Types and Market Classes of Live Stock 



117 



for all he is worth. The other kind fail to make a good impression at 

 first sight, and on a crowded market this may mean much. 



10. Uniformity in size and color adds much to the attractiveness 

 of a load of cattle, and in buying feeders this point is worthy of atten- 

 tion. They look better in the feed-lot, and an even load of steers 

 attracts more attention on the market than does a mixture of all sizes, 

 colors, and sorts. 



Other factors. — In addition to the foregoing, other points may well 

 be considered in selecting feeders. Avoid cattle that have cuts, sores, 

 or lumps on them anywhere, especially those showing lumpy jaw. 

 Avoid blind steers, lame ones, and those with crooked 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 



Fig. 29. — Fancy feeder calves. 



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 accompany the commission man when he 

 buys your feeders. You will learn much from your visit to the market 

 and the commission 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 

 proportion of lean meat or muscle. They are as follows: 



