Types and Market Classes of Live Stock 135 



Choice feeders. — Steers of this grade will, under proper manage- 

 ment, develop into choice and prime beef steers. They possess the 

 ability to make economical gains in flesh. Choice feeders compared 

 to fancy selected feeders are somewhat deficient in some one point, 

 such as form, quality, or uniformity, or they are slightly deficient in 

 several points. They must show evidence of good breeding, and every- 

 thing considered they are excellent cattle for feeding purposes. Most 

 of the best feeder steers on the market grade as "choice" rather than 

 as "fancy selected." 



Good feeders. — These possess in less degree the qualities which 

 characterize choice and fancy selected feeders. They are not so thrifty, 

 have not as good conformations, and carry a smaller percentage of 



Fig. 42. — Good feeder steer. 



good breeding. They are easily criticized, for they are too long of leg, 

 too narrow across the back, and either too fine or too heavy in bone. 

 Good feeders will finish into good beef steers, or perhaps may make the 

 choice grade. 



Medium feeders. — These are very much lacking in form, quality, 

 and constitution, and very seldom grade higher than medium when 

 fattened. Many of them are off-colored and spotted, indicating dairy 

 or inferior breeding. 



Common feeders. — These are common in quality, conformation, 

 and condition. Dairy-type steers classify here. 



Yearling stockers. — Many thin, light-weight yearling steers are 

 available as stockers and are quoted in market reports as "yearling 

 stockers." They are such cattle as will, after a summer on grass, or 



