Selection of the Ewes. 



Uniformity in vigor, form, type, quality, breeding character and 

 breed character should be held uppermost in selecting ewes for the 

 flock. The ewes possess a relatively higher degree of quality than the 

 ram, and should be thoroughly feminine. Femininity in ewes indi- 

 cates "maternal instinct" ; those possessing it are more regular breed- 

 ers and deeper milkers. Lack of constitutional vigor should not be 

 mistaken for femininity. Femininity is indicated by length and re- 

 finement of the head, docile eyes, a medium length of neck and roomy 

 body. Selection should seek to establish twin production of ewes, 

 which is a hereditary tendency. 25 Freedom from disease is indicated 

 by the pink color of the skin, alert expression of the eye and the yolk 

 in the wool. Large, roomy, vigorous ewes are a safeguard against 

 losses in lambs since they produce vigorous lambs and give a large 

 amount of milk. The most discouraging thing the young shepherd 

 contends with is a high mortality rate of young lambs at lambing time. 

 This can, in a large part, be avoided by the selection of the right kind 

 of ewes. Avoid the selection of old and emaciated ewes, as they 

 are invariably infested with parasites. 



The quality, form and condition of the ewe are judged in the 

 same way as those of the ram. However, the ewe cannot approach 

 the ideal mutton form as closely as the ram, as the extremely 

 lowsct, blocky, and high-conditioned ewes have a tendency to be non- 

 breeders. 



Age of Breeding Sheep. 



A sheep should not be used for service until one year of age. As a 

 yearling, a ram may be mated with as many as thirty ewes without in- 

 jury. As a two-year-old a ram is at his best. He can be used until 

 eight to ten years of age if properly managed. He should never be 

 allowed to become too fat or be used excessively. 



A ewe should be at least a yearling before raising her first lambs ; 

 otherwise, her size and vigor will be so stunted as to result in smaller 

 and weaker lambs. In the Merino breeds the ewes are often two years 

 old before raising their first lambs. The mutton breeds are not, on 

 the whole, as long-lived as the Merino sheep. 26 The average age 

 when ewes of the Shropshire breed are disposed of is about six to 

 seven years, while for the Delaine-Merinos it is about nine years. 26 



^Wisconsin Bulletin No. 95. 



26 The Pennsylvania State College Flock Records. 



21 



