for a perfect placing.

2. Pedigrees are of value to the degree they indicate the animal's ability to transmit production and type traits to its offspring. Completeness (number of daughters or records), accuracy (predictability), level of performance (type and production) and profitability are factors to consider in evaluating pedigrees.

3. The following examples may serve as guides in evaluating pedigrees.  These are placed 1‑2‑3‑4.

3. Sire Selection Exercise.  Linear descriptive traits for one cow and sire summary information will be used to make corrective mating.  50 points. Four bulls will be ranked.  Students will have 14 minutes to complete this exercise.

4.  Linear Evaluation.  Two cows will be evaluated on type using the Holstein Association Linear Descriptive Traits Recording Worksheet.  This includes the 15 major traits which are included in the uniform type traits evaluation system.  50 points. Students will have 14 minutes to complete this exercise.

5. Judging

1. Classes of dairy cattle to be judged:  Three classes of milking age cows judged on type, one class of heifers judged on type.  Oral reasons will be given on one cow class.

2.  Each class will be composed of four cows or heifers and should be judged from the viewpoint of dairy  type.  Placement to be made as classes are seen on the day judged. Animals will be identified by number in the ring. 

3. Scantron Score Sheets will be supplied.  Twelve minutes will be given to placing each class, except 15 minutes will be allowed for the class to be judged on reasons and type.  At least 12 minutes will be allowed to prepare for oral reasons.  This time will be between the time animal judging is completed and contestants begin to give reasons.

4. Five points will be deducted from the placing score if the breed name is misspelled.

5. Contestants will be required to give oral reasons on a minimum one class.  Each contestant will be allowed no more than two minutes per class to present reasons.

6. Only those participating in the contest shall be permitted in or near the contest area during the contest, unless he/she is assisting with the contest.

7.  No notes permitted when giving reasons.

 POINTS FOR COMPARISON*

•  Frame (15%)
  Attractive and alert with femininity, vigor, stretch, scale and a nice blending and proportioning  of the various parts. 

• Feet and Legs (15%)

  Legs strong and straight.

•  Dairy Character (20%)
  Angular and open without weakness.  Free from beefiness and coarseness;  the stage of lactation being considered.  Hair and hide of good quality.

•  Body Size and Capacity (10%)
  Good size for breed, with deep barrel, large heart girth, well sprung ribs, and deep, refined flank

• Mammary System (40%)
  Udder long, wide and of moderate depth.  Extended well forward.  Strongly attached, with level floor.  Rear attachment high and wide.  Evenly balanced quarters.

   Teats uniform and of convenient length and size.  Cylindrical in shape, well apart and squarely placed.

   Texture - Looks soft and pliable.

   Mammary Veins long, large, crooked and branching.  Veins on udder numerous.

   *Adopted from score card approved by the Purebred Dairy Cattle Association.

 References: 

• Dairy Cow Unified Score Card - Purebred Dairy Cattle Association.

• Breed Club Judging Pamphlets

• Dairy Cattle Judging Techniques, George W. Trimberger

• Judging Dairy Cattle, E. S. Harrison

 Teachers should instruct the students as to how to use the scantron score sheets.

Please refer to the National Career Development Events Bulletin for sample of the following or you may contact Dr. Robert Dailey; Recording Worksheet, Pedigree Class, Traits, and Herd Summary.

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