What kind of cattle is a "feeder steer"? Understanding its meaning and characteristics in one article

When raising cattle, they are called different names according to their growth stage, such as calves and fattening cattle. What kind of cattle is a feeder steer?

1. What kind of cattle is a feeder steer

A feeder steer refers to beef cattle that have not yet reached slaughter condition or have not been fattened. Generally speaking, feeder steers aged 12-24 months grow quickly and produce good-quality meat.

2. How to select feeder steers

1. Choose beef cattle breeds with better breed quality and better fattening and meat performance, or crosses between well-known beef breeds and local native cattle. When choosing, Simmental cattle are best, though local characteristics should also be taken into account.

2. It is best to choose those aged 12-24 months, as this is their peak growth period. They grow very quickly, and the fat deposition period is generally 14-24 months.

3. It is best to choose bulls, followed by steers, and lastly cows. This is because estrus in cows affects their growth rate, which is not particularly favorable for growth and fattening.

4. In terms of body weight, generally choose those around 300-400 jin, depending on actual fattening needs.

5. In terms of body shape, choose cattle with thick, strong limbs, powerful tail-swishing, a relatively wide head, a relatively large chest circumference and relatively deep chest depth; next, we should also observe their muzzle, ocular conjunctiva, coat and other conditions.

The above is a brief introduction to feeder steers, and we hope it is helpful to everyone.