258 



Types and Market Classes of Live Stock 



are discriminated against. Because of their Merino breeding, western 

 lambs are usually not as good in form as in quality, but the form here 

 described represents the desired standard. 



4. Quality.— A high degree of quality is desired, as shown by 

 neatness of head, fineness of bone, and smoothness of form. These 

 features should not be so pronounced as to result in weakness of con- 

 stitution and lack of vigor, but they should be well marked. Coarse- 

 ness and roughness are decidedly objectionable. 



5. Constitution and thrift.— Width and depth of middle, full 

 heart-girth, short neck and legs, and a fair degree of style and activity, 

 are indications of constitution, thrift, and vigor. Lame, inactive, and 

 weak lambs should be rejected. 



6. Condition. — Lambs so thin as to be emaciated and weak are 

 discriminated against, as it is a question whether they will respond to 



Fig. 93. — Common feeder lambs. 



feeding, and there is danger of losing a considerable number of them 

 before they are finished. Feeder lambs should carry enough condition 

 to make them reasonably full in their outlines, thrifty, and healthy. 



7. Fleece. — A fairly dense fleece of clean white wool affords pro- 

 tection during winter feeding and assists in selling at top prices to 

 packer buyers. It is true that the best carcass is seldom found under 

 the heaviest and densest fleece, but a good, clean fleece on the feeder 

 lamb is desirable for the reasons mentioned. Black lambs spoil the 

 appearance of the load, and burry fleeces and those in very dirty condi- 

 tion lessen the value of the finished lambs. 



8. Sex. — Buck lambs are disqualified for feeding purposes for 

 reasons previously mentioned. Wether lambs are slightly preferred to 

 ewe lambs, but no sorting is done on this account, both wethers and 

 ewes being taken without making any distinction as to price. 



