THE RAM SEASON.

Otago Witness, Issue 3331, 16 January 1918, Page 8

THE RAM SEASON.

The fact that already rams are being advertised for sale, together with the intimation that some thousands have been sold by their breeders, is clear enough evidence that consideration should be given without further delay to the selection of the ewe flock. There is, too, the threatened world shortage of all primary products to think about; so that it is not now a matter of plodding along as formerly, but, in the case of sheepbreeders, there is a responsibility thrown on them of doing everything in their power to increase the production of wool and mutton. .By dint of hard thinking how to improve the output, of wool off the farm or grazing area next season, something big might be achieved in the total weight of wool exported next year from this Dominion. How to do it? The writer suggests that the ewe flock. should be gone over closely at the first opportunity, and the "wrong ones" fattened off. "Fill up the gaps made with young sorts, and allow plenty of them. Make a requisition on the present ewe lambs for use the following season. Aim to secure a level ewe flock of the one type. Theoretically and practically, it is safe to say that "if ewes varied much in character it would be advisable under certain circumstances to run them in lots, and mate them with rams exceptionally good in the points where the ewes are weak. For instance, ewes with light fleeces should be mated with a ram with a good fleece, etc. A breeder really interested in increasing the output of wool would do well to always see the rams he is inclined to favour in the wool, or be satisfled as to their quality, as well as after shearing. In the purchase of rams one desires to eradicate the faults and blemishes in the home flock as far as possible, in the next generation, and to this end the rams purchased should be exceptionally strong in those points where the eAves are faulty; otherwise the results may not be satisfactory. So much depends on the male in regard to the quality of the future generation. It is a. mistake to shift about and' buy all breeds under the sun. Keep to breed which is known to do well on the class of country occupied by the aspirant for fame as a woolgrower. In choosing a ram it is necessary to get as much quality, breeding, and constitution as possible for the money, as well as style. He should have a masculine appearance, the head free from coarseness, compactly made—be, in fact, a level-backed animal with wool "of the right density and quality according to the breed. It is of importance to note the way an animal stands. Some rams stand squarely on their feet, others are very much at fault. Fairly straight hocks, clean bones, and good action are not to be despised in the make-up of a good ram. All his faults perhaps, and few of his good qualities, may be transmitted to the lambs, so that the ram should handle well and show no inclination to rawness on >bhe back, a sure indication of a hard feeder and a bad " doer." A full girth round the heart indicates good lungs; the short, broad loin, strong kidneys ; while the well-ribbed animal of the "barrel shape" is bound to have x that digestion which assures the laying on of meat economically. The result of the previous year's mating up should be studied, and the worth of a good sire not overlooked. is both interesting and profitable.