The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1907-12-06
THE OWOSSO TIMES
EDMUND o. DEWEY. EDITOR.
owosso, FRIDAY DEC. 8. 1907
Stock For Breeding Purposes.

Stock For Breeding Purposes.
In the selection of stock for breed
ing purposes great deal of attention
should be directed towards the choice
of animals giving marked evidence
of uniformity. If there is one thing
above another apparent to the casual
observer in looking over fiocks main
tanned upon most farms it is the great
lack of some well defined type in the
focks. Apparently the impression
quito generally prevails among flock
owners who do not pretend to main
tain flocks conforming to any definite
standard that uniformity Is a second
airy consideration and in the selection
of breeding stock give little attention
to selection of animals possessing like
characteristics. In so far as the
maintenance of f1ocks of any partic-
ular breed to conform to a definite
standard is concerned. / do not con-
sider it Of so far-reaching Importance
TO the average flock owner to pay so
close attention to type as for the
breeder, but 1 do think that every
flock owner should in case he does not
desire to confirm with any already
established standard. settle upon
some type that more nearly ap-
proaches his ideal sheep and then
select with the intention of establish
ing uniformity in the flock.
A careful study of the market will
reveal the fact that the highest price
is always paid for number one quality
OF both wool and mutton. Any dis
elimination in market value is CLASH
the flock are to be sold upon their
quality and it ds the desire of the own
ner that they be accepted as number
one grade and receive the highest
market price, that quality of goods
must in every way possess uniformity.
Every flock owner desires his flock
products TO sell for the highest mar
ket price without any discrimination.
II is therefore important that consid
cradle attention be paid to the produc-
tion of a uniform grade of flock pro-
ducts. II the highest price is desired
per pound for the wool every individ
uai in the flock must produce q quail
ty Of fleece in length, strength of fiber
and of superior density. In the case
of the lambs, If they are to bring the
highest market price they must be
possessed of the desired market con-
formation and weight.
1t is obvious from the above analy-
-. 81 Io, 90 Il
husbandfy that considerable attention
should he paid to the selection Of
breeding ewes to establish uniformity
importance should be placed upon
selecting ewes of a type that possess
the qualities demanded by the market
There are, Of course, few individuals
in every flock that fall below the
standard and must be retained in
order to make up the desired number
In the flock These ewes, If properly
mated will produce good lambs and
through proper care and feeding de-
cidedly improve in the quality Of
fleece. ] would not discard ewes that
are not too for below the standard
the first season or two as they in
many cases are excellent producers.
Iwould say by all means select the
ram from thorobred flock where at
tention has been directed toward
breeding along some well defined
lines. Blood from thorobred fiocks
always possess stronger prepotency
than that selected from grade hocks.
Uniformity in the flock means
great deal to the American sheep
husbandry. In the first place it sig
nifies high degree of pride. No true
lover of any kind of live stock adj
mires dntermixture of blood of sever
al different breeds. From the stand
point of the producer uniformity
means higher price for flock products.
LEO c. Reynolds. of Maple River.
in Michigan Farmer.