THE INFLUENCE OF THE RAM.

Otago Witness, Issue 3854, 24 January 1928, Page 12

THE INFLUENCE OF THE RAM.

The high prices realised for the pick of the Romney Marsh rams at the recent Wairarapa Stud Sheep Breeders’ Association sale draws attention to the fact that breeders generally accept the statement that the ram is half the flock. His influence is not for one generation, but continues through the offspring right on to the end. South Island breeders will be pleased that Messrs H. Mosley and Son (of Balelutha) and Mr W. Roxburgh (Southland) secured some of the top lots. The former paid 80gns, 190gns, and 235gns respectively for three Perry rams, the last figure being the top price for Romneys, while the Southland breeder paid 165gns for another of the Penrose Romneys. Other' good prices were paid for sheep from wellestablished flocks by North Island breeders, and we have here surely a clear indication of the benefits accruing from the trade, now well established, in the export of stud sheep. No doubt breeders bought the best with confidence and in the belief that the South Americans will come again, having sampled the quality of previous consignments of British breeds of sheep reared on lands in the southern hemi*spheme. Just as the breeder of purebreds visualises his export market, so should the general flockmasters back him up, convinced that their market abroad depends upon their ability to provide the type of lamb and mutton consumers demand.

Nowadays the consuming public demands small joints, the minimum of bone and coarse flesh, and the maximum of delicately marbled meat when they purchase their mutton. No one nowadavs desires to see a huge leg of mutton on the table. In all mutton breeds surely the slogan should be “On a short leg! ” As a rule the closer to the ground A sheep is the better filled is the leg of mutton. Too much daylight not only makes a sheep look ungainly, but it ensures a poor twist and too little meat on the leg, which, after all, is one of the prime joints. The big sheep will never again be popular, while the short-legged animal is well adapted to most kinds of soil conditions and climates, and probably eats less than the big-boned animal.

Granted, that the build of the ram and his breeding must weigh with flock owners, it follows that the mere' fact that he is a sire of sorts is not sufficient. Their general condition at tupping time is all-important. It may happen that rams got up for show purposes will fade away when it comes to tramping it with a strong, thrifty ewe' flock up hill and down dale. He may go wrong on the feet, and lack the stamina to see the season out. It is then that good shepherding conies in, and the position saved by attending, and, if possible, feeding the “head of the flock.’?' A lame ram during the season is a risk,, as some fertile ewes may b e missed, not through any fault of the ram other than temporary inactivity. A ram Tnust be able, to move well, and, if not, a fresh sire, should be introduced after a ime as not infrequently. a lame animal will’ rail to. serve all his ewes; He will be exhausted, and some of the ewes will never go to the ram or will turnon ■their service.--. ' ’

Important as the rani is during the season, there are many things in regard to the well-being of the ewe flock that have no inconsiderable bearing on the success or failure of next lambing season. The ewe flock should be more or less of a (so to speak) level nature. The wool character of the ewes and their bodily shapes should be considered, and young ew e 8 included to replace the old done rejects. Th e ewes should be of a thrifty nature and live hard until close up to tupping time. A good hard condition is conducive to early conception, and should be secured for best results. Neither fat nor thin, but just

in good fettle, and joined up with ; the ranis on the best of green feed. Of course, it is necessary to see that the ewes are sound on their feet, and that their tails are free of dirt, etc. If attention is given to the points indicated the chances are that the lambing period will not be unduly prolonged, a matter of importance, providing provision has been made for the ewes at lambing time in such matters as feed and shelter.

We have time and again contended that there is no best breed. The nature of the grazing must determine the breed or cross of sheep kept, us soil conditions affect breeds differently. Our hilltops and the higher ranges in the South Island, where the herbage is sparse, necessitating constant movement in orderto get a feed, are well suited for the merino breed of sheep. On the lower altitudes we get crosses of the merino, comebacks, halfbreds, Corriedales, and so on down through various crosses of the British breeds of sheep, dashed with not infrequently some merino blood. In the North Island there are comparatively fewer merinos, Corriedales, and their cousins, and we find the British breeds and their crosses generously distributed. The nature of the grazing, as stated, most largely determine the breed of sheep kept. Withal, conformation and type must be the breeder’s first consideration in the selection of the ram. Attractive-looking wool is not enough to over-ride defects in carcass formation or breed character. Finally, fix a high standard for the flock, and endeavour to attain it by judicious culling, the saving of classy ewe lambs, and visualising the influence of the ram.