456 lOWADEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



are desired. ThQy are too heavy for light, handy purposes, and too light 

 for heavy carcass purposes." 



The common grade is made up of wethers of inferior quality and in 

 perceptibly underfinished condition. 



Fives. — In this subclass are included yearling ewes, surplus breeding 

 ewes, and those no longer useful for breeding purposes. 



"As these different sources indicate, there are wide differences in the 

 age, condition and weight of the various offerings of ewes appearing on 

 the market. 



"Ewes do not sell on a par with wethers, because they have propor- 

 tionately a greater percentage of offal and a smaller amount of lean meat. 

 Except in times of urgent demand for mutton, prime wethers sell for at 

 least 50 cents per hundredweight more than prime ewes. However, when 

 the demand for mature mutton is strong the difference is often no more 

 than 25 cents. * * * 



"Smooth, highly finished native and western yearling ewes, and a 

 very small number of well-bred, aged native ewes, of prime quality and in 

 prime condition, comprise jthe offerings in [the prime] grade. Since the 

 bulk of yearling ewes are sold for breeding purposes, the total offerings 

 of prime ewes are small. Prime yearling ewes may be not entirely above 

 criticism in quality and condition, but because they are light in w-eight 

 they meet with ready sales. The strongest demand is for weights not 

 greater than 100 pounds. However, large, smooth, aged ewes in prime 

 condition sell as prime ewes. * * * 



"Ewes of [the choice] grade must show development to a high degree 

 in form, quality, and condition, as they are placed to the same use as 

 prime ewes. They may be slightly faulty in quality, condition, or 

 weight, but they are usually criticised for their lack either of quality or 

 condition. Grain-fattened western ewes frequently sell as choice. 



"Good ewes are appreciably open to criticism in condition and often 

 in quality. In most seasons of the year ewes choice in condition and 

 quality, but of the unhandy weights ranging from 115 to 130 pounds, are 

 also placed in this grade." 



Underfinished condition and advanced age are usually evident in the 

 medium grade. "Often ewes and their lambs are sent to market to- 

 gether. Ewes in such shipments are frequently too low in condition to 

 be above the medium grade." 



Offerings of the common or cull grade are pronounced in their lack of 

 condition. 



"Toothless old ewes, too decrepit to make use of feed, and thus regain 

 desirable condition, are slaughtered for the cheapest class of trade. As 

 the winter season advances a number of ewes appear on the market well 

 advanced in pregnancy. Such ewes, although they may be of choice qual- 

 ity and condition, sell as common ewes because of their high percentage 

 of waste and the ill effects pregnancy is said to have upon the color of 

 the carcass." 



