MARKET CLASSES AND GRADES OF LIVESTOCK ( .J 
Calves. — Calves are young cattle between the Vealer and Yearling 
stages. The maximum age limit is officially designated as VI months. 
Many calves, however, attain yearling characteristics before they are 
1 year old and when they do they are classified generally as yearlings 
on the market. 
Yearling Cattle. — Yearling Cattle are young cattle ranging ap- 
proximately between 12 and 24 months old. 
Two- Year-Olds. — Two- Year-Olds are cattle ranging approximately 
from 24 to 36 months old. 
Three-Year-Olds and Over. — Such cattle include those that are 
36 months old and older. 
GRADES 
The number of grades of cattle vary somewhat with the class, use. 
age. and weight of the animals, partly because certain groups 
animals present a wider range of variations in conformation, finish. 
and quality than do other groups. For example. Slaughter Steers 
and Heifer- are divided into seven grades: Prime. Choice. Good. 
Medium. Common. Cutter, and Canner (figs. 3 and 4) — whereas only 
six grades apply to Slaughter Cows (fig. 5). Bulls, and Stags. The 
chief reason for fewer grades for cows, bulls, and stags is that the 
best of these clashes are too deficient in conformation, finish, and 
quality to be comparable with the best steers or heifers. Hence no 
provision is made for Prime-grade cows, bulls, or stags. 
Two variations from the grade terms of Slaughter Cattle occur 
in the grade terms for Feeders and Stockers. The highest grade for 
the latter is called "Fancy" instead of "Prime" and the term "In- 
ferior" is used for the lowest Feeder and Stocker grade. The term 
"Fancy'" is used instead of "Prime" because the term "Prime" is 
usually associated with a high degree of finish which Feeders and 
Stockers do not possess. The term "Inferior' refers to an animal 
of poor breeding and conformation as well as to one in poor condi- 
tion. 
Market Classes and (trades for Slaughter Cattle 
Slaughter Cattle are those intended for immediate slaughter or 
those more suitable for slaughter than for any other purpose. The 
term includes all cattle that are to be slaughtered for human food. 
As used here, the term "Slaughter Cattle"' excludes slaughter vealei^ 
and calves, which are discussed separately. The schedule that follows 
shows the classes, ages, weights, and grades for Slaughter Cattle. 
For detailed discussion of the market classes, ages, and weight groups 
and grade- of Slaughter Cattle see Market Classes and Grades of 
Cattle. Department Bulletin No. 1464. 
