14 DEPARTMENT BULLETIN i;>00. U. S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE 
schedule: market classification for slaughter cattle — Con. 
Class Age group 
Weight group 
Grade 
Yearling.. 
2 years old and older 
Choice 
Good 
Medium 
Hulls 
Stags - - 
Lightweight, L,300 pounds down. 
' Mediumweight, L,300to L, 500 pounds 
Heavyweight, L.500 pounds up 
All weights 
( omnion 
Cutter 
Canner 
Choice 
(.ood 
Medium 
Common 
Cutter 
Canner 
Choice 
( rood 
Medium 
Common 
Choice 
( lood 
Medium 
Common 
( !hoice 
G 1 
Medium 
( or union 
Cutter 
Canner 
Market Classifications for Calves 
Calves are young bovine animals under 12 months old. In market 
practice, however, calves weighing 500 pounds or more are usually 
classifield as Cattle. 
Market calves are divided in two general groups according to the 
uses to be made of them. They are Slaughter Calves and Feeder and 
Stocker Calves. 
For market purposes, Calves that are intended for immediate 
slaughter are classified into two general groups: Veal Calves or 
Vealers and Slaughter Calves. These two groups differ in appear- 
ance because of age and the kinds of feed they have received. The 
terms -Veal Calves," or "Vealers," applies to young calves, usually 
not more than 3 months of age. Because they have been fed almost 
entirely on milk such calves are frequently referred to as Milk-fed 
Calves. The term Slaughter Calves applies to those that have passed 
the vealer stage but have retained many of their calf characteristics. 
They have usually received feeds other than milk in varying amounts 
for a considerable period which, with increased age. changes their 
appearance. These differences are reflected in the characteristics of 
the carcasses they produce. 
In comparing Vealers and Calves, grade for grade, the eyes, mouth, 
and nostrils of the vealers, as a rule, are smaller than those of older 
calves. The horn buttons are small and movable and the hide, hair, 
and flesh are soft to the touch. In the case of older Calves the fea- 
tures of the head are somewhat larger. The horns are more pro- 
nounced and more firmly set. The hair of the body and especially 
of the switch of the tail is longer and the flesh and hide tend to be 
firmer than those of Vealers. All these characteristics indicate, 
greater maturity in Calves than is shown in Vealers. 
Market Classes and Grades for Slai chter Veal Calves 
Little attention is given to classes of Veal Calves in general mar- 
ket practice since the animals are not old enough for the sex charac- 
