PROPERTIES 209 



probably show that all but a small percentage of the ewes are com- 

 paratively smooth over their bodies and there would not be a large 

 percentage with large wrinkles or folds on the neck. In other words, 

 breeders differ with respect to type, mainly on the make-up of 

 breeding rams used in stud flocks, some being willing to sacrifice 

 considerably in mutton for the sake of extreme fleece qualities, 

 while others insist upon a well balanced sheep as regards wool and 

 mutton (Fig. 142). 



The Ohio State Fair management has provided two classes for 

 Rambouillets known as Class B and Class C. Class B includes the 



FIG. 143. Rambouillet lambs bred by Purdue University, LaFayette, Indiana. Note the 

 small wrinkles on the body which disappear as the wool grows longer. 



sheep having the more extreme development in fleece as indicated 

 by wrinkles on the body, density and extension of wool over the 

 body and the amount of yolk in the wool, while Class C includes 

 the smooth sheep carrying only a few light folds on the neck and no 

 wrinkles on the body (Fig. 143). 



Properties. Rambouillet mutton does not rank so high as that 

 of the leading mutton breeds, but when well finished it is good mut- 

 ton, good enough to satisfy an educated and discriminating palate. 



Of the fine wool breeds, all of which are hardy, none are more 

 so than the Rambouillet. Being large, strongly muscled, and capable 

 of a long stride, they are able to travel far and to handle various 

 kinds of forage. The ewes are fairly prolific, and the number of 

 lambs, born to the number of ewes bred, ranges from 125 to 150 per 

 14 



