38 TYPES AND MARKET CLASSES OF LIVE STOCK 



The best way to determine the state of fatness of an animal 

 is to use the hands in the manner mentioned above. This can 

 be done rapidly, yet thoroughly, by a vigorous handling along 

 the top and down over the ribs and shoulders. Other means of 

 determining the condition consist of examinations of the cod, 

 hind flank, and tongue-root. At these points the fat tends to 

 accumulate extensively, and they are, therefore, good indices 

 of condition. After castration, the scrotum with its content 

 of fat is called the cod. Thin steers show very little fullness 

 of co.d, while fat ones have the cod completely filled with fat. 

 Thin animals also exhibit a very light hind flank. At the begin- 

 ning there may be little more than a fold of skin; when fat, this 

 part fills out remarkably full and heavy. By placing the flat of 

 the hand beneath it and lifting, the quantity of fat in the flank 

 is easily determined. When a fat steer walks, there is a char- 

 acteristic roll or swell to the flank as the hind leg swings forward. 

 This is not noticeable in a thin animal. The thickness of the 

 tongue-root may be determined by grasping the part with the 

 thumb and fingers. 



Some individuals fatten smoothly, with no special ten- 

 dency to bunch the fat in patches or rolls at certain points, 

 while others become "roily," or "patchy," in spite of all the 

 feeder's skill. Patches and rolls are most often found about 

 the tail-head and end of the rump, along the ribs, and at the 

 edge of the loin. The occurrence of these is highly undesirable; 

 they indicate an improper distribution of fat, give the animal 

 a rough appearance, and, when the animal is slaughtered, the 

 carcass is discounted, for then the bunches of fat are very evident 

 and the appearance is spoiled. The fatter the steer becomes, 

 the greater is the tendency toward patchiness, yet many animals 

 begin to exhibit this defect before they are really ripe and ready 

 for market. 



Style has actual market value in a fat steer. A stylish 

 steer is one that stands squarely on his feet, with his back level, 

 head well up, and eyes and ears attentive to what is going on 

 about him. This does not mean a nervous animal, but a wide- 

 awake one, full of life, and seemingly interested in the things 

 about him. When he walks, he does it easily and without 

 awkwardness. Other things being equal, such a steer will 

 attract buyers much more quickly than an animal that slouches 

 while standing, showing a pronounced dip in the back, and 

 having an awkward stride when in motion. These two animals 



