Within a group of cattle of considerable difference in weight and very little difference in muscular development it is true that as total weight increases the weight of the bone increases. Also, the weight of the muscle increases. Therefore, in this case bone is positively correlated with muscle. However, so is the weight of every other portion of the body. It is a function of size.
Big trucks have big tires.
Big steers have big eyes and big feet. In summary, if the percentage of bone varies only slightly and it cannot be measured without dissection of the carcass and it is not an indication of muscling it makes no real difference and is not a trait to consider in the evaluation or selection of cattle for slaughter or breeding. Keep these facts concerning the skeleton in mind. After establishing how bone, muscle and fat each develop these facts will form the basis for the visual evaluation of cattle composition and as a basis for the U.S.D.A. grades of feeder cattle. The Muscle Beef - the world's most heathful, most prestigious and best tasting food.