Feeder cattle

Feeder cattle are steers (castrated males) or heifers (females who have not dropped a calf) mature enough to be placed in a feedlot where they will be fattened prior to slaughter. Feeder calves are less than 1 year old; feeder yearlings are between 1 and 2 years old. Both types are often produced in a cow-calf operation. Feeder cattle are steers (castrated males) or heifers (females who have not dropped a calf) mature enough to be placed in a feedlot where they will be fattened prior to slaughter. Feeder calves are less than 1 year old; feeder yearlings are between 1 and 2 years old. Both types are often produced in a cow-calf operation.  This article incorporates public domain material from the Congressional Research Service document 'Report for Congress: Agriculture: A Glossary of Terms, Programs, and Laws, 2005 Edition' by Jasper Womach.