SHRINKAGE OF WEIGHT OF BEEF CATTLE IX TEA X SIT. 
5 
the empty ears were weighed, the difference in the two weights being 
the weight of the stock. Each carload of cattle was then driven 
over the platform scales and weighed by the regular weighmaster 
of the Southwestern Weighers' Association. The results of this check 
weighing are tabulated here: 
Comparison of weight of cattle on railroad track scales and on platform scales 
at Fort Worth, Tex. 
Kind of stock. 
Number 
of head. 
Railroad Platform 
track scale scale 
weight. ; weight. 
65 
65 
64 
138 
Pounds. 
12, 050 
12, 650 
12, 600 
38, 150 
Pounds. 
12, 050 
12, 8-50 
12, 600 
38, 180 
Do 
Do '. 
Do 
Total calves 
332 
75, 450 
75, 6S0 
Cows 
29 
35 
21.250 
20, 150 
21, 120 
20, 190 
Do 
Total cows 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, cows, 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. 
