80 Types and Market Classes of Live Stock 



Chicago. Steers are sold in Chicago that were born in Texas, matured 

 in Montana, and finished in an Iowa feed-lot. Sheep often experience 

 similar wanderings before reaching market, but hogs usually come 

 direct from the farm on which they were farrowed. 



Average carloads.-'-Reports of stock yards and railroads show that 

 the average number of meat animals to the carload is for cattle about 

 25, hogs in single-deck cars about 75, and sheep about 120 per deck. 

 These figures represent mere averages. The number of animals per 

 car varies greatly depending on the age and size of the animals. For 

 example, a stock car 36 feet long will hold 55 calves weighing 400 

 pounds each, 35 yearlings weighing 700 pounds, 25 cattle averaging 

 1,000 pounds, 21 cattle weighing 1,200 pounds, or 19 cattle weighing 

 1,400 pounds each. 



Shrinkage of beef cattle in transit.-r-In an investigation made in 

 1913 by W. F. Ward of the U. S. Bureau of Animal Industry, ^ cattle 

 in transit less than 24 hours shrank from 2.05 to 3. 91 per cent. Those 

 in transit from 24 to 36 hours shrank from 3.46 to 6.37 per cent. Those 

 in transit from 36 to 72 hours shrank 3.88 to 5.40 per cent. Those in 

 transit over 72 hours shrank from 3.96 to 7.00 per cent. These figures 

 are based on weight at origin and "filled" weight at market. 



The fill.^Commission men who sell live stock on the large markets 

 are always careful that the cattle consigned to them get plenty of hay 

 and water before they are offered for sale. This is called the "fill," 

 and it is important because it has a quieting effect on the cattle, corrects 

 the gaunt appearance caused by shipping, and adds weight to the 

 animal. The buyer estimates the fill in various ways, particularly by 

 the degree of paunchiness. Hence the fill does not constitute a fourth 

 factor of the dressing percentage, but is included under paunchiness. 

 On hot days when cattle take a heavy fill of water, buyers stay off the 

 market as long as possible. 



Monthly weights of Chicago cattle. — The writer tabulated the 

 average monthly weights of cattle at Chicago for ten years, 1913 to 

 1922 inclusive, and then determined the monthly averages for the entire 

 ten-year period. The average weight for April at 1,002 pounds was 

 highest, and the average October weight at 959 pounds was lowest. 

 The general average for the ten years was 981 pounds. Following are 

 the ten-year averages for all months: ^ 



^U. S. Dept. Agr. Bui. 25, pp. 73, 74. 



^Compiled from Drovers Journal Year Books of Figures. 



