94 TYPES AND MARKET CLASSES OF LIVE STOCK 



point of the feeder. As a rule, open heifers make greater gains 

 because of the setback caused by the operation of spaying. Once 

 recovered from the operation, the spayed heifers gain faster, 

 but do not reach as large weights as open heifers. The recur- 

 rence of heat in open heifers and their restlessness at that time 

 retards the gains made, as compared with spayed heifers re- 

 covered from the operation. Spayed heifers are said to yield 

 beef of slightly higher quality. Spaying entails a certain expense 

 and there is danger of mortality. The general practice is not 

 to spay when it is possible to separate the heifers and feed them 

 in a lot by themselves. When it is desired to feed heifers along 

 with steers, it is desirable that they be spayed, otherwise the 

 recurrence of heat causes considerable commotion among the 

 cattle, decreasing the gains made and increasing the cost. 



