36 BULLETIN 1464, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
cause these parts to be rounded out or distended to a very high 
degree. The fat covering is very smooth, being free from ties, rolls, 
or bunches, and excessive patches of fat around the tail head. The 
fat covering is evenly distributed but is usually slightly thicker over 
the hind quarters than over the fore quarters. It is very firm to the 
touch. The internal fat corresponds with the external fat in 
quantity, degree of firmness, and evenness of distribution. 
The animal is moderately refined in appearance. The bones of 
the animal are of medium size and the hide is moderately thick in 
proportion to its size and weight. The flesh is very firm and the 
breeding and degree of external fatness indicate that it has a very 
large quantity of intermuscular and intramuscular fat. The joints 
of the legs are extremely smooth. The hide is very pliable and loose 
Fig. 11. — Prime grade slaughter heifer 
and the hair is oily and has a very decided gloss, sheen, or silken 
appearance. 
This grade of slaughter heifers includes only high-grade, cross- 
bred, or purebred individuals of beef-type breeding. In age they 
range from around 1 year up and are most numerous between the 
ages of 15 and 24: months. Weights range from around 900 pounds 
up with the bulk weighing from 900 to 1,100 pounds. Heifers of 
this grade are almost negligible in receipts at all markets although 
they are occasionally received at Chicago and a few of the other 
large central markets during and immediately following the national 
or international livestock shows. 
Choice or No. 1. — Choice or No. 1 grade slaughter heifers are 
markedly superior in conformation, finish, and quality. Their gen- 
eral shape or build is rectangular and compact. They are broad and 
deep in proportion to length of body. The head is wide and short, 
the neck is short and thick and the legs are short and set wide apart. 
