Special class for Suffolks

Press, 12 November 1985, Page 39

Special class for Suffolks

A special objective measurement class for Suffolk one-shear rams has been established at the Canterbury show. The class has attracted 24 rams which will be judged on weight,

leanness and visual appearance. This is believed to be the first class of its type within a breed section at any major A. and P. show in New Zealand. It was the

idea of the Northern (South Island) Suffolk Breeders’ Club and is based on a similar class at the Royal Melbourne Show. The class is being run on a trial basis this year. All animals will be weighted and the heaviest will score a maximum of 30 points. The other rams will lose one point for every two kilogram drop in liveweight below the weight of the heaviest ram. The G.R. measurement over the twelfth rib will be assessed by a lamb drafter and the leanest animal will

score the maximum of 40 points. On the other rams, every 1 mm increase in fat cover above the measurement of the leanest animal will result in a two-point penalty. Penalty points will apply also for animals with a G.R. of less than 6 mm because it is considered such rams have not been grown out naturally. Breed type, length, shoulders, muscle development and constitution will be taken into account by judges in the visual section which is worth a maximum of 30 points.