﻿SHRINKAGE OF WEIGHT OF BEEF CATTLE IN TBANSIT. 5 



the empty cars were weighed, the difference in the two weights being 

 the weight, of the stock. Each carload of cattle was then driven 

 pver the platform scales and weighed by the regular weighmaster 

 of the Southwestern Weighers' Association. The results of this check 

 weighing are tabulated here: 



Coinimriaon of weight of <-<ililc on railroad track scales and on phi /form scales 



at Fort Worth, Tr.r. 



Kin«l of stock. 



Number 

 of bead. 



Railroad 



track scale 



weight. 



Platform 



scale 

 wciglif . 



Calves 



65 



65 

 64 

 138 



Pounds. 

 12, 050 

 12, 650 

 12, 600 

 38, 150 



Pounds. 

 12, 050 



Do 



• 12, 850 



Do . 



12, 600 



Do 



38, 180 







Total calves 



332 



75,450 75,680 





29 

 35 



21,250 

 20, 150 



21,120 



Do < 



20, ISO 









64 



41, 400 



41,310 









An average of the weights of all the calves shows that they were 

 0.7 of a pound heavier when weighed on the platform scales than 

 they were on the track scales. The cows averaged 1.4 pounds lighter 

 on the platform scales than they did on the track scales. When ac- 

 count is taken of all the animals weighed, it is seen that there was 

 a difference of only 140 pounds on 396 head of cattle. These 

 weights signify the accurateness of the track scales when cars are 

 carefully weighed " cut loose " at each end and standing still upon 

 the scales. Track scales used at various points for weighing cattle 

 were officially tested at appointed intervals, or whenever there was 

 reason to believe they needed it. In all cases they were found to be 

 very accurate when proper precautions were taken about weighing. 



SHRINKAGE IN WEIGHT NOT THE SAME ON ALL CLASSES OF CATTLE 



Cattle for the market are divided into two general groups, range 

 or grass cattle and fed cattle. Each of these groups is subdivided 

 into the following classes: Calves, coavs, steers, bulls, and mixed 

 cattle. 



Range cattle are as a rule restless when penned for shipping and 

 continue so throughout the journey and while in the stockyards. 

 Being used to the open country and not accustomed to man on foot, 

 these cattle are frequently so nervous that they will eat and drink 

 very little if they arrive at the stockyards but a short time before 

 the market opens or while many people are walking about. It fre- 

 quently happens, however, that when they are unloaded in the dark 

 before people begin stirring in the yards, they will take a good fill. 



