Typical thin feeder cattle are angular in appearance.  Their rib bones and the hooks and pins in the pelvic region are plainly visible.  There is also a definite ridge formed by the dorsal processes in the short loin region.  Various regions of the body such as the round, loin, rib cage, shoulder, etc. are plainly visible, and the muscular nomenclature is easily distinguishable.  There is no evidence of smoothness associated with fat deposits.  Thin cattle have a loss of flesh to the point that they are showing signs of muscle loss.  These cattle often sell at a premium, because of compensatory gain (the expected efficient and speedy weight gain experienced when these cattle are given a proper ration).