MAKKET CLASSES AND GRADES OF CATTLE 
25 
to the degree of perfection of one or more of its various parts, still 
the grade of an individual animal or group of animals occupies a 
specific point within the range. 
In the description of the grades of slaughter cattle which follows 
no attempt is made to describe all of the possible combinations of 
the various degrees of perfection of the various characteristics and 
of the various parts of an animal listed on the chart, which different 
animals of the same grade may possess. 
In each instance, the grade description given is for an animal 
which may be considered as typical of the grade and whose degree 
of perfection of each individual characteristic given under the head- 
ing "General description," as well as the degree of perfection of 
the conformation and finish of each individual part shown under 
Fig. 1. — Prime grade slaughter steer 
the heading " Detail description," are the same, both of which place 
the animal at a point about midway of the range for the grade, 
beinir neither the best nor the poorest animal which might fall 
within that grade. 
GRADES OF SLAUGHTER STEERS 
There are seven grades of slaughter steers: Prime or Xo. Al, 
choice or Xo. 1, good or Xo. 2, medium or Xo. 3, common or Xo. 4, 
cutter or Xo. 5, and canner or Xo. 6. 
Prime or No. Al. — Prime or Xo. Al grade slaughter steers very 
closely approach the ideal in conformation, finish, and quality. They 
are rectangular and very compact. The body is very broad and deep 
in proportion to its length. The head is very short and broad. The 
neck is very short and thick and the legs are very short and set 
