1. 1 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.

2. 2 GROWTH CURVES 900 lbs Small framed, light muscled heifers stop at 900 lbs 1400 lbs Large framed, heavy muscled steer could grow to 1400 before maturity Muscle Fat Frame

3. 3 Evaluating Frame Size Flank to Flank Hip HeightHip Height Chest to Ground

4. 4 Steers Frame Size/Finish Weight (at 0.4 inches backfat) What Makes the Grade on Frame Size? 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

5. 5 Evaluating Muscle

6. 6 Muscle Grades #1 #2 #3 #4 = Thick Or Heavy Muscling = Average Muscling = Thin Or Light Muscling = Extremely Light Muscling (Starved Jersey)

7. 7 # 1 Muscle 1++1--

8. 8 # 2 Muscle 2++2--

9. 9 # 3 Muscle 3++3--

10. 10 # 4 Muscle

11. 11 Muscle Grades # 1# 2# 3# 4

12. 12 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.

13. 13 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.

14. 14 MEDIUM FAT 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. SMALL+ FAT

15. 15 Test Your Feeder Cattle Grading Skills

16. 16 Heifer 650 lb Frame Size = Large++ #3 Muscle Grade

17. 17 Steer 750 lb Frame Size = Large- #1++ Muscle Grade

18. 18 Steer 520 lb Frame Size = Medium #2 Muscle Grade

19. 19 Steer 725 lb Frame Size = Large- #1-- Muscle Grade

20. 20 Steer 475 lb Frame Size = Small #2+ Muscle Grade

21. 21 Heifer 810 lb Frame Size = Large+++ #3 Muscle Grade

22. 22 Heifer 635 lb Frame Size = Medium+ #2+ Muscle Grade

23. 23 Heifer 640 lb Frame Size = Medium- #3 Muscle Grade

24. 24 Steer 690 lb Frame Size = Medium+ #1 Muscle Grade

25. 25 Steer 810 lb Frame Size = Large #1+ Muscle Grade

26. 26 Heifer 515 lb Frame Size = Small #2-- Muscle Grade

27. 27 Heifer 585 lb Frame Size = Large+ Inferior Grade #3+ Muscle Grade

28. 28 Steer 600 lb Frame Size = Medium+ #2++ Muscle Grade

29. 29 Steer 575 lb Frame Size = Medium+ Inferior Grade ?? #3++ Muscle Grade

30. 30 Heifer 775 lb Frame Size = Medium++ #3+ Muscle Grade

31. 31 Steer 685 lb Frame Size = Medium+ #1- Muscle Grade

32. 32 Steer 605 lb Frame Size = Medium+ #4+++ Muscle Grade

33. 33 YOU ARE READY TO GRADE FEEDER CATTLE 33