Cattle auctions are places where farmers can go to sell their cattle, or buy new ones. This process is called an auction because it is a place where all the animals up for sale are put into pens and bid on by buyers.

Located within historic Stockyards City, the Oklahoma National Stockyards is the largest stocker/feeder cattle market in the world.

As the auction starts, the auctioneer will announce what is being sold, either by the pound or by the lot. Market beef, hogs and lambs are sold by the pound. Market goats, turkeys and ducks are sold by the head. Market chickens are sold as a “Pen of 2.” Meat rabbits are sold either as a “Single Fryer” or a “Pen of 3.”

The Mercado de Liniers in the centre of Buenos Aires, Argentina, is claimed to be the largest livestock market in the world. It covers 34ha in a built-up area in the centre of the city.