that specified as minimum for the Good grade. Also, a lamb which has conformation at least one-third grade superior to that specified as minimum for the Choice grade may qualify for Choice with a development of quality equivalent to the lower limit of the upper one-third of the Good grade. Compensation of superior conformation for inferior quality is limited to one-third grade of deficient quality.

(c) Good. (1) Slaughter lambs having minimum conformation requirements for the Good grade are slightly thin muscled throughout, and are moderately narrow in relation to their length and height and are slightly narrow over the back, loin, and rump. Hips and shoulders are moderately prominent. The twist is slightly shallow and the legs are slightly small and thin. Relatively young lambs, under seven months of age, have slightly more than a very thin, uneven fat covering over the back, loin, and upper ribs. In handling, the shoulders, backbone, hips, and ribs are prominent. Older, more mature lambs have slightly more than a thin fat covering over the back, ribs, and loin. In handling, the bones of the shoulders, backbone, hips, and ribs are rather prominent. Good grade lambs may present evidences of slightly low quality. The bones and joints are usually moderately large, and the body is somewhat lacking in symmetry and smoothness.

(2) A development of quality which is superior to that specified as minimum for the Good grade may compensate, on an equal basis, for a development of conformation which is inferior to that specified as minimum for Good as indicated in the following example: A lamb which has evidences of quality at least one-third grade superior to that specified as minimum for the Good grade may have conformation equivalent to the minimum for the upper one-third of the Utility grade and remain eligible for Good. However, in no instance may a lamb be graded Good which has a development of conformation inferior to the minimum for the upper one-third of the Utility grade. Also, a lamb which has conformation at least one-third grade superior to that specified as minimum for the Good grade may qualify for

Good with a development of quality equivalent to the lower limit of the upper one-third of the Utility grade. Compensation of superior conformation for inferior quality is also limited to one-third grade of deficient quality.

(d) Utility. The Utility grade consists of those lambs whose characteristics are inferior to those specified as minimum for the Good grade.

[49 FR 43037, Oct. 26, 1984]

§ 53.134 Specifications for Official U.S. Standards for Grades of Slaughter Yearlings (Quality).

(a) Prime. (1) Slaughter yearlings having minimum conformation requirements for the Prime grade tend to be thickly muscled throughout, and are moderately wide and thick in relation to their length and height, and they are moderately wide over the back, loin, and rump. Shoulders and hips are usually moderately smooth. The twist is moderately deep and full, and the legs are moderately large and plump. There is a rather distinct fullness or plumpness evident over the crops, loins, and rump which contributes to a well-rounded appearance. There is a slightly thick fat covering over the back, ribs, loin, and rump. In handling, the backbone and ribs are hardly discernible. Prime grade slaughter yearlings exhibit evidences of rather high quality. The bones tend to be proportionately small, the joints tend to be smooth, and the body tends to be smooth and symmetrical.

(2) Regardless of the extent to which its conformation may exceed the minimum requirements for Prime, a yearling must have minimum Prime quality to be eligible for the Prime grade. However, a development of quality which is superior to that specified as minimum for the Prime grade may compensate, on an equal basis, for a development of conformation which is inferior to that specified as minimum for Prime as indicated in the following example: A yearling which has evidences of quality equivalent to the midpoint of the Prime grade may have conformation equivalent to the midpoint of the Choice grade and remain eligible for Prime. However, in no instance may a yearling be graded

Prime which has a development of conformation inferior to that specified as minimum for the Choice grade.

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(b) Choice. (1) Slaughter yearlings having minimum conformation quirements for the Choice grade are slightly thick muscled throughout, and they tend to be slightly wide and thick in relation to their length and height, and they tend to be slightly wide over the back, loin, and rump. The shoulders and hips are usually slightly smooth but may show a slight tendency toward prominence. The twist tends to be slightly deep and full, and the legs tend to be slightly thick and plump. They have a slightly thin fat covering over the back, ribs, loin, and rump. In handling, the backbone and ribs are readily discernible. Choice grade slaughter yearlings usually present a moderately refined appear

ance.

(2) A development of quality which is superior to that specified as minimum for the Choice grade may compensate, on an equal basis, for a development of conformation which is inferior to that specified as minimum for Choice as indicated in the following example: A yearling which has evidences of quality equivalent to the midpoint of the Choice grade may have conformation equivalent to the midpoint of the Good grade and remain eligible for Choice. However, in no instance may a yearling be graded Choice which has a development of conformation inferior to that specified as minimum for the Good grade. Also, a yearling which has a development of conformation at least one-third grade superior to that specified as minimum for the Choice grade may qualify for Choice with a development of quality equivalent to the lower limit of the upper one-third of the Good grade. Compensation of superior conformation for inferior quality is limited to one-third grade of deficient quality.

(c) Good. (1) Slaughter yearlings having minimum conformation requirements for the Good grade are slightly thin muscled throughout, and are moderately narrow in relation to their length and height, and are slightly narrow over the back, loin, and rump. Hips and shoulders are moderately prominent. The twist is

slightly shallow, and the legs are slightly small and thin. They have slightly more than a moderately thin fat covering over the back, loin, and upper ribs. In handling, the shoulders, backbone, hips, and ribs are rather prominent. Good grade yearlings may present evidences of slightly low quality. The body is somewhat lacking in symmetry and smoothness.

(2) A development of quality which is superior to that specified as minimum for the Good grade may compensate, on an equal basis, for a development of conformation which is inferior to that specified as minimum for Good as indicated in the following example: A yearling which has evidences of quality at least one-third grade superior to that specified as minimum for the Good grade may have conformation equivalent to the minimum for the upper one-third of the Utility grade and remain eligible for Good. However, in no instance may a yearling be graded Good which has a development of conformation inferior to the minimum for the upper one-third of the Utility grade. Also, a yearling which has conformation at least onethird grade superior to that specified as minimum for the Good grade may qualify for Good with a development of quality equivalent to the lower limit of the upper one-third of the Utility grade. Compensation of superior conformation for inferior quality is also limited to one-third grade of deficient quality.

(d) Utility. The Utility grade includes those yearlings whose characteristics are inferior to those specified as minimum for the Good grade. [49 FR 43038, Oct. 26, 1984]

§ 53.135 Specifications for Official U.S. Standards for Grades of Slaughter Sheep (Quality).

(a) Choice. (1) Slaughter sheep having minimum conformation requirements for the Choice grade are slightly thick muscled throughout, and they tend to be slightly wide and thick in relation to their length and height, and they tend to be slightly wide over the back, loin, and rump. The shoulders and hips are usually slightly smooth but may show a slight

tendency toward prominence. The twist tends to be slightly deep and full, and the legs tend to be slightly thick and plump. They have a slightly thick fat covering over the back, ribs, loin, and rump. In handling, the backbone and ribs are slightly discernible. Choice grade slaughter sheep usually present a moderately refined appear

ance.

(2) A development of quality which is superior to that specified as minimum for the Choice grade may compensate, on an equal basis, for a development of conformation which is inferior to that specified as minimum for Choice as indicated in the following example: A sheep which has evidences of quality equivalent to the midpoint of the Choice grade may have conformation equivalent to the midpoint of the Good grade and remain eligible for Choice. However, in no instance may a sheep be graded Choice which has a development of conformation inferior to that specified as minimum for the Good grade. Also, a sheep which has conformation at least one-third grade superior to that specified as minimum for the Choice grade may qualify for Choice with a development of quality equivalent to the lower limit of the upper one-third of the Good grade. Compensation of superior conformation for inferior quality is limited to one-third grade of deficient quality.

(b) Good. (1) Slaughter sheep having minimum conformation requirements for the Good grade are slightly thin muscled throughout, and are moderately narrow in relation to their length and height, and they are slightly narrow over the back, loin, and rump. Hips and shoulders are moderately prominent. The twist is slightly shallow, and the legs are slightly small and thin. They have a slightly thin fat covering over the back, ribs, and loin. In handling, the bones of the shoulders, backbone, hips, and ribs are slightly prominent. Good grade sheep may present evidences of slightly low quality. The body is somewhat lacking in symmetry and smoothness.

(2) A development of quality which is superior to that specified as minimum for the Good grade may compensate, on an equal basis, for a development of conformation which is inferi

or to that specified as minimum for Good as indicated in the following example: A sheep which has evidences of quality equivalent to the midpoint of the Good grade may have conformation equivalent to the midpoint of the Utility grade and remain eligible for Good. However, in no instance may a sheep be graded Good which has a development of conformation inferior to that specified as minimum for the Utility grade. Also, a sheep which has conformation at least one-third grade superior to that specified as minimum for the Good grade may qualify for Good with a development of quality equivalent to the lower limit of the upper one-third of the Utility grade. Compensation of superior conformation for inferior quality is limited to one-third grade of deficient quality.

(c) Utility. (1) Slaughter sheep having minimum conformation requiremelts for the Utility grade are thinly muscled throughout, and are very angular and very narrow in relation to their length and height, and they are tery thin fleshed, very narrow over the back, loin, and rump, and very shallow in the twist. The hips are very prominent, and the shoulders are usually open, rough, and prominent. The legs are very small and thin and present a slightly concave appearance. Utility grade slaughter sheep show no visible evidences of fat covering. In handling, the bones of the shoulders, backbone, hips, and ribs are so thinly covered that they are very prominent. Utility grade slaughter sheep are of rather low quality. The bones and joints are proportionately large, and the bmdy is very rough and unsymmetrical.

(2) A development of quality which is superior to that specified as minimum for the Utility grade may compensate, on an equal basis, for a development of conformation which is inferior to that specified as minimum for Utility as indicated in the following example: A sheep which has evidences of quality at least one-third grade superior to that specified as minimum for the Utility grade may have conformation equivalent to the minimum for the upper one-third of the Cull grade and remain eligible for Utility. However, in no instance may a sheep be graded Utility which has a develop

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ment of conformation inferior to the minimum for the upper one-third of the Cull grade. Also, a sheep which has conformation at least one-third grade superior to that specified as minimum for the Utility grade may qualify for Utility with a development of quality equivalent to the lower limit of the upper one-third of the Cull grade. Compensation of superior conformation for inferior quality is also limited to one-third grade of deficient quality.

(d) Cull. (1) The Cull grade includes those slaughter sheep whose characteristics are inferior to those specified as minimum for the Utility grade. [49 FR 43039, Oct. 26, 1984]

U.S.

§ 53.136 Specifications for official standards for grades of slaughter lambs, yearlings, and sheep (yield).

(a) Yield Grade 1. (1) Yield Grade 1 slaughter lambs, yearlings, and sheep produce carcasses which have very high yields of boneless retail cuts. Ovines with characteristics qualifying them for the lower limits of Yield Grade 1 (near the borderline between Yield Grade 1 and Yield Grade 2) will differ considerably because of inherent differences in the development of their muscling and skeletal systems and related differences in fatness.

(2) Very thickly muscled ovines typical of the minimum of this grade have a high proportion of lean to bone. They are moderately wide and usually the width through the shoulders and legs is greater than through the back. The top is well-rounded with no evidence of flatness and the back and loin are moderately full and plump. The legs are moderately large and plump and the width through the middle part of the legs is greater than through the back. The shoulders and hips are slightly prominent. These ovines have only a thin covering of external fat over the back and loin and a slightly thick covering of fat over the rump and down over the ribs. They are shallow through the flanks and the brisket and cod or udder have little evidence of fullness. In handling, the backbone, ribs, and ends of bones at the loin edge are moderately prominent. A carcass produced from slaughter ovines of this description might

have 0.1 inch of fat over the ribeye and a low Prime leg conformation grade.

(b) Yield Grade 2. (1) Yield Grade 2 slaughter lambs, yearlings, and sheep produce carcasses with high yields of boneless retail cuts. Ovines with characteristics qualifying them for the lower limits of Yield Grade 2 (near the borderline between Yield Grade 2 and Yield Grade 3) will differ considerably because of inherent differences in the development of their muscling and skeletal systems and related differences in fatness.

(2) Very thickly muscled ovines typical of the minimum of this grade have a high proportion of lean to bone. They are wide through the back and loin and have slightly greater width through the shoulders and legs than through the back. The top is wellrounded with little evidence of flatness and the back and loin are full and plump. The legs are large and plump and the width through the middle part of the legs is slightly greater than through the back. The shoulders and hips are slightly smooth. These ovines have a slightly thin layer of external fat over the back and loin and a thick covering of fat over the rump and down over the ribs. They are slightly shallow through the flanks and the brisket and cod or udder are slightly full. In handling, the backbone, ribs and ends of bones at the loin edge are readily discernible. A carcass produced from slaughter ovines of this description might have 0.2 inch of fat over the ribeye and an average Prime Leg conformation grade.

(3) Thinly muscled ovines typical of the minimum of this grade have a relatively low proportion of lean to bone. They tend to be slightly narrow over the back, loin, and rump. The legs tend to be slightly small and thin and the width over the back is slightly greater than through the legs. The shoulders and hips tend to be moderately prominent. These ovines have a thin covering of external fat over the back and loin and a moderately thick covering of fat over the rump and down over the ribs. They tend to be slightly shallow through the flanks. The brisket and cod or udder have little evidence of fullness. In handling,

the backbone, ribs, and ends of the bones at the loin edge are moderately prominent. A carcass produced from slaughter ovines of this description might have 0.15 inch of fat over the ribeye and high Good leg conformation grade.

(c) Yield Grade 3. (1) Yield Grade 3 slaughter lambs, yearlings, and sheep produce carcasses with intermediate yields of boneless retail cuts. Ovines with characteristics qualifying them for the lower limits of Yield Grade 3 (near the borderline between Yield Grade 3 and Yield Grade 4) will differ considerably because of inherent differences in the development of their muscling and skeletal systems and related differences in fatness.

(2) Very thickly muscled ovines typical of the minimum of this grade have a high proportion of lean to bone. They are very wide through the back and loin and are uniform in width from front to rear. The top is nearly flat with only a slight tendency toward roundness. The back and loin are very full and plump. The legs are very large and plump. The shoulders and hips are moderately smooth. These ovines have a slightly thick covering of fat over the back and loin and a very thick covering of fat over the rump and down over the ribs. The flanks are slightly deep and full and the brisket and cod or udder are moderately full. In handling, the backbone, ribs, and ends of bones at the loin edge are moderately discernible. A carcass produced from slaughter ovines of this description might have 0.3 inch of fat over the ribeye and a high Prime leg conformation grade.

(3) Thinly muscled ovines typical of the minimum of this grade have a relatively low proportion of lean to bone. They tend to be slightly wide over the back, loin and rump. The legs tend to be slightly thick and plump. The width over the back is moderately greater than through the legs. The shoulders and hips are slightly prominent. These ovines have a slightly thin covering of external fat over the back and loin and a thick covering of fat over the rump and down over the ribs. The flanks tend to be slightly deep and full. The brisket and cod or udder are slightly full. In handling, the back

bone, ribs, and ends of bones at the loin edge tend to be moderately discernible. A carcass produced from slaughter ovines of this description might have 0.25 inch of fat over the ribeye and a low Choice leg conformation grade.

(d) Yield Grade 4. (1) Yield Grade 4 slaughter lambs, yearlings, and sheep produce carcasses with moderately low yields of boneless retail cuts. Ovines with characteristics qualifying them for the lower limits of Yield Grade 4 (near the borderline between Yield Grade 4 and Yield Grade 5) will differ considerably because of inherent differences in the development of their muscling and skeletal systems and related differences in fatness.

(2) Very thickly muscled ovines typical of the minimum of this grade have a high proportion of lean to bone. They are extremely wide through the back and loin and are slightly wider over the top than through the shoulders and legs. The back and loin are extremely full and plump. The legs are extremely large and plump. The shoulders and hips are smooth. These ovines have a moderately thick covering of fat over the back and loin, and an extremely thick covering of fat over the rump and down over the ribs. The flanks are moderately deep and full and the brisket and cod or udder are full. In handling, the backbone, ribs, and ends of the bones at the loin edge are slightly discernible. A carcass produced from slaughter ovines of this description might have 0.4 inch of fat over the ribeye and a high Prime leg conformation grade.

(3) Thinly muscled ovines typical of the minimum of this grade have a relatively low proportion of lean to bone. They tend to be moderately wide over the back, loin, and rump. The legs tend to be moderately thick and plump. They are wider over the back than through the legs. The shoulders and hips are slightly smooth. These ovines have a slightly thick covering of external fat over the back and loin and a very thick covering of fat over the rump and down over the ribs. The flanks are slightly deep and full. The brisket and cod or udder are moderately full. In handling, the backbone, ribs, and ends of bones at the loin edge