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  **   Jansen-Tusha 2010-2011 FFA SAE Project   ** We are doing a cooperative Supervised Agriculture Experience (SAE). Our project is focusing on raising a group of 14 Holstein and Holstein-Angus cross calves. Throughout our project, we will weigh our calves, and using this information we will calculate the daily gain of the calves. Using this, we will figure which breed of cattle gains weight faster. On December 27, the calves were switched from their corn silage and hay ration onto a tenderleen ration. Tenderleen is a pellet that is ground together with corn to produce a mixture that is high in energy and protein. The tenderleen is stored in a creep feeder, so the calves have a constant availability of feed. To compensate for the lack of fiber in the tenderleen mixture, the calves will have free choice of hay, and also have SMVV mineral supplements available. We will hopefully be weighing the calves for the first time this Saturday, February 12. We will be loading the calves and transporting them to the Freeman Veterinarian Clinic. Besides being weighed, the calves will also be castrated, tagged, and vaccinated for Pneumonia and other illnesses. We will hopefully weigh the calves again in 3 weeks or so. For this project, We have equally split the responsibility of preparing facilities and caring for the calves. Franky and I cooperatively set up the pen for the calves, transport the calves to Freeman, and grind the Tenderleen mixture for the calves. I have been responsibility for checking on the calves daily, and also replacing the calves bedding and hay supply. All of the financial parts of the project are being handled by David Jansen and Brian Leithesier, due to them being the owners of the calves. The hay, corn, straw, and mineral supplements are also being supplied by them. We have high hopes for this project, and can’t wait to see the results. It has been and will continue a great learning experience for us. Our SAE, will help us decide what cattle to focus on in our FFA projects in the coming years. Ron Roskens, the owner of Roskens Feed Supply, is very interested in the outcome of our project, and has given us many ideas for future projects.