What term describes the amount of fat on a market animal?

The term "Finish" refers to the amount of fat on a market animal and is crucial in the beef showmanship context. In livestock evaluation, finish describes the degree of fat cover on the animal, which significantly impacts its meat quality and market value. An animal with a proper finish will have enough fat for flavor and juiciness but not so much that it would be considered overweight or overly fat, which could detract from the quality of the meat.

Understanding finish is vital for exhibitors and producers because it is a critical factor evaluated by judges in shows and a determining characteristic for buyers in the market. The optimal finish will align with desired industry standards for meat production, ensuring both quality and market competitiveness.

Other terms like weight refer to the total mass of the animal, grading pertains to the classification system used to evaluate quality based on fat cover, meat quality, and other factors, and condition generally describes the overall health and well-being of the animal rather than specifically detailing fat content.