624 BULLETIN No. 129. [November, 



PLATE 36. COMMON FEEDER WETHERS. 



FEEDER EWES 



During the past few years the demand for breeding ewes has 

 been so strong that the greater number of western yearling ewes 

 too low in condition to sell as mutton have been shipped out of the 

 Chicago market as breeding ewes. When there is a slow demand 

 for breeding ewes, however, the yearling ewe lops off into the 

 feeder class. Of the mature ewes sold as feeders, the larger num- 

 ber are those .that have spent their usefulness as breeders on the 

 range. They, vary considerably in condition, quality and general 

 thrift, and all feeder ewes may be graded as follows: CHOICE, 

 GOOD, MEDIUM, COMMON. 



CHOICE FEEDER EWES 



Most of the yearling ewes offered as feeders are placed in this 

 grade. They are of choice quality and in that degree of condition 

 at which gains are put on rapidly and early give a degree of desir- 

 able finish. They weigh from 70 to 80 pounds and when finished 

 yield a neat, handy-weight carcass. Smooth aged ewes of good form 

 and in medium flesh are also placed in this grade. See plate 37. 



GOOD FEEDER EWES 



To grade as good, feeder ewes must be smooth and healthy, 

 and their teeth must be sound. Owing to sharp demand in the 

 breeding ewe section during several years past many ewes of the 

 above description have gone to the country as breeders, provided 



