EXERCISE 67 

 JUDGING MUTTON SHEEP 



Object. - To study the mutton sheep and observe those 

 factors that affect its quality and worth. 



Explanation. Sheep may be divided into two general 

 types based upon the purpose for which they are bred. One 

 type is bred chiefly for the production of mutton and the 

 other type principally for the production of wool. For 

 mutton purposes the most desirable sheep to produce is the 

 one that most nearly fills the market demands. The sheep 

 that most nearly meets the market demand for mutton is 

 the ideal described in the accompanying score card. 



Equipment. A good mutton sheep. 



Directions. Examine the animal carefully and estimate 

 the value of each point given in the accompanying score 

 card. Have in mind a clear understanding of the ideal 

 mutton sheep. This may be gained by studying photographs 

 of prize-winning sheep or by examining prize animals at fairs 

 and stock shows. The standard score on the score card re- 

 fers to the ideal animal. In judging each point record the 

 number of points that the animal falls below the ideal. It 

 is more difficult for beginners to judge sheep than any other 

 class of live stock. On account of the length of the fleece it 

 is difficult to determine by observation alone the form of the 



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