TYPES AND MARKET CLASSES OF LIVE STOCK 



243 



of lambs for feeding, and it adds much to the attractiveness of 

 the finished lot when presented to the buyer. The market's 

 preference for dark color markings may well be kept in mind 

 in this connection. 



The breeder who aims to supply the open market must 

 emphasize the matter of wool when building up a breeding flock. 

 Although meat production is the principal object in view, the 

 clip of wool from such a flock ought to be an important source 

 of revenue. Furthermore, the ewe with the heavy fleece is 

 better protected from the weather, remains more healthy for 

 that reason, and the density of her fleece keeps it free from dirt, 



Fig. 74. A Flock of Uniform Type. 



sand, manure, bits of straw, and other foreign matter. Moisture 

 is better excluded and the yolk thus becomes abundant, protect- 

 ing the fibers and preventing a cotted fleece. Her offspring, 

 being heavily wooled, is less subject to chills and colds which 

 hinder rapid growth and development. And lastly, the heavy 

 fleece finds an appreciation on the live-stock market. All along 

 the line, therefore, from breeding flock to packing house, the 

 fleece with density, length of staple, and quality meets with 

 approval and increases the value of the animal it covers. 



It is evident that it takes years to build up a flock of much 

 uniform merit and value. It is not a difficult matter to stock 



