352 MARKET CLASSES OF SHEEP 



into prime or choice mutton lambs, and to produce gains at eco- 

 nomical figures. The selection of such lambs is based upon form, 

 quality, constitution . condition, and weight. 



" Form, in Feeder Lambs. In general, the form should be 

 deep, broad, well-knit, of medium length, and low-set. This con- 

 formation indicates early maturity, good constitution, capacity for 

 growth, and a likelihood of finishiflg into an attractive carcass with 

 a relatively high percentage of valuable cuts. Very leggy, gaunt, 

 narrow, loosely-made lambs usually fatten slowly and lack the 

 ability to make economical gains or to reach choice mutton finish. 

 The choice feeder should be of medium length rather than very 

 long or very short. Great length is usually attended with general 

 ungainliness and a tendency to finish slowly. Since lambs of this 

 conformation are usually very long in the coupling they lack, when 

 at their best, the compactness desired in the choice mutton lamb. 

 On the other hand, the unusually short lamb as a rule behaves on 

 feed as though it had been stunted. It is often fastidious in its 

 eating; it frequently presents a paunchy appearance and improves 

 but slightly during the feeding period. It has been said that choice 

 feeders should be low-set, but only a comparatively small number 

 of strong, western lambs have legs that would be termed short. In 

 making selections and keeping the other requisites in mind, the less 

 leggy type should be preferred. 



" Quality of Feeder Lambs. Quality is a very important con- 

 sideration in the selection of feeder lambs. It is characterized by a 

 medium-sized, clean-cut head; medium-sized ears; bone that is free 

 from coarseness at the joints; skin, thin and without folds or 

 wrinkles. A smooth skin without folds or wrinkles and carrying 

 wool of moderate weight is the most important requirement of desir- 

 able quality in feeder lambs. Lambs with heavy pelts are discrim- 

 inated against because they do not, as a rule, gain so rapidly as lambs 

 with smooth skins, and they never command top prices when re- 

 turned to the market fat, because the excessive weight of pelt 

 materially reduces the percentage of the dressed weight. 



" Constitution of Feeders. The conformation which indicates 

 a strong constitution is described above under form. A wide, deep 

 chest, fullness in the heart-girth, and depth and breadth of body 

 indicate sufficient space for well-developed vital organs, which means 

 a strong constitution. Another important point, which if not a 

 part of constitution is closely akin to it, is thrift. The intelligent 



