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What is the term used to describe the amount of fat cover on a market steer?

  1. Finish

  2. Marbling

  3. Yield

  4. Backfat

The correct answer is: Finish

The term that describes the amount of fat cover on a market steer is commonly known as "Finish." This term indicates the degree of fat deposition and conditioning that the animal has attained, which is an important factor in determining its market value. A steer with an optimal finish will have enough fat cover to meet consumer preferences for flavor, tenderness, and juiciness without being excessively fatty. While marbling refers specifically to the intramuscular fat found within the muscle tissue, this is not what is being asked about concerning overall fat cover. Yield typically pertains to the quantity of usable meat from the carcass post-harvest, and backfat measures the thickness of fat on the back of the animal but does not encompass the entire body condition. Understanding the concept of finish is crucial for evaluating the market readiness of livestock, as it impacts both consumer acceptance and pricing in the market.