What does a grade animal signify in terms of ancestry?

A grade animal refers to an animal that exhibits mixed or unknown ancestry, meaning it does not have a defined pedigree or lineage that can be traced back to purebred stock. This classification typically applies to livestock and can indicate that the animal has been bred from various breeds or has not been registered with a breed association.

Grade animals may possess desirable traits that have been selected through breeding processes, but they lack the documentation that verifies their lineage as purebred animals would have. This status can affect their marketability and value, as purebred animals often attract higher prices due to known genetics and expected performance traits based on ancestry. Therefore, grade animals represent a broader category that highlights variability in ancestry rather than a guarantee of quality or specific breeding.