Dec. 2, 1920.] 



Agricultural Gazette of N.S.W. 



851 



much per head the values have been calculated on the barsis of the average 

 live weight recorded at the saleyards. The following are the particulars : — 



The South Down crosses were considered by salesmen to furnish the best 

 quality of mutton, and on the whole to supply the most uniform shape and 

 compact carcase. The Dorset Horn, on the whole, furnished the heavier 

 carcase, but slightly less shapely. The Shropshiie crosses on the other 

 hand were slightly longer than the South Down, though fairly compact ; 

 but on analysis of these figures we cannot i-esist one conclusion, namely, that 

 the weight of carcase is the prime factor in attesting the value of the 

 different crosses. 



The lambs were offered in the wool, and indeed from previous records 

 taken it was deduced that it is not profitable to shear lambs intended for 

 early sale. The comparatively small return of wool which they yield scarcely 

 repays for the outlay. Besides, lambs raised for export should be handled 

 as little as possible. The knocking about which they receive in the yards, 

 and the shearing itself (if they are shorn) is sufficient to so lower their 

 condition as to render many unfit for being classified as first grade. More- 

 over, the amount of wool left on the pelt is rendered practically valueless 

 except to those manufacturers using very short wool. Separated from the 

 staple of which it originally formed part, it could be classed as little better 

 than "noil," but left on the skin the full length of the staple is obtained, and 

 the wool may be possibly used for combing purposes after the skins have 

 gone through the process of fellmongering. Furthermore, the value of the 

 skin is of only very minor importance as compared with the value of the 

 carcase. In raising lambs for export the whole attention should be concen- 

 trated on the development of the carcase. Obviously the Iamb at five 

 months has not had sufficient time to develop the skin in the same proportion 

 as the body, and as the export lamb trade develops the wool question will 

 sink into insignificance as contrasted with the value of the flesh. 



Summary. 



We may thus present the following conclusions : -- 



(1) The possibilities 0/ lamb-raising.— 'New South Wales offers almost 

 unbounded possibihties for the extension of the lamb-raising industry in dis- 

 tricts where sheep-raising can be carried on in conjunction with wheat-growmg, 



(2) The desirable type of lamh.—A-W lambs fit for exi)ort should not weigh 

 less than 66 lb. nor more than 80 lb. live weight. This will allow for 

 a carcase weighing between about 33 and 40 lb. dressed weight, which will 

 be classed as first grade according to quality, shape, and condition. 



