56 N. C. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 



Feeders which class as medium consist of steers weighing from 900 to 

 1,000 pounds. They are fairly uniform in size, although the type varies 

 to a limited extent. The breeding is more uniform than that of the com- 

 mon grades. They possess more natural flesh or muscle than common 

 feeders and they are smoother and more uniform in maturing. This class 

 of cattle for the average feeder, especially the beginner, will give very 

 satisfactory results as they can generally be purchased at a reasonable 

 price and sold at a figure sufficient to clear the feeder without the neces- 

 sity of straining market quotations. 



The good to choice grade of feeding cattle consists of steers weighing 

 from 950 to 1,100 pounds. They are of uniform breeding, average well 

 in size, type and color, possess considerable quality, are smooth and well 

 muscled and finish evenly. This grade of cattle goes mostly to Virginia 

 feeders who bid the highest prices for them. These cattle are generally 

 finished on corn and sold at the central shipping points for prices con- 

 siderably higher than the quotations on local markets. 



The above classification has not been given with the idea that it is 

 exhaustive or complete but for the cattle feeders of this State it will 

 serve as a rough guide in selecting cattle for fattening purposes. 



Selection and Cost of Feeders. 



The selection and purchase of feeding cattle should receive very care- 

 ful attention. This is one of the most important factors in making a 

 success of the feeding business. "No matter how well a steer may be 





FIG. 4. A steer with sufficient weight, but one with a low dressing per- 

 centage. The back is low, the ribs are too flat, the rear quarters are 

 light, and the paunch contains too much offal. 



fed and cared for, if the margin between the buying and selling price 

 is not properly adjusted, loss is certain. Too much emphasis can not be 

 placed on this point. The grade of feeders purchased will necessarily 

 determine the price within certain limits. The class of cattle to be fed 



