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.