Types and Market Classes of Live Stock 133 



handy weights, medium weights, and heavy weights. Light-weight 

 calves under 110 pounds are most numerous in April and May, and as 

 the season progresses the calves received at the markets gradually be- 

 come heavier. Handy weights, ranging from 110 to 190 pounds, are 

 preferred, the best carrying high finish and weighing from 140 to 160 

 pounds. Medium weights from 190 to 260 pounds are preferred to 

 light weights. Heavy weights over 260 pounds bring the lowest 

 prices. 



The grades of veal calves are choice, good, medium, and common, 

 chiefly according to condition, weight, and age. Following are the 

 general requirements of the various grades: 



Grade Condition Weight Age 



Choice well fatted 120-160 lbs 4- 8 weeks 



Good fat 110-200 lbs 4-10 weeks 



Medium medium fat 100-240 lbs 3-12 weeks 



Common thin 80-450 lbs wide range 



As shown above, the choice grade includes only handy-weight 

 calves in high condition. The good grade includes handy weights and 

 the best and lightest medium weights. The medium grade includes 

 all except heavy weights. The common grade includes all weights. 

 Lack of either high condition or desired weight consigns the calf to 

 the lower grades. 



The largest run of veal calves occurs in the late spring, reaching 

 its peak in May. The veal calves annually slaughtered in the United 

 States are about one-half as many as the cattle slaughtered for beef, 

 but their total dressed weight is only about one-tenth of the dressed 

 weight of the cattle. A much larger percentage of veal calves than of 

 cattle is slaughtered on farms and in small establishments not under 

 federal inspection. 



Stockers and Feeders 



Stockers and feeders include calves, yearlings, two-year-olds, and 

 older cattle. This class includes steers, heifers, cows, and bulls. There 

 is no sharp line of distinction between stockers and feeders; the same 

 kind of cattle may sell on the same day for both stock and feeding 

 purposes. In a general way, however, the difference between a stocker 

 and a feeder is that the stocker is usually a younger, lighter, thinner, 

 and lower priced animal, commonly used for wintering on corn stalks 

 and other roughage, or for spring, summer, and fall grazing, with little 

 or no grain. After stockers have acquired more condition and weight 

 in this manner, they may be returned to market as grass cattle or 

 they may be kept and fattened on a grain ration before returning them. 

 In the latter case they first become feeders and finally fat cattle before 

 they are again sold. 



