Nov. 19, 1917 
Study of Steers During Fattening Period 
389 
According to the literature cited, 1 there is some difference of opinion 
as to the average daily gain of steers of different ages which in reality 
is a difference in live weight, because, other things being equal, a steer 
when 2 years old will weigh more than a yearling. Table II shows a 
correlation of 0.0364, with a probable error of ±0.0366. The popula¬ 
tion includes 338 steers fed at The Pennsylvania State College during 
eight years. The correlation shows that there is no relation between 
the daily gain which may be expected from various weights of feeders 
of a fairly close range in age and condition. 
TablS III .—Correlation of the initial circumference of chest of steers with gain in live 
weight during a i^o-day feeding period 
Mean gain.pounds.. 288.87 ±3- 06 
Mean circumference of chest.inches.. 69. 824±0. 221 
Standard deviation of gain.pounds.. 54. i8o±2. 168 
Standard deviation of circumference of chest.. .inches.. 3. 9101b o. 015 
* Correlation.238±0. 053 
The circumference of chest as an indication of the ability of a steer 
to make rapid gains is indicated here by the correlation 0.238±0.053. 
The spring of rib and depth of chest are regarded as indications of rapid 
gains by buyers. The circumference of the chest is of greater importance 
than the width or depth, as shown by these results. 
1 Henry, W. A., and Morrison, F. B. feeds and feeding, ed. 15, p. 451. Madison, Wis., 1915. 
Wow,, F. W. PRODUCTIVE feeding of farm ANIMALS, p. 258. Philadelphia and London, 1915. 
