SHEEP-BREEDING.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1409, 9 April 1912, Page 8

SHEEP-BREEDING.

CHARACTERISTICS OF GOOD WOOL. Referring to a query as to tho characteristics of good wool, a correspondent, writing from the wool department of the Kelson Freezing Works to tho ".Mail," remarks that whether the wool he lung or short there are certain properties which must ho possessed by the fibre of the wool, from whatever source it is obtained.

These may be summarised as under:—(l) All fibres in tho fleeces must be uniform and sound a length as possible over the largest possible area, (ii) The diamotor of the fibre must be as tine as possible, for tho character of the ficcce, and uniform and sound throughout its entire length. (3) The staple must be evenly distributed over tho whole surface of the body, and when the smut is removed the staple must be left open and free. (4) The fibres must be supple and elastic, of uniform length, and free of any hard or brittle parts. (5) For the class of wool the scales must be as numerous as possible, of uniform size, and closely adherent to tho surface, eons to prevent felting in the fleece, or ths accumulation of dirt under free margins. (G) Other things being equal, the fibre must be of good colour, and possess as high 1 lustre ns possible. (7) The wool must have a soft, lofty feel when handled, and also be elastic and resilient. Jt must be the aim of tho sheep farmer to nttain these various points in the highest degree, and just in proportion to this will the price of his wool rise in the market. In order to bo successful in this respcct, constant care and attention are necessary, and two considerations in regard to the sheep are most essential—(l) Selection of breed: The sheep must be of such a breed as will flourish best in the particular district in which the farmer lives. No animal is more responsive to the environment than tho sheep,' improving in every quality when this is suitable to its particular requirements, and nono deteriorates more rapidly when the circumstances are adverse. Fortunately, tile farmer has an almost unlimited choice in this respect, and whether he liyes amongst the wild hills, or in tho quiet valleys, where the rich grass lands are well watered by the rivers, or whether the pasture is poor or rich, by the seaside or inland, he is able to select a sheep which is suited to the geographical and climatic conditions, and thus he can secure the best results attainable in that locality. As a rule, in the choice of slicep, it is safe to select a similar class to those which are already being run in that district; anil if there is not this experience as a guide, it is best to select a sheep from a district which, although similar in character, is rather worse in regard to climate and surroundings, so that when it is placed in its new habitat it is in a. better position and not a worso one. Perfectly pure breeds of sheep are more tender and require better conditions than half-bred or crosses. (2) Character of breed: That the sheep should bo of the best class of their respective lcinil, tnd kept in the best conditions. It pays no farmer to neglect his flock, and deteriorated and unhealthy sheep will pay nobody, and as in every other business good management is the essence of success. Apart, however, from the best class of sheep for the locality being run, there must be with every farmer a consideration given to commercial fitness of the sheep, arising from the character of the market available,