218 FARM ANIMALS 
cattle along until in the range of two years of age is still 
the more popular. This custom more nearly meets the 
conditions of the average farm on which beef cattle are 
raised. The steer is, by nature, a good instrument for 
converting large quantities of coarse or bulk food into 
meat. Compared with the pig, the baby beef steer ren- 
ders a less satisfactory account of the grain it consumes. 
For this reason doubtless this pig competitor will limit 
the extent to which baby beef will be produced. 
YounG FEEDERS SELECTED FOR FEED LOT 
When calves are fed that they may be ready for market at around 
two years of age their first winter’s food should be such as will secure 
favorable growth and keep them steadily on the gain. The manner 
of feeding will depend on the roughage. In the spring these calves 
will go on grass, and if the pasture is good, grain will ordinarily 
not be fed. If hot, dry weather cuts short the pasture, light grain 
feeding will be advisable. The skillful farmer will watch these 
matters as they arise and meet them in accordance with his best 
judgment, which will be influenced very largely by the amount, 
kind, and market value of the grain on hand, and the cost incidental 
to obtaining a supply of commercial feeds. During the second win- 
ter the steers will be fed on hay, stover, and silage if available, and 
grain. The steers should be allowed to eat all the roughage food 
they want. If alfalfa, clover or other legume hay is fed, more corn 
