NEW ZEALAND SHEEP.

Southland Times, Issue 19458, 24 January 1925, Page 13

NEW ZEALAND SHEEP.

The Palermo Show.

Defeat of English Champions.

(BY C. E. ROBERTSON, NEW ZEALAND COMMISSIONER.)

The fact that the New Zealand representation of Merino sheep drawn from the Marlborough province scored nine out of the twelve awards in the Merino section has already been referred to. These awards, taken with those secured in the dairy cattle classes, at this stage of the proceedings gave us a total of two reserve championships and sixteen other prizes. These successes brought our stock very much into prominence, and caused continually increasing interest in the Dominion’s representation. Judging of the Lincoln sheep section was delayed because of the ill-health of the English judge, Mr W. Addison. This delay was very vexatious, for all the sheep were ready to compete when the postponement was announced. The following day Mr Addison appeared and attempted to get through some of the classes, but soon had to desistOne required to be in perfect health to undertake the task of judging, for the Lincoln section was the largest collection of that br*d that has ever been brought together in any part of the world. There were no less than 414 individual entries, and of this number 343 were rams. As both the imported English "hoggets” and four-tooth rams had an advantage of from five to six months in age in comparison with those born in the Southern Hemisphere, it was decided to make separate classes for the English sheep. With 18 months’ wool growth on their backs, these English sheep were certainly made to appear of abnormal size, but they were not worthy of the prominence these special classes gained for them as, although the published results credited them with championship wins in what were termed “full wool classes,” they failed to score any of the major awards or premier honours when they met the champions of the "hglf wool classes.” The arrival of the New Zealand Lincolns at the Showgrounds was keenly awaited by the Argentine breeders, who held our sheep in the very highest repute. At times our Lincolns were quite surrounded by keen breeders, but on all sides we were told: “You cannot win, but wait till the sales start, and then you will see.” We found a very great deal to interest us in the Lincoln pens, and particularly so in watching the shepherds dressing their sheep for exhibition. Not only do they go over each animal again and again locking the wool* but each lock is oiled and pulled out until it almost touches the ground. The shepherd keeps his hands moist with olive oil and draws every crimp except the last three right out, and the animal is a sight to see with the wool all round him aUnost, and in some cases actually touching the ground. The work of preparing the fleece continues for days, and seems to particularly appeal to the Argentine shepherd, who keeps at the tedious work of drawing out the wool for days on end. We were naturally interested first of all to inspect, the English imported Lincolns, and to be candid we were rather taken aback and even dismayed. Our impressions here, coupled with the shock we received when we came to look over the English Romneys, has removed entirely from our minds the conviction that had been bred in us that the Mother Country stood supreme in all those breeds we know as British. It as certain as night follows day that in all the wool breeds at least the English breeder is not a force to be reckoned with. His knowledge of wool must, in fact, be a quite negligible one. But it was not only with the wool of the British sheep that we were disappointed. Their Uncoins as a whole could only be termed a very average lot. They were big, rough animals, with a harsh handling wool, something like cro.-*-bred in appearance. One could say they had quantity of both carcase and wool, but, as with the English sheep of all breeds, the wool showed an entire lack of appreciation on the part of the breeders for quality. It was most disappointing, especially when one compared the work of the English sheep breeder with that of his brother Shorthorn breeder. The imported sheep were wonderfully pampered, but they lacked the appearance of being well-bred, they had not the grand heads and scrags we expected, and were not always built up over the rumps, where one naturally anticipated an English sheep would be strong. The fine points of an outstanding sheep were missing—the ears and noses and expression did not convey the evidence of good breeding looked for. From theje sheep we turned to those of Argentine production. A big proportion, some hundreds, were obviously forwarded for sale only, with surely no thought on the owner’s part of winning prizes. But there were, too, many sheep that held attention and were undoubtedly the responsible work of keen breeders. These sheep, we early found, were entirely from flocks which had at various times used New Zealand blood and whose owners had in mind the New Zealand type of Lincoln—a very well established name in the country. For this good name our breeders owe much to the pioneering work of Sir Herbert Gibsen, of Messrs Gibson Bros., who for 40 years past has been introducing into the country shipments of our Lincolns, and who has. to the credit of his own breeding, the highest prices, ranging up to £lOOO, that have been paid for Lincolns. These high priced sheep were, of course, entirely of New Zealand blood. The Argentine sheep which particularly caught our attention were like the English sheep, brought out in great condition. It must have cost a fortune to bring them out in such high condition and bloom, but they showed quality in the fleece, good length of staple, and evenness in the britch. Very few of these sheep had, kempy or hairy britches. In all one could say they were of the thicker, low-set New Zealand type, with a pleasing class of wool, and one could say this is the type the Argentine breeder is aiming at. It was a great pleasure to us to find that after picking over all the sheep, those we cared for were all from flocks which had used New Zealand blood, for it showed that the good name of our Lincolns rested on a very sound base. The English sheep, with their great height and 18 months’ growth of wool, are quite misleading, and it is apparent that the more careful Argentine breeder is fully aware what a disappointment these sheep when they come out of the fleece. We saw quite a number of these imported sheep in natural form out on the estancias (rancnes) and not in one case did we find a breeder who was proud of one of them. Of course, be could hardly be so, because they were actually feet off the ground and as rough as the proverbial bag. We had an opportunity, too, to compare on these properties rams of both English and New Zealand origin. The New Zealand rams (full-mouth sheep) were wearing splendidly, while the English rams were accepted almost as a joke, for as full-mouths they have neither conformation, wool, or even vigour to commend them. They cease to be profit makers at a very early age or, ‘as the Argentine breeder put it, they go to pieces at three years. On the other hand, we saw Uncoins sent over by the Australian and New Zealand Land Coy. which were in use at 13 years of age. and at six and seven years of age were carrying really good fleeces and had a fine robust appearance. The one thing that could be said for the English sheep was that they had quantity—a big rough carcase and 18 months’ wool growth, but, as a commercial type, they had not one point of commendation. We were disappointed that Mr Addison, who is highly spoken of, although just a young barely 30. was unable to judge

the section, and his work was finally undertaken by Mr Hornsby, the Shorthorn judge. The latter’s decisions were welt received. We were very well pleased with the prizewinning sheep, and without exception these were drawn from flocks that had made use of New Zealand blood. These sheep were low-set, thick and of real stud appearance. Our sheep could not compete with them, for we .were a size smaller and showed an entire lack of condition in comparison. Of course, had our sheep been in the country for three months they would have shown differently. That is not permitted, and they must go straight from the quarantine station to the show grounds. It is therefore essential that New Zealand sheep be built up by dry feeding before shipment so they may land at least full of substance, for the knocking about they are subject to at the end of the voyage would try the constitution of an elephant. The winning Argentine sheep were of a really good type, and the standard of their best flocks is such that they are able to benefit immediately by the free use of well selected New Zealand rams. By the consistent use of the present-day type of New Zealand Uncoln they can greatly increase their profits both from the wool and the carcase. Their Thults are weak belly wool, a little lack in head and neck, want of head covering, and a falling away in the rump. In view of the magnificent hindquarters on their Shorthorns, this fault was surprising. The best sheep we saw were exhibited by Messrs J. B. Yraizoz, J. C. Gibson, P. A. Smith, F. L. Martinez de Hoz, and J. Winks, and in each case these breeders had made use of New Zealand blood, and two of these flocks were entirely of New Zealand stock. From these flocks almost rhe whole of the prize sheep were drawn, and all the champions and reserves, with the exception of the reserve champion for mature rams, which was taken by an imported ram exhibited by Mr Luis Miller bred by an imported ram exhibitor,lotlam and bred by Mr Clifford Nicholson. In the restricted class for English-bred sheep, Mr E. St. C. Haydon, a former New Zealand and Argentine resident, but who is now engaged in breeding Romneys in Kent, England, took both the championship and reserve with sheep bred by Mr Nicholson also. The championship hoggets and the reserve, and reserve for ewe hoggets, were all secured by Mr J. B. Yraizoz, who met with extraordinary success. The championship for ewe went to the flock of Sucesion P. A. Smith. The Miller Challenge Cup for the best three Uncoln rams was won outright by Mr Yraizoz. He first won this valuable trophy in 1914, and again in 1915. Others who have won it twice are Messrs J. C. Gibson. F. A. Martinez de Hoz, Alvear Bros, and R. L. Lecube. Another valuable trophy is the C. I. Newton Cup for the best three rams and three ewes of the Romney Marsh, Lincoln or Border Leicester breeds, which was won by Sucesion P. A. Smith with Uncoins. Lincolns in the Northern Provinces of the Argentine are the staple breed, and in the two previous years the cup was also w'on by Lincolns from the flocks of Messrs Martinez de Hoz. The sales of Uncoins, due to the record offering of over 400, were disappointing, the average of prices being low. The top price was paid on the opening day, when the prize takers only were offered. Unfortunately our sheep were well down the lists in their classes and were offered when prices were low. Mr Yraizoz’s senior champion made the top price of 3200 dollars (£246), but with few exceptions not many of the prize winners made more than four figures (£7B). On, the third day the four-tooth Wairarapa rams from Messrs William Perry’s and A. D. McMaster’s flocks were put up for unreserved sale in order to properly test the market, and two from the former’s stud made the second highest prices, easily surpassing the prices paid for the English champions and prize-winners. We were greatly elated at this, as it would have been difficult to have found a worse time to sell, as these sheep came along right in the middle of a run of low prices. The Penrose sheep sold for 1900 and 1800 dollars, and Mr McMaster also secured two four figure prices, the average for the New Zealand four-tooth sheep of 1360 dollars being the highest for the sales. The lack of condition and the small size of our hoggets, we expected to very adversely affect their sale, but these from the studs of Messrs William Perry and A. E. Anderson averaged 1000 dollars, the top prices for a penrose sheep being 1100 dollars. Some rams imported by Mr Winks from the Wanganui district, sold up to 650 dollars (£5O). Later in the sales, Mr J. C. Gibson, who bought the top priced New Zealand rams, made an excellent average and secured the second highest price of the sales, 2300 dollars for a particularly well brought out ram of New Zealand type, which was also a prize winner. The New Zealand sheep averaged over £9O, which was quite conclusive as to the high reputation of the New Zealand Lincoln. The judging of the Lincolns, which extended over three days, while at times certainly a very slow business, was nevertheless a very attractive feature of the show. Every animal was haltered and led into the ring to be judged, and these well trained rams had quite a stately appearance as they paraded around the ring. It reminded one of the Southland and Otago Horse Parades. Then the fifty rams would line up in one long unbroken line, every animal showing, as he was held to the mark with head erect, every evidence of long training. It was certainly an impressive sight and no doubt the owners felt compensated for the great expense they had gone to to have their champions brought out in such condition and with such perfect ring manners. When the eight or nine rams had been selected to fill the places, they were decorated with handsome prize-badges, and the ring being cleared of the defeated animals, the prizewinners were again led around and comported themselves in stately fashion. It was certainly a great show, and only a country with many wealthy land owners could afford to do it. (To be Continued.) LONDON DAIRY SHOW. ANOTHER AYRSHIRE TRIUMPH. It will doubtless be remembered that the breed from “Ayont the Tweed’’ created a sensation at the 1923 Dairy Show by winning the Bledisloe Cup for the best six all-round dairy cows, and the Spencer Cup for the best cow by inspection, milking trial, and butter-fat. This year the 1924 Dairy Show, held in London during October, again proved a veritable triumphal march for the “ideal dairy breed,” Ayrshires being successful in gaining the following prizes and trophies:— 1. The Bledisloe Challenge Trophy, for the best exhibit of six good all-round dairy cows. 2. Spencer Challenge Cup, for the best dairy cow in the show gaining the greatest number of points by inspection, milking trials, and butter-test.

3. Barham. Challenge Cup, for the cow gaining the greatest number of points in the milking trials. 4. B.DJF.A. Gold Medal, for the cow giving the greatest weight of milk in the milking trials. 5. Reserve for the Shirley Challenge Cup, for the cow giving the greatest weight of milk in the milking trials. 6. Reserve for the National Milk Challenge Cup, for the cow gaining the greatest number of points per lOOOlbs live weight in the milking trials. SOME OF THE WINNERS. A 2,000-GALLONER. Messrs A. and A. Kirkpatrick, who carried off the supreme honours last year, had ’ again the satisfaction of providing an outj standing leader in Auchinbay Meg. Fitted to perfection, she makes a grand all-round dairy appearance, her bag and body having all the fitness and development one could det tire in a dairy animal, and she shows a very well carried udder with grand teats and prominent milk veins. Her official milk records for the last three years are: 1921, with 3.89 per cent, butterfat in 44 weeks: 1922, 16,3401bs (3.84 per cent.) in 49 weeks; and 1923, 21,4601bs (3.81 per cent.) in 50 weeks. She was first in the milking trials at the Newcastle Royal in 1923, and second in the milking trials at the Yorkshire Show the same year. Second prize went to Major C. Randolph Dudgeon for Cargen Holm Sally 3rd, a wedgy typical Ayrshire cow—fine-boned and with a well-balanced bag. One might take exception to the fact that her teats, although long, are rather thin. That she can give milk, however, was evidenced by the fact that in two days she gave 137.71bs of milk. Mr Alex. Cochrane secured third prize with a hone-bred cow, Nether Craig Fame, got by the well-known bull Hobsland Lucky Boy, out of Nether Craig Fancy. This is a grand cow showing fine dairy character, with splendid bag and teats. Fourth place was taken by a noted cow in the West of Scotland in Shewalton Mains Violet 3rd, owned by Mr James Seton, Shewalton Mains, Irvine. For type and general breed character she is hard to beat. This cow has great milk records behind her. From 1920 to 1923 her records are 10,3001bs (3.94 per cent, butter-fat) in 46 weeks as a heifer; 12,8301bs (3.77 per cent.) in 46 weeks; 10,8501bs (4.17 per cent.) in 33 weeks; and 12,7801bs (4 per cent.) in 43 weeks. The fifth prize went to Lieut.Col. R. E. Cecil, the English breeder, for Netherton Queen Greenfield 4th, a fine big cow, but without the style or carriage of those in front. She was one of the best six cows which won the Bledisloe Cup last year. HEIFERS A GOOD CLASS. The heifers shown were were a particularly useful lot. In the case of almost every one of them the teat and udder would gladden the heart of any milker. Major C. R. Dudgeon, who showed so successfully last year, took full honours again with a very sweet, well-lined, deep-bodied heifer, carrying a well-shaped capacious udder equipped with fine long teats. She showed great substance, although perhaps a little plain about the head. Her yield in the milking trials was 93.51b5. The president of the Ayrshire Cattle Society, Lieut.Col. W. T. R. Houldsworth, came second with a somewhat larger heifer, but scarcely so sweet as the first. She is a grandbodied sort with a well-developed udder and very useful teats. She was second as a heifer in-calf at the Highland Show at Perth in July, while in the hands of her breeder, Mr Patrick Wardrop. Her yield in the milking trials was 87.21b5. There was very little between her and the winner. Major Dudgeon secured third and fourth with two lovely heifers got by the same bull as the winner—namely, Thornhill Mount Royal. The third prize-winner, Cargen Holm Maud 18th, is a very stylish sort, level along top, showing fine udder and teats, but scarcely so deep through the heart as those in front. The fourth is Cargen Holm Miss Robb 12th, a very substantial heifer showing great udder and teats and fine bone, but scarcely so well balanced in the hindquarters. The yields of these two heifers in the milking trials were 901bs and 84.41bs respectively over the two days. The Hon. G. Corbett gained fifth place with the home-bred Rowallan Augusta 3rd, a stylish big heifer showing very good teats and udder. The Ist, 2nd, 3rd and 4th heifers by inspection gave the following tests: —

The Ist, 3rd and 4th heifers were sired by Thornhill Mount Royal by Hobsland’s Johnnie Walker—Shewalton Main Lizzie. This bull, which is a full brother to Mr A. M. Weir’s herd sire Thornhill Loyalty, also secured a special cup for the two best cows or heifers sired by the same bull. CHEMISTBY OF MILK VALUE OF CONSTITUENTS. The chemical composition of milk, broadly speaking, is proteid, carbohydrate, fat (hydrocarbon), mineral matter, and water. Of these constituents the largest is the water, consisting, as it does, of about 87 per cent, of the milk. It is because of this large proportion that milk, in its ordinary state, is regarded as a dilute and bulky form of food. Dried, condensed, and evaporated milk, is milk from which the water has wholly, or in part, been driven off. The heating of milk for this purpose results in certain chemical and bio-chemical changes which will be considered in due course. The next largest constituent is lactose (milk-sugar) amounting to from 4 to 5 per cent., and which represents the carbohydrate. Although it is a sugar, it is very different from the, more familiar sucrose (cane-sugar), more especially in its comparative freedom from sweetness. In an article of diet so freely used as a food as milk, this is a distinct advantage, as it prevents the taste of milk palling too readily upon the palate. Yet another difference of 1 importance is the difficulty with which it is fermented, thus making milk of great value in the dietary of patients suffering from fermentative dilation of the stomach. On the other hand, unfortunately, it is very easily decomposed by certain micro-organ-isms, with the resultant production of lactic acid, and souring of the milk. This condition sometimes occurs in the intestine, and it is authoritatively agreed that many cases of infantile summer diarrhoea are so occasioned. It is a fine white powder in its pure form, slightly soluble in cold water, and possesses valuable medicinal qualities. The commercial production of milk-sugar is an important side-issue of the dairying industry. The fat of milk is the most complex consisting as it does of a number of lesser components, chiefly the > glycerides and tri-glycerides of certain fatty acids, which largely determine the peculiar flavour of milk. In normal milk the fat exists in the form of very fine emulsion. The fat-globules in this emulsion are extraordinary small, and it has been calculated that in a particle of milk, not larger than a pin’s head, there are as many as 1,500,000 separate globules. For this reason milkfat is very easily digested. The fat-globules are of a lesser specific gravity that the serum in which they are suspended, and when therefore, milk is allowed to stand they tend to float to the surface, which tendency is, of course, made use of in the preparation of cream. This condition may be destroyed by physical means, such as passing the milk through a homogenising machine, which by pulverising, reduces still further the size of the globules until they cease to be sensible to gravitational influence. and no ‘ cream-rise” can take place.

1st __ Morning. ..._ __ 4.05 Evening. 5.22 2nd ..... ... 4.52 4.97 3rd — 4.43 5.4 4th _ _ 4.48 5.45