Elbert County tribune., 1921-11-04


prepared by the United States Department
of Agrieulture.)
Can you judge sheep? II you can.
you are somewhat above the ordinary
run of stock raiser, because of all
farm animals, in the estimate of the
United States Department of Agricul-
ture, the sheep is the most difficult to
appraise accurately.
With horses, cattle, swine, or poultry
the eye will tell much as to the quail
ity for any purpose desired, and by
seeing the animals constantly the
breeder or handler learns to estimate
their worth, point by point. But a
sheep with full fleece is, like certain
members of the human race, artfully
dressed-its clothing may conceal de-
fects that make it absolutely undeslr-
able, or at least detract from its worth.
Sheep Judging Requires Study.
Nevertheless, sheep judging is pos
sible to anyone who will give It study
and practice and the eye is an i'm
portant agent, although it must be as
sisted by a careful inspection with
the hand.
Any sheep raiser who desires to I'm
prove his flock can profit by attending
the next county or state fair and fol-
lowing the Judges as they go through
the sheep pens. If the judges will per-
init one to try his hand and check up
against their findings, it Will be much
better. A good score card Is essential,
and one is contained in Farmers Bui-
letin 1899. Judging Sheep" sent on
request by the department.
The experienced judge may not ap-
pear to spend any time looking at the
sheep before he starts the hand in
spection; but as matter of fact his
practiced eye takes in the entire con-
tour, build, and bearing. The student
judge should stand away and careful
ly view the animal from the front,
side, and rear.
The score card allows 25 out of 100
points for general appearance. of which
normal weight counts 8 form is given
10, the specifications being straight
top and under line, deep, broad, low
set for breed, compact, well proper
toned.
Under quality" to which another
10 is assigned. the scord card specifies :
Hair, fine; bone, fine, but strong feat
ures, fine, but not delicate; skin pink.
After the sheep has been inspected
from distance, one should check up
his observations by going over the
animals body with the hand. keeping
in mind the first Impressions. Prac-
tice is necessary to get the correct
touch. Pounding and clawing are out
of order. Do not muss the fleece If
the animal has been prepared for ex-
hibition.
The score card allows IL points for
condition, comprising an even, deep,
firm flesh covering, with fullness in
shoulder and brisket, thick covering
3ver top of shouldres, back, rib, and
thick dock.
Points Noted in Judging.
Head and neck are given nine points,
Of which five go for head with clean
cut. strong mouth, thin lips, large nos
trils, large, clear eyes, alert look, short
face, broad forehead, alert and we'll
spaced ears. Four points are given
TO neck short, thick and smoothly
Joined to the shoulder.
Ten points are assigned to the fore
quarters OF winch elgHt may De given
to the shoulders. They should be com
pact on top, smoothly Joined with neck
and body, and well covered with flesh.
one point goes to full, well-rounded,
and well-extended brisket, and one to
straight, short legs, set well apart.
The body may count IS points-two
for deep. wide. full chest; four for
ribs well sprung, close, and thickly
covered six for straight, broad back,
thickly and evenly covered with flesh;
six for wide, thick loin. well covered.
Seventeen points are given to perfect
mind quarters. Level, smooth hips
wide apart, count one; long level, wide
rump, thick at dock, four: full, deep.
wide thighs, four; deep, firm, plump
tvist. Joined well down on leg. FIVE;
straight, short legs, wide apart, one.
The udder in ewes or the scrotum In
rams counts two If well formed.
Nine points are given to wool-three
for quantity, three for quality, and
three for condition.