CHAPTER XV 

 MARKETING CATTLE WHEN FINISHED 



The marketing of beef cattle when finished is much 

 influenced by such conditions as proximity to or dis- 

 tance from the market, and the method of reaching the 

 same, by the degree of finish made or that can be made, 

 and by the number of animals finished in any given 

 locality. One man may find his best market almost at 

 his door and another may find his thousands of miles 

 away. The ranchman must sell his cattle as the grass 

 finishes them whether as stockers or for beef, while the 

 farmer may finish his for the best markets. Where but 

 few animals are fattened, the markets are restricted for 

 reasons given below (see page 292), while under con- 

 ditions the opposite marketing is usually of very easy 

 accomplishment. 



This chapter considers: (i) Season for marketing; 

 (2) Choice of markets; (3) Preparing the animals for 

 shipment; (4) Care while in transit; (5) Shrinkage in 

 transit; and (6) Disposal at the stockyards. 



Season for marketing. — The season at which the 

 animals shall be marketed should be determined, as far 

 as this may be possible, when the cattle are put upon 

 feed. Unless such determination is at least approx- 

 imately made, it would not be possible to adjust the food 

 requirements to the needs of the animals. The skilled 

 feeder can make a close appro.ximation as to the time 

 necessary to bring the animals to be fed to the finish 

 sought, and also as to the amount of food required to 

 accomplish the same. To be compelled to sell cattle 

 unfinished because of the shortage in food supplies or to 

 buy food in a high market in order to make a better 

 finish, may result in much loss. 



