384 
Journal of Agricultural Research 
Vol. XI, No. 8 
in making their solution possible. A series of body measurements were 
made of steers at the beginning and close of feeding experiments for 
three consecutive years. With these data a starting point for further 
statistical study is made possible. One object of this paper is to show 
the average body measurements of 2-year-old steers at the beginning 
and close of the fattening period caused by fattening and the relation¬ 
ship of other definite body measurements to each other, and to note 
those measurements that could be used in selection as a means of re¬ 
ducing the experimental error in feeding experiments and a study of 
variation in the measurements themselves. Another object is to show 
the correlation of gains to initial body measurements and to changes 
in body dimensions. 
MATERIAL USED 
During the winter months of 1914-15, 1 1915-16, 2 and 1916-17, 3 72 
steers were divided into seven lots each year, a total of 216 animals. 
These steers were relatively uniform as feeders, varying in market grades 
from “fair”to “choice,” the majority being “good” feeders. Thesemarket 
grades of “fair,” “good,” and “choice” feeders are illustrated respectively 
in figures A, B, and C of plate 38. In a total of 207 animals used in this 
study on which records were made of breeding, as shown by color of hair, 
92 were Hereford grades, 84 were Shorthorn grades, 18 were Aberdeen- 
Angus grades, 7 were Shorthorn X Hereford crosses, 3 were Shorthorn X 
Aberdeen-Angus crosses, and 3 were Hereford X Aberdeen-Angus crosses. 
In no case did a steer fail to show some infusion of improved beef blood. 
The average initial weight of the 216 steers was 900.112 pounds with 
700 and 1,300 pounds as extremes. The steers were as uniform in 
quality, weight, and condition as would ordinarily be obtained for feeding 
purposes. Each year 60 steers were divided into five lots of 12 each, 
selected with as much care for uniformity of weight, breeding, condition, 
and quality as possible. 
The feeding of these various lots was done with rations affording very 
nearly the same opportunity for gains in live weight and condition of 
flesh for marketing. 4 From the entire group of 72 steers each year 12 
“choice” feeders were selected (PI. 38, C). These 12 steers were fed to 
“prime” condition and sold as “prime” steers. The 60 steers sold as 
“good” steers. The feeding period in all cases was 140 days, except 
those considered in Table II; and the measurements were made within 
two or three days of the beginning and the close of the feeding period. 
Table I includes all records for the three years, while the correlation 
tables (II-VIII) include the data collected during the first two years. 
1 Tomhave, W. H., and Severson, B. O. body measurement or steers. In Pa. Agr. Exp. Sta. 
Ann. Rpt., 1914/15, p. 188-208. 1916. 
2 Severson, B. O., and Gerdaugh, Paul, body measurement or steers. In Pa. Agr. Exp. Sta. 
Ann. Rpt., 1915/16* (In press.) 
3 - and Bentley, E. E. body measurement op steers. In Pa. Agr. Exp. Sta. Ann. 
Rpt. 1916/17. (Not yet published.) 
4 Tomhave, W. H., Severson, B. O., and Gerlaugh, Paul, steer-reeding experiments. Pa. 
Agr. Exp. Sta. Bui. 145, p. 17. 1917. 
