Feeder Cattle Grading GRADING FEEDER CATTLE The process of grading feeder cattle is a projection of maturity based on frame size, muscling, and the sex of the calf. Livestock Knowledge CD

Large framed, heavy muscled steer could grow to 1400 before maturity 1400 lbs Large framed, heavy muscled steer could grow to 1400 before maturity Muscle Fat Frame GROWTH CURVES 900 lbs Small framed, light muscled heifers stop at 900 lbs

Evaluating Frame Size Hip Height Flank to Flank Chest to Ground

What Makes the Grade on Frame Size? Steers Frame Size/Finish Weight (at 0.4 inches backfat) Heifers Frame Size/Finish Weight (at 0.4 inches backfat) Large – over 1,250 Medium – 1,100 to 1,250 Small - under 1,100 Large - over 1,150 Medium – 1,000 to 1,150 Small - under 1,000

Evaluating Muscle

Muscle Grades #1 #2 #3 #4 = Thick Or Heavy Muscling = Average Muscling = Thin Or Light Muscling = Extremely Light Muscling (Starved Jersey)

# 1 Muscle 1-- 1++

# 2 Muscle 2-- 2++

# 3 Muscle 3-- 3++

# 4 Muscle

Muscle Grades # 1 # 2 # 3 # 4

Possible Feeder Cattle Grades Large Frame #1,#2,#3 or #4 Medium Frame #1,#2,#3 or #4 Small Frame #1,#2,#3 or #4 Inferior – This grade will include sick unthrifty cattle and double muscled cattle due to their inability to Quality grade.

Old calves for their weight are usually lowered one frame score Old calves for their weight are usually lowered one frame score. Indicators of age include the tail significantly below hocks, the degree of twist in switch, and a wide muzzle.

FAT FAT FAT MEDIUM SMALL+ Feeder calves with excess condition, or fat, are usually lowered a frame size based on the assumption the calf has reached maturity. If excess fat is present, muscle should be reevaluated to ensure thickness is not due to fat.

Test Your Feeder Cattle Grading Skills

#3 Muscle Grade Frame Size = Large++ Heifer 650 lb

#1++ Muscle Grade Frame Size = Large- Steer 750 lb

#2 Muscle Grade Frame Size = Medium Steer 520 lb

#1-- Muscle Grade Frame Size = Large- Steer 725 lb

Frame Size = Small #2+ Muscle Grade Steer 475 lb

#3 Muscle Grade Frame Size = Large+++ Heifer 810 lb

#2+ Muscle Grade Frame Size = Medium+ Heifer 635 lb

#3 Muscle Grade Frame Size = Medium- Heifer 640 lb

#1 Muscle Grade Frame Size = Medium+ Steer 690 lb

#1+ Muscle Grade Frame Size = Large Steer 810 lb

#2-- Muscle Grade Frame Size = Small Heifer 515 lb

Inferior Grade #3+ Muscle Grade Frame Size = Large+ Heifer 585 lb

#2++ Muscle Grade Frame Size = Medium+ Steer 600 lb

Inferior Grade ?? #3++ Muscle Grade Frame Size = Medium+ Steer 575 lb

#3+ Muscle Grade Frame Size = Medium++ Heifer 775 lb

#1- Muscle Grade Frame Size = Medium+ Steer 685 lb

#4+++ Muscle Grade Frame Size = Medium+ Steer 605 lb

YOU ARE READY TO GRADE FEEDER CATTLE 33 YOU ARE READY TO GRADE FEEDER CATTLE