THE CHOICE OF A RAM.

Otago Witness, Issue 2856, 9 December 1908, Page 9

THE CHOICE OF A RAM.

Whore the ewes have become very email and fine the breeder will do well to select ' a low-set, well-fleshed sire, of one of tha f medium-sized breeds, as better results wiil be obtained where the mating is not too violent. The ram should have masculinity —that <bold, vigorous outlook that marks the good sire. He shouk* have plenty of bone, and be well fleshed, particularly over the shoulders, ribs, and loin, and possess a good full leg of mutton. In a good carcase the leg of mutton cuts out as high as 34 per cent, of the whole. Ho should possess large heart girth, and a wide body on short legs; which gives that low-set, etocky appearance that marks the thrifty doer. The last, but by no means least ' important, is a good even covering of wool over the whole body, and particularly on j the uiider parts, where ordinary grade ewes are so bare. It ;<s well to examine the fleece closely. The best wool is found just back of the front lege on the aide. The "^arer the rest of the fleece comes to this "standard the better. Be particular to examine the thighs— most low-grade sheep have in this region what looks more like hair than wool. Reject a sheep whose wool is full of dead fibre.? or of hairs. They reproduce like themselves. However, well-bred sheep are very unlikely to have the latter. Before mating, both the rams and ewes should be conditioned. It pays#to give them extra feed, not only because of the number of twins, but also because they will produce larger, stronger, thriftier lambs. Poor, miserable animals of any kind should Hot be bred if strong, healthy offspring are de«ared. Another hai+nful custom is to allow the ram to run with the sheep during the whole 24 hours ;f; f the flock is large. He should be shut ap and well fed during the day, with green fodder and a ration of oats and bran, and let out with the ewes only during the night. One service is better than ten ; besides, it weakens the ram to 'et him needlessly waste his substance. — Exchange.