Buy Tickets Now











Beef Cattle Terms

Bull 
Male Cattle

By-Products 
Items produced from animals, other than meat. By-products are a way for the beef industry to reduce waste and recycle, and are used to produce a variety of items essential to many aspects of our everyday lives.
 
Carcass 
The muscle, bone and fat of the animal.
 
Cow 
Female Cattle
   
Feedlot 
Type of farm where many beef cattle are grouped and raised in large, fenced lots and can be fed grain type feeds, such as feed corn, oats or barley.
 
Graze 
The way cattle eat grass in the field.
      
Muscling 
Large muscle dimension and thickness is the major influence on the retail value of a steer.
   
Pasture 
A field of grass where cattle or other farm animals live and eat.
 
Polled 
Cattle that are born without the ability to grow horns. Some breeds of cattle are bred so the animals of that breed are naturally polled.
   
Show Stick 
Used by exhibitors in the show ring to direct the placement of the animal's feet. This stick is also used to stroke the animal and keep it calm, and does not hurt the animal.
 
Steer 
cattle that have been neutered when young. Young bull calves are castrated to make their meat taste better and be more tender.

Structural Correctness 
Should have a straight, level topline. Feet and legs should be squarely placed under the animal. The legs should be straight as viewed from the rear and have a slight curve from the side. This will enable them to walk comfortably and be free of sore feet and legs.
 
Trim Front and Middle 
A trim front (throat & brisket) and a trim middle with little evidence of excess fat indicate a lean product.