EVOLUTION of USDA FEEDER GRADES By David R. Hawkins Michigan State University

HISTORICAL Feeder grades were established to: – provide a uniform basis for price reporting – provide a prediction of feedlot performance In the 1950’s and 1960’s grades were developed with similar names to the slaughter grades. These did not predict feedlot performance very well.

HISTORICAL In 1968, the Hereford, Angus and Charolais Associations sponsored a research project at the University of Wisconsin to study factors affecting feedlot performance. Steer calves of similar age but differing size were selected and fed out. ADG, FE and carcass traits were measured. The concept of frame size as a means of describing cattle was developed.

FRAME SIZE The original cattle were “small”, “average” and “large”, but later numerical scores were assigned with “1” being small, “3” being average and “5” being large. A regression equation using age and hip height was developed for bulls and heifers to calculate the frame score. It is currently used by most performance testing programs.

FRAME SIZE The frame score range of 1 to 5 was expanded as cattle type changed through the 1970’s and 1980’s. Some cattle achieved frame scores of “10” or “11” but they proved to be late maturing with carcass weights outside of the acceptable range. Most cattlemen are selecting frame 5 to 7 cattle at the present time.

USDA FEEDER GRADES In 1979 USDA adopted feeder grades based on frame size (small, medium or large) and muscle thickness (#1, #2 or #3). The industry standard became a medium framed #1 muscle score steer. In the fall of 2000, a revised set of feeder grades were adopted to add an additional muscle score.

USDA FEEDER GRADES Most feeder cattle are not graded by the USDA, but they are often sorted into uniform groups by sex, weight, grade and sometimes coat color. USDA feeder grades are used in feeder cattle contracts that are traded on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange.

FUTURE FEEDER GRADES Technology will continue to evolve. Some feedyards are sorting cattle as they come into the feedlot as to their potential outcome. DNA and genetic markers may come into common use when the cost becomes affordable.