THE SELECTION OF STOCK EWES AND RAMS

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1686, 22 June 1904, Page 64

THE SELECTION OF STOCK EWES AND RAMS

A very much debated question is that as to the proper time to select the stock ewe lambs and the rams. Experience, tested by many years of practical observation. has determined the writer’s opinion upon this question most definitely. The time for selection commences at the time of birth and continues right along until maturity, and it may even be said till old age. How very often has the idea of selection in the lambing pen been ridiculed?

But, despite this, experience has distinctly decided that this is the right time to commence. Why? may be asked. Because at no other time can we so easily and readily see if the lamb is free from blemishes in respect to its fleece and skin so far as regards black wool, etc. It may be, and has often been, that an otherwise excellent lamb has a black spot in the fleece. It will not matter, the shepherd says; no one will ever see it when the fleece is properly trimmed and grown. Quit© so; hut when shear day comes the fact will fn mmm m jplain m daylight, asd thus

there is a probability of damage to the flock owner that bred it.

Then, again, careful observation in the lambing pen and immediately after will show which if any of the ewes are what is generally termed ‘''bad mothers.” These should without any question be marked off to draff: such are unprofitable, afctd: do not pay toi keep. Then the produce of such shee nought not if possible, to be retained for breeding purposes, because of the probability that the fault m their dam may have been transmitted to the progeny. Equally necessary is it that the ewes which are good mothers should also be noted. The reason why this should be so is because when the ordinary drafting time arrives, these sheep, probably the moat valuable in the flock, will owing to the excellent way they have nursed their lambs, be in poor condition, and thus without knowledge Of what they reallv are get thrown out of the flock aa being bad doers. , t Many other details could he profitably gained by the careful observer, and these facts, if properly used, could hardly fail to be of real and practical value. The great essential in connection with the proper performance of this selection is an individual record of each and every sheep, remembering the fact that there is no difference in the importance of the record, bo it of good or bad points, tor both are equally valuable.