MARKET CLASSES AND GRADES OF CATTLE 73 
balanced indicates that it will have a low percentage of ribs, loins, 
and rounds in its carcass when it is finished and slaughtered. 
The fat covering is thin over the shoulders, crops, back, loans, and 
rump. Only very small quantities of fat are deposited in the brisket, 
flanks, twist, and cod, and at these parts the hide is usually much 
wrinkled. There is practically no fat covering over other parts of 
the animal. The fat covering is not sufficient to cause any apparent 
unevenness in its distribution. 
Steers of this grade are for the most part unkempt, ill-bred, and 
ill-cared-for in their general appearance. The bones of the legs are 
very large or very small. The hide is very thick or thin and very 
unpliant and the hair generally appears dry and harsh. The flesh is 
usually very soft or may be slightly hard in some instances. 
Fig. 36. — Common grade feeder steer 
Steers of this grade usually indicate by their general conforma- 
tion that they are of pronounced dairy type or nondescript breeding, 
but they generally have a predominance of the color markings of 
beef -type animals. Stocker steers of this grade usually range from 
1 year up to around 2 years in age with feeder steers of the same 
grade falling within the age limits of 2 to 3 years. They are regu- 
larly on sale at most markets throughout the year. During the late 
summer and fall months the supply is generally in excess of the 
demand, but their supply and the demand is fairly well balanced dur- 
ing the late winter and spring months. 
Inferior or No. 5. — Inferior or No. 5 grade feeder and stocker 
steers are very deficient in their conformation, finish, and quality. 
The head is very long and narrow and the neck is also very long. They 
are very rangy, the body being very narrow and often very shallow 
