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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. Large framed, heavy muscled steer could grow to 1400 before maturity. 1400 lbs. Fat. Muscle. Frame.
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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.
Large framed, heavy muscled steer could grow to 1400 before maturity 1400 lbs Fat Muscle Frame Small framed, light muscled heifers stop at 900 lbs 900 lbs GROWTH CURVES
Evaluating Frame Size Hip Height Flank to Flank Chest to Ground
Steers Frame Size/Finish Weight (at 0.4 inches backfat) Heifers Frame Size/Finish Weight (at 0.4 inches backfat) What Makes the Grade on Frame Size? • 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
Muscle Grades = Thick Or Heavy Muscling = Average Muscling = Thin Or Light Muscling = Extremely Light Muscling (Starved Jersey) #1 #2 #3 #4
1-- 1++ # 1 Muscle
2-- 2++ # 2 Muscle
3-- 3++ # 3 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. Indicators of age include the tail significantly below hocks, the degree of twist in switch, and a wide muzzle.
FAT SMALL+ FAT FAT MEDIUM 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.
#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
#2+ Muscle Grade Frame Size = Small 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
#3+ Muscle Grade Inferior Grade Frame Size = Large+ Heifer 585 lb
#2++ Muscle Grade Frame Size = Medium+ Steer 600 lb
#3++ Muscle Grade Inferior 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
33 YOU ARE READY TO GRADE FEEDER CATTLE