MARKET CLASSES AND GRADES OF CATTLE 
27 
Prime grade slaughter steers are high grade, crossbred or pure- 
bred individuals of beef type. In age they range from about 1 
year old up and are most numerous between the ages of 18 and 36 
months. In weight the}^ range from about 900 pounds up, with the 
bulk weighing from 1,000 to 1,400 pounds. Steers of this grade are 
rarely offered at the smaller livestock markets and are not regularly 
on sale even at the largest markets, but at Chicago and some of the 
other large central markets, prime grade slaughter steers appear in 
limited numbers practically throughout the year. They are most 
numerous during national and international livestock shows and 
during the Christmas holiday season. 
Choice or No. 1. — Choice or No. 1 grade slaughter steers are mark- 
edly superior in their conformation, finish, and quality. Their gen- 
eral build or shape is rectangular and compact. The body is broad 
Fig. 3. — Prime grade slaughter steer 
and deep in proportion to its length. Top and underlines are 
nearly straight and parallel, with the lines of the sides presenting a 
like appearance when viewed from the front, rear, or above. The 
head is wide and short. The neck is short and thick and the legs 
are short and set wide apart. The fleshing of each part is thick 
and even, having nearly its proper proportionate thickness. Each 
part has a degree of fullness in its lines which is much above the 
average, giving the animal a plump, full, and well-rounded appear- 
ance. It lacks somewhat the plumpness and fullness of the prime 
grade steer. The way in which the different parts are developed 
and balanced indicates that the animal will have a high proportion 
of loins, ribs, and rounds in its carcass. 
The fat covering of the animal is thick over the shoulders, crops, 
back, loins, and rump and moderately thick over the middle of the 
