SHEEP-BREEDING.

Otago Witness, Issue 3031, 17 April 1912, Page 21

SHEEP-BREEDING.

i CHARACTERISTICS OF GOOD WOOL. Referring' to a query as to the characteristics of good wool, a correspondent, writing from the wool department of the Nelson Freezing Works to the Moil, remarks that whether the wool be long or short there are certain properties which must bo possessed by the fibre of the wool, from whatever source it is obtained. Thcso may be summarised as under:—(l) All fibres in the fleeces must be uniform and sound a length as possible over the largest possible area. (2) The diameter of the fibre must bo as fine as possible for the character of the fleece, and uniform and sound throughout its entire length. The staple must be evenly distributed over the whole surface of the body, and when the smut is removed the staple must bo loft open and free. (4) The fibres mush be supple and clastic, of uniform length, rind free of any hard or brittle parts. (5) For the class of wool the scales must bo as numerous as possible, of uniform size, and closely adherent to the surface, so aa to prevent felting in the fleece or ftJie accumulation of flirt under free margins. (6) Other things being .equal, the fibre must bo of good colour, and possess as high lustre as possible. (7) The wool must have a soft, lofty feel when handled, and also be elastic and resilient. It must be the aim of the sheep farmer to attain these various points in the highest degree, andjust in proportion to this will the price of his wool rise in the markett. In order to bo successful in this respect, consitant care and attention are necessary, and two considerations in fegard to the sheep are most essential: —(1) Selection of breed : The sheep must be of such a breed as will flourish' best in the particular district in which the farmer lives. No animal is more responsive to the environment than the sheep, improving in every quality when this is suitable to its particular requirements, and none deteriorates more rapidly when the circumstances are adverse. Fortunately, the farmer has an almost unlimited choice in this respect, and wherthor lie lives amongst the wild hills, or in thd quiet valleys, whore the rich grass land* are well watered by the rivers, or whether the pasture is poor or rich, by the seaside or inland, he is able to select a sheep which is suited to the geographical and climatic conditions, and thus no can secure the best results attainable in that locality. Am a rule, in the choice of sheep, it is safe to select a sirailsr class to those which are

already being run in that district; and if there is not this experience as a. guide it is best to select a sheep from a district •which, although similar in character, is rather worse in regard to climate and surroundings, so that when it is placed in its new habitat it is in a better position and not a worse one. Perfectly pure breeds of sheep are more tender and require better conditions than halfbrcd or crosses. (2) Character of breed: That the sheep should tie of the best class of their respective kind, and kept in the best conditions. It pays no farmer to neglect his flock, and deteriorated and unhealthy sheep will pay nobody, and as in every other business good management is the essence of success. Apart, however, from the best class of sheep for the locality being run, there nVust be with every farmer a consideration given to commercial fitness of the sheep, arising from the character of the market available.