378 JUDGING SHEEP 



giving width and depth to the body. The hindquarters 

 should carry out square to the tail-head and buttocks. 

 Any inclination to narrowness in this region is exceptionally 

 objectionable. The leg of mutton constitutes the most 

 valuable part of the carcass and development in this region 

 should, therefore, be given special consideration. 



Quality. Quality in sheep is important, the same as in 

 other animals, although the method of determination is 

 somewhat different from that used in horses, cattle and 

 swine. A measurement of this condition cannot be made 

 as largely by the eye and hand in sheep as in other animals. 

 Quality is usually in evidence about the head, which should 

 be clear in outline and free from any indication of coarseness. 

 Large, drooping ears, a heavy muzzle and a coarse, open 

 fleece are indicative of objectionable quality. The shoulders 

 should be smooth, the joints clean in outline and the bone 

 hard and refined in appearance. A fleece of fine quality, 

 showing density, and fine hair on the face, ears and legs is 

 also indicative of this attribute. The general demeanor 

 should all indicate clean, trim features and outline of form 

 devoid of waste. The skin should present a bright, pink, 

 healthy appearance. A light, pale skin is indicative of 

 general lack of health and thriftiness. 



Constitution. Constitution is of special significance in 

 breeding sheep. If the butcher could eliminate the parts of 

 the sheep indicative of constitution it would be a desirable 

 thing from his standpoint, as all of the readily salable por- 

 tions are located in the loin and leg of mutton, while the 

 head, neck, and forequarters, the parts which indicate con- 

 stitution, are comparatively low-priced cuts. In actual 

 practice the breeder and feeder have problems to contend 

 with as well as the butcher. It is therefore necessary to 

 have a broad, strong head, a large muzzle and nostrils, and 

 a broad and deep chest, these being the chief indications of 

 constitutional vigor. Like quality, every part of the animal 

 should portray strong breeding and feeding attributes. 

 These are dependent largely on form and constitution, the 

 former indicating possession of qualities which will enable the 

 sheep to use feed to good advantage, and the latter the con- 



