A dairy feeder is not a commonly used term in the cattle industry. However, feeder cattle are young cattle mature enough either to undergo backgrounding or to be fattened in preparation for slaughter. They may be steers (castrated males) or heifers (females who have not dropped a calf). Feeder calves are less than 1 year old, and feeder yearlings are between 1 and 2 years old. Both types are often produced in a cow-calf operation. Once a calf reaches a minimum weight, it is sent to a feedlot with the goal of putting on weight aggressively. Feeder cattle receive high-energy feed to promote weight gain. They are usually either steers or heifers, while cows and bulls are generally kept for production and not placed in feedlots.