The Arvada enterprise. (Arvada, Colo.) 1908-1970, 1921-11-03

prepared ~ the United States Department
of Agricuiturs.)
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-lts clothing may conceal de-
fects that make 1t absolutely undesir-
able. or at least detract from its worth.
Sheep Judging Requires Study.
Nevertheless, sheep judging is pos
sibIe to anyone who will give 1t study
and practice and the eye is an i'm
portnnt agent, although 1t must be as
sisted by 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 60 through
the sheep pens. II the judges will per-
init one to try his hand and check up
against their findings. 1t will be much
better. A good score card is essential,
and one is contained In Farmers Bull
letin 1850. 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
sTection; but rs 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 % out Of 100
points for general appearance. Of which
normal weight counts 3: form IL 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.
lice Ii necessary to get the correct
touch. Pounding and clawlng are out
"f order. DO not muss the fleece II
the animal has been prepared for ex-
hlbitiOn.
The score card allows 12 points for
condition. comprising an even, deep,
firm flesh covering. with fuilness In
shoulder and brisket. thick covering
3ver top OF siouidres. back. rib. and
thick dock.
Points Noted In Judging.
Head and neck are given nine points,
Of which five 90 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
/" II neck short. thick and smoothly
Joined to the shoulder.
Ten points are assigned to the fore
quarters Of which eight inay be given
to the shoulders. They should be com
paci on top. smoothly Joined with neck
and body. and well covered with flesh.
one point goes to Y full. well-rounded.
and well.extendcd brisket, and one to
straight, short legs, set well apart.
The body may count ~ potnts-two
for deep. wide. full chest; four for
ribs well sprung, close, md thickiy
covered six for straight. broad back,
ihickly and evenly covered with flesh;
six for wide. thick 'oin. well covered.
seventeen points are given to perfect
nind quarters. Level. smooth hips.
wide apart. count one long level. wide
rump. thick ut dock. four; full. deep.
wide thighs. four: deep, firm. plump
:wisf. joined well down on leg five
straight. short legs. wide apart. one.
The uddcr In ewes or the scrotum In
rams counts two II well formed.
Nine points are given to woOl-three
:nr quantity. three for quality. and
:hres for condition.