BUYING FLOCK RAMS

Putaruru Press, Volume XXI, Issue 1231, 15 May 1947, Page 2

BUYING FLOCK RAMS

PRIVATE TREATY PURCHASE Early Inspection Urged If a prospective buyer of flock rams decides to make his purchases by private treaty, father than" wait for the ram fairs, he will be wise to commence his inspection of likely studs about the end of June or the beginning of July, as he Should give himself ample time before arriving at a decision which will play such a vital part in the future of his flock. At such a time pastures are at their worst and the stock are seen under the least-attractive conditions. Ewes will be showing forward in lamb, and an estimate can be formed of the number of ewes whieh apparently will be non-producers. The feeding of the whole flock can he observed and a conclusion formed as to the degree of forcing of ram hoggets a most important point, as hoggets and young rams which have been verjr highly fed are unsuitable to buy for a property where winter conditions are severe.

The breeder is naturally anxious for his clients to select their rams and take delivery of them as early .as possible, as this enables him to do 'his young stock better. However, as the young Romney ram is slow in maturing, the date for final selection should rarely be before the end of December, and if possible left till January. Late rams for example, those born at end of lambing, or badly-reared twins—-may improve very much in a fortnight or three weeks, and sheep of sound qualities which might be passed over if selection is early may later greatly Improve. This improvement is noticeable particularly In late lambs from two-tooth ewes and in the case of late twins. The date of delivery should be as soon as possible after the selection, because, the sooner the ram s are on the buyer’s property the better their chance of becoming thoroughly acclimatised before mating.