102 TYPES AND MARKET CLASSES OF LIVE STOCK 



ness for a time, and is not advisable if cattle are to be put on 

 feed immediately, except in the case of calves or yearlings that 

 are to be given a long feed. 



3. Quality. The indications of quality in beef cattle have 

 been discussed. Quality and good breeding are usually found 

 in company, and good breeding surely "tells" in the feed-lot. 

 Quality also insures smoothness and a higher dressing percentage, 

 points of much importance in the eyes of the buyer of fat cattle. 

 Coarse, staggy heads and necks indicate late castration. Stags 

 sell at a discount on the fat steer market. 



4. Constitution and thrift. A wide, deep chest, full heart- 

 girth, and deep, broad body are evidences of a strong constitu- 

 tion. Avoid that steer which has quality carried to the point 

 of delicacy, as only vigorous, rugged cattle make big gains on 

 feed. When choosing between two steers, one of which is too 

 refined in head, hide, and bone, and the other a trifle too rugged, 

 or what might be termed slightly on the coarse order, it will 

 usually be wisest to select the more rugged steer; he will usually 

 consume more feed, gain more consistently, and make his gains 

 at less cost than will the over-refined animal. 



A thrifty, healthy steer makes known the fact in a bright, 

 clear eye, sleek coat of hair, and a loose, sappy hide. He is 

 wide awake and gives evidence that he "feels good." Avoid 

 the steer with the small, dull eye, tight hide, dry, staring coat, 

 hanging head, and lifeless gait. Red blood and good health 

 indicate ability to assimilate feed and make gains. 



5. Natural fleshing. This refers to lean meat or muscle. 

 As previously pointed out, feeding does not add muscle to an 

 animal; the muscle must be born on the steer. The cattle 

 feeder's job is to fatten beef, and he must buy the beef or muscle 

 when he buys his steers. Look for muscular necks, backs, 

 loins, and rounds. Such steers bring the best prices when 

 properly fattened. 



6. Condition counts in judging feeders. The more fat a 

 feeder steer carries, the quicker and cheaper he may be finished. 

 Other things being equal, fleshy feeders are more desirable than 

 very thin ones. Furthermore, if the steer is too thin he cannot 

 class as a feeder, but instead is classed as a stocker." Stockers 

 are thin enough to make gains in condition on grass or roughage. 

 Feeders carry more flesh and are ready for the feed-lot. Exper- 

 ienced cattle men buy as much condition as possible when they 

 buy their feeders. 



