GRADING THE FLOCK

Waipawa Mail, Volume LII, Issue 44, 24 December 1930, Page 2 (Supplement)

GRADING THE FLOCK

POINTS OF ATTENTION RAMS FOR MATING. An important point in successful sheep-breeding is the careful grading ol the flock. In fact, in the an anal routine of the Hocknuister, it is the mosl interesting operations of the year, Jtiid when tho ewe flock has neon cubed ami dratted, tho next important stop, advises “W. 8.," in Farm Field him Fireside, is the selection of suitable rams to mute with it. In grade, he says, the “cull" ewes will first be removed, these being the animals which are past their best, having broken mouths and defective udders, whi'.di make them unfit for further breeding. Usually they are sent to market in a lot together, and the return obtained depends on their condition. If they are good enough for slaughter, butchers will buy them at ji price; or glaziers will take them to run over ;i bit of good keep until they me fnl. Many farmers follow the practice of retaining' those which arc not quite done lor. uniting them to produce a few early lambs, and then both ewes and lambs are fattened together in the spring. ’riie price realised by this means usually makes it worth while to have taken the crop of lambs from them. Maintaining Youth and Vigour. Tt is Jill-importniil to maintain the breeding Hock in young and vigorous condition, lor the grejiter the proportion of younger ewes, the smaller is the percentjige of loss that may be ex peeled in the lambing kciisoii. Consequently, in well-managed flocks, the oldest section of ewes, even though they are sound to all appearance, are drafted off every year, and their place taken by shearlings. Thus, in a Mill cleared out and replaced—I he result being that tin* flock as made up would consist ~|* 2.1 each of shearlings, twosheJir. three shear, and full mouth ewes. Pedigree breeders sometimes retain old favourites beyond the normal time: but in commercial flocks it is far bet ter (o get rid of them for most of the winter casualties are among the older The shearling ewes on hand next call for consideration and the best will be retained for the home flock. Prior to selling the remainder, it is wise to feed Hh'iii up well, so that they shall pro S' lit Jin all rue five appearance at mar kel. Good condition and neat trimming up arc great factors in the profitable sale of shearling ns well as of dr.*ifl and other breeding ewes. Once the ewe flock is made up, il is lime fo select suitable rams, .lust as tin* bull is half fin' herd, so the ram is lull I* the flock; and it is well worth while to give ji good prifco and ensure n sal isfncforv purchase, so fur ns ipossible. But with rams :is well ns with lulls, then, is *i large element of un certainty attached to the purchase of ji young animal, us the value of ji sire is really proved only by his progeny. Points to Look For. The best thing the Hock master can do is to make his choice from a well bred flock, and there is a wide field for his selection. Points to be looked for Jire good breed type, strong mas ciiline character, and good heart; girth -indicating strength of const it ril ion. Psually nuns are purchased in too hap j luizard n fashion, for it is not realised tluit Ihe choice of a good sire puts several shillings ji head on the value of the progeny when sold. It is ji mistake to leave the pui'/hnse of rams until Into in Ihe season. The best sheep usuaPv come out at ‘lie early sales, uud besides, they are commonly offered in too tat a condition. SO that time is often needed to allow them lo gd into leaner and harder condition before being pul into service. Gross-bred rams should on no account be used. Good pedigree flocks alone can be relied upon to supply Hu* tvpe of sire necessary for Ihe product ion of mutton and wool of tin* highest class.