SELECTING THE RAM FOR THE FARM FLOCK 227 



tendency to resemble him in greater degree than they resemble 

 their dams (Figs. 150-153) while such is not likely to be true of 

 the get of the grade sire. 



Since lambs sired by a pure-bred ram will so often resemble him, 

 it is necessary, indeed, that he be of desirable market or mutton 

 type. He should be wide and deep for his length. He should be 

 symmetrical, that is, evenly developed. Well sprung ribs, wide 

 loin, well-filled thighs, a wide, full twist, and a deep, even covering 

 of firm flesh are all points of mutton excellence which should be 

 sought. He should be active an:i vigorous in order to sire lambs 



FIG. 154. Common rams with shallow bodies and narrow chests. Mixed in breeding. 

 The kind that should never be used for breeding purposes. 



full of life and vigor, the kind of lambs that will have the advantage 

 in the race toward market perfection. Indications of activity and 

 vigor are bold, brisk, direct movements, stylish carriage, wide-open, 

 bright eyes, wide nose and well-expanded nostrils, deep chest, and 

 well-extended brisket. 



As in the case of ewes selected for the flock the ram should be 

 well grown, though it is not necessary that he be an unusually large 

 representative of his breed. In fact, it is safer to select a ram of 

 medium size, since the over-large animal is in many cases coarse, 

 and this coarseness, if transmitted, will reduce the value of the 

 lamb crop when it reaches the market (Fig. 154). 



If the owner intends to reserve ewe lambs for breeding purposes, 



