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Feeder Cattle Market Grades

Feeder Cattle Market Grades. Joshua B. Elmore, PAS Advisor III, Natural Resource Programs Auburn University Animal Sciences Department. Feeder Cattle Standards are :. Common trade language between buyers and sellers. A tool for penning cattle at officially graded sales.

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Feeder Cattle Market Grades

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  1. Feeder Cattle Market Grades Joshua B. Elmore, PAS Advisor III, Natural Resource Programs Auburn University Animal Sciences Department

  2. Feeder Cattle Standards are : • Common trade language between buyers and sellers. • A tool for penning cattle at officially graded sales. • Used to certify feeder cattle grades for futures contracts. • Basis for federal-state livestock market news reporting.

  3. U.S Standards for Grades of Feeder Cattle • Grow rapidly and efficiently • Produce a carcass with acceptable quality and high cutability. • Adequate frame • Body capacity • High lean to fat ratio up to market weight • Muscle without excess fat • Thrifty • Healthy • Acceptable structural correctness

  4. Growth and Development of Bone, Muscle and Fat Choice

  5. U.S Standards for Grades of Feeder Cattle • The standards describe the various types of feeder cattle being produced and are used as a basis for market reporting and as a common trade language between buyers and sellers. • Updated October of 2000 to reflect changes in the genetic composition, production, marketing and management of beef cattle.

  6. U.S Standards for Grades of Feeder Cattle • Feeder Cattle are evaluated by a combination of : • Frame Size • Muscling

  7. Frame Sizes Large Medium Small

  8. U.S Standards for grades of Feeder Cattle • Under ordinary development and feeding conditions, different framed animals reach slaughter potential at different weights.

  9. Frame Size- Large • Tall and long bodied • ½ inch fat: • Steers finish > 1250 lbs • Heifers finish > 1150 lbs

  10. Frame Size- Medium • Slightly tall • Slightly long bodied • ½ inch fat: • Steers finish 1100 to 1250 lbs • Heifers finish 1000 to 1150 lbs

  11. Frame Size- Small • Not as tall as Medium • Short bodied • ½ inch fat: • Steers finish < 1100 lbs • Heifers finish < 1000 lbs

  12. USDA/MRP/AMS

  13. USDA/MRP/AMS

  14. USDA/MRP/AMS

  15. Hi p Height Flank to Flank Chest to Ground Evaluating Frame Size

  16. Frame Size – Relative to maturity • Length of tail • Coarseness of hair in switch • Width of muzzle • Coarseness of hair on poll • Size of feet, ears, base of horns, etc.

  17. BIF Frame Score Measurement

  18. BIF Frame Score Chart

  19. The Relationship of USDA Size and BIF Frame Scores

  20. USDA Feeder Cattle GradesMuscle Thickness Scores No. 1 No. 2 No. 3 No. 4 USDA/MRP/AMS

  21. Anatomy Loin Back Stifle Gaskin Forearm Stifle

  22. Evaluation of Muscling • The basic shape of the hindquarter as viewed from behind. No. 3 Muscling No. 1 Muscling

  23. USDA Feeder Cattle GradesMuscle Thickness Scores No. 1 No. 2 No. 3 No. 4 USDA/MRP/AMS

  24. #1 Muscling • Moderately thick throughout, showing a rounded appearance through the back and loin with moderate width between the legs.

  25. 1-- 1++ #1 Muscling • Moderately thick throughout, showing a rounded appearance through the back and loin with moderate width between the legs.

  26. #2 Muscling • Slightly thick throughout; showing a rounded appearance through the back and loin with slight width between the legs.

  27. 2-- 2++ #2 Muscling • Slightly thick throughout; showing a rounded appearance through the back and loin with slight width between the legs.

  28. #3 Muscling • Thin through the forequarter an the middle part of the rounds; back and loin have a sunken appearance; legs are set close together.

  29. 3-- 3++ #3 Muscling • Thin through the forequarter an the middle part of the rounds; back and loin have a sunken appearance; legs are set close together.

  30. #4 Muscling • Less thickness than the minimum requirements for # 3.

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

  32. Inferior Grade Mismanaged – Disease/ Parasites Double muscled animals

  33. 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.

  34. Weight • Accuracy and completeness for selection • Frame Size • Finish early and at a lighter weight • Earlier maturity at desired fat thickness • Muscle Thickness at a given fatness is highly correlated with muscle to bone ratio.

  35. Target Weights to Reach USDA Choice

  36. USDA/MRP/AMS

  37. USDA/MRP/AMS

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