TYPES AND MARKET CLASSES OF LIVE STOCK 105 



legs. Big, sprawling brands affect the value of the hide. When 

 determining upon the price, remember to consider the amount 

 of fill the cattle will carry to the scales. In buying at the large 

 markets, avoid "stale" cattle, which means those that have 

 been on the market several days and are too well filled. Watch 

 the droppings for evidence of grain feeding, and give preference 

 to grass-fed cattle as they are usually more thrifty and respond 

 better to grain feeding. A steer that has had grain to put him 

 in feeder condition may be looked on with suspicion. He may 

 be a hard feeder and poor doer. Go to the market and accom- 

 pany the commission man when he selects and buys your feeders. 

 You will learn much from your visit to the market and the com- 

 mission man will be aided by knowing exactly the kind of cattle 

 you want. 



Advantages of cattle feeding. The reasons for fattening 

 a steer are" many and important, even though feeding does not 

 increase the lean meat or muscle. They are as follows: 



1. Feeding increases the value of the steer. 



(a) Adds weight to the animal. 



(b) Improves the form and appearance. 



(c) Increases the dressing percentage. 



(d) Covers the carcass with fat so that it may be held 

 in the cooler long enough to ripen. 



(e) The marbling expands the lean meat, making the 

 steer thicker in all his cuts. 



(f) Makes the beef more tender and juicy. 



(g) Fat beef cooks much better than lean beef, 

 (h) Fat meat is more nutritious than lean meat. 



2. Utilizes as feed much that would otherwise be waste 

 on the farm. 



3. Gives employment to labor when other farm work is 

 slack. 



4. Makes easily possible the maintenance and improve- 

 ment of soil fertility. 



5. Cattle feeding, properly managed, is a profitable enter- 

 prise. 



