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AGRICULTURE FOR COMMON SCHOOLS 



If such a head is found on a steer in feeder condition, it is usually a 

 guarantee that he will make good use of feed and develop into a thick, 

 blocky individual when finished. A thick, short neck is desirable, not 

 because of its intrinsic value, but because it usually indicates a thick 

 carcass. 



A short, straight back indicates strong muscular development and 

 a tendency to mature early. Other things being equal, the steer with 

 the broadest and thickest back will be the most valuable, as the highest- 

 priced cuts of meat are taken from the back and loin. For this reason. 



64. A HIGH-GRADE STEER IN " FEEDER" CONDITION 



He made a daily gain of 3.08 pounds for six months in a feeding experiment 



By courtesy of the Indiana Experiment Station 



feeders should be selected which will develop wide, thick backs in order 

 that they may sell for top prices when fat. A desirable depth of body 

 and spring of rib result not only in a greater proportion of high-priced 

 meat but also give the steer the capacity for a large development of vital 

 organs and ample room for a large digestive system without any ten- 

 dency to paunchiness. 



Capacity for feed is essential in a feeder, as the body must be main- 

 tained and provided with heat and energy before any of the food is stored 

 in the form of fat. All that the steer can consume, digest, and assimilate 

 above maintenance requirements is used for production; hence the 



