NEW ZEALAND SHEEP

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17527, 23 July 1931, Page 6

NEW ZEALAND SHEEP

AN EXPERT’S TRIBUTE PREFERABLE TO ENGLISH An interesting sidelight on Kew Zealand sheep and their suitability for breeding purposes is contained in an article in the, English Farmer and StockBreeder by Mr. R. W. Carson, a-promin-ent figure in the live-stock world, and one of the foremost judges of pedigree stock. Aften spending six months judging in South America, Mr. Carson cautions English sheep-breeders against producing a type of ram which, among South American breeders, is less ill favor than the New Zealand sire.

“We iii England,” writes Mr. Carsoij. "Have for a long time prided ourselvgs on retaining South America as a market for our best sheep sires; but I believp it is time our breeders realised that it is no use expecting to sell the same old tvpe ,of big sheep. 1 to South America. There is, a big struggle with New Zealand breeders looming ahead. Even today New Zealand is sending a type of sire which is making a strong appeal. Especially is this the case in regard to Lincolns and Kent or Romney Marsli. South American mutton• producers.do not Want rams with big carcases, \vhidi, on bad pastures, would die in a fortnight, since they have to net their own living. The.v. are constantly looking for the thicker carcase, the smaller frame, and this type New Zealand is actually producing and selling in South America. But while this thicker and .neater soyt of ram is lining develoned. these qualities arc not being added at the expense of wool. On the contrary, I should say that there is an improvement in tho ~",ility and quantity of the fleece. Movoover these New-Zealand rams are making far more money than, the Eng--. Ijsb ones. The old-ftisliioiied type may sell among the few who want a chani ’non from England from which to breed a champion in their own country, but ihp commercial sheep men will not have them.”