354 MARKET CLASSES OF SHEEP 



weight should receive consideration. Choice feeder lambs range in 

 weight from 55 to 62 pounds. Lambs weighing less than this are 

 regarded as either too young or too much retarded in growth to grade 

 as choice. It is expected of choice lambs that they will finish into 

 the most desirable weights in a normal feeding period, which is from 

 75 to 120 days, and hence the initial weight should not be much less 

 than 55 pounds." 



In determining the proper form of a feeder sheep, it is not to 

 be expected that the amount of depth and breadth in proportion 

 to the length is to be as great as in the fat lamb, for high condition 

 adds materially to these dimensions. 



Fancy selected feeder lambs (one grade higher than choice 

 lambs) are usually above 60 pounds in weight and lacking only 

 10 to 15 pounds to put them in prime condition for the mutton 

 class. 



The Common Grades. The following may cause feeder lambs 

 to grade as common : Lack of thrift, light weight (35 to 45 pounds), 

 extreme weight of pelt, and coarseness in features. Common feeder 

 yearlings are so heavy in pelt and heavy in weight that they may be 

 classed as wethers when fat. Common feeder wethers may be very 

 thin, advanced in age, coarse and pelty. Common feeder ewes are 

 very thin, and as a rule have defective teeth (Figs. 214 and 215). 



Weights for the various subclasses of feeders are as follows : 



Weights of Proper weight when returned 

 choice grades to the market as 



of feeders mutton sheep 



Lambs 55-65 Ibs. 80 Ibs. 



Yearlings 65-70 Ibs. 85-90 Ibs. 



Wethers 80-90 Ibs. 95-110 Ibs. 



Ewes 70-80 Ibs. 1)5-100 Ibs. 



Breeding sheep were discussed in the chapter on establishing the 

 commercial flock. 



QUESTIONS 



1. What is the important difference between mutton and feeder sheep? 



2. What are the most important factors in determining the grade of a 



mutton lamb? 



3. What does the market mean by pelt? 



4. Why are lambs preferred to older sheep? 



5. What are yearlings? 



6. How are they used in the mutton trade? 



7. What grade is applied to the best mutton lamb? The worst? 



