SELECTING THE RAM

Shannon News, 11 December 1928, Page 1

SELECTING THE RAM

ESSENTIALS TO PROGRESS. In order to make any progress in the development of live stock it is absolutely essential to maintain a good purebred sire for use on herds, and flocks, says an Australian writer. There is no more direct or method of improvement. An animal that has been bred and developed from good ancestors for a number of generations is bound to give better results as a sire than a scrub. There is possibly less excuse for the use of a scrub,ram than is the case with other classes of farm animals. The initial cost of a pure-, bred is reasonable; the increase is rapid, and the number in the flock comparatively large, which all means the returns from the use of a good in the flock are soon apparent. Not only should the ram be a purebred, but he should possess all the characteristics that are associated with a good sire, together with proper type and conformations Unless a sire possesses abun-

dance of vigour arul vitality he will prove disappointing as a breeder. A broad, short head, bright, full eye,*' large muzzle, thick neck, a deep, full chest, broad and deep in heart girth, and a bold, stylish carriage, all indicate an animal with plenty of strength and constitutional vigour. .He should also conform to the true mutton type, being short and straight in leg, supported on strong upright pasterns, full and deep in body, straight in his. lines, and have long and level hindquarfers, with full, deep thighs. He should possess to a marked degree all the characteristics of the breed which he represents. The fleece, of course, will vary, depending upon the particular breed’to which ho belongs, but in all breeds it should show density, and quality, together with sufficient length consistent with the breed in question. A clear, pink skin is an indication of health and quality and should not be overlooked. There should be no indication of horns' on those breeds that are hornless. In selecting a ram many prefer to choose a twin, believing that the chances for double lambs will be greater than from a single one.