Types and Market Classes of Live Stock 253 



is little, under normal supply conditions. There need be no discussion 

 of the advisability of trimming lambs; in fact, it would be as logical 

 to mature boar pigs as ram lambs." 



Yearlings. — This class includes yearling wethers only. Yearling 

 ewes and bucks are excluded. As shown in the preceding chapter, 

 yearlings are used as a substitute for lambs in the meat trade. The 

 yearling's ability to substitute for lamb depends upon his weight, con- 

 dition, quality, and form, and the nearer he approaches the prime lamb 

 in these respects, the higher price he will bring. Most yearling wethers 

 will "break" at the break-joint (described in Chapter XVI) but 

 most yearling ewes will not. Because the yearling ewe cannot be 



Fie.. 88. — Guud yearling:,. 



relied upon to show the break-joint, the term "yearling" on the sheep 

 market means yearling wethers only. The supply is very limited. 



Yearlings are designated according to weight as light weights, 

 medium weights, and heavy weights. Weight is important because the 

 yearling is valued in proportion to his resemblance to the prime lamb. 

 Light weights ranging from 80 to 90 pounds are preferred. Relatively 

 few yearlings weighing over 90 pounds grade higher than choice, and 

 few heavy-weight yearlings (100 pounds and up) grade higher than 

 good. However, high condition is of even greater importance than 

 weight. A thin yearling of the right weight is not a good lamb sub- 

 stitute. The higher grades of yearlings combine light weight and high 

 condition. The lower grades are deficient in both respects. The 



