﻿6 BULLETIN 20, U. S. DEPARTMENT OP AGRICULTURE. 



IMPORTANCE OF PROPER SELECTION. 



Selecting the breeding stock is the most important operation in 

 establishing the flock. It would be a much simpler problem if the 

 visible qualities, such as form, were the only ones concerned, but 

 such is not the case. Functional characteristics, such as fecundity 

 and good milking qualities, are equally important. Too much atten- 

 tion can not be given to this phase of selection. Upon success or 

 failure of proper selection depends the advance or retardation of the 

 flock. The old adage, "Well begun is half done," was nevermore 

 appropriate than here. 



IMPORTANCE OF SELECTING HEALTHY BRFEDING STOCK. 



It is necessary to pay special attention to the health of the breeding 

 animals. Sheep are affected with so many diseases and parasites that 

 extreme care must be exercised to select individuals free from these 

 troubles. The sheep of the corn belt have been especially troubled 

 with parasites. It is because of the comparative freedom of the range 

 from these pests, and the consequent vigor and robustness of western 

 sheep, that this class of sheep are particularly desirable for breeding 

 purposes. 



SELECTING PUREBRED STOCK. 



With purebreds there are certain breed characteristics that must 

 be given their due consideration. These may or may not be of value 

 in themselves, but at any rate they are important in that they indi- 

 cate purity of blood, which blood contains unquestionably superior 

 qualities. 



The different breeds are all undergoing more or less of a change. 

 Part of this is actual improvement and part of it is fashion. It is 

 desirable that the breeder of purebred sheep keep up to date in his 

 selection, avoiding " off-type" sheep. He should do this whenever 

 the newly desired qualities do not interfere with the usefulness or 

 value of the sheep; but where constitution, utility, or some other 

 such quality must be sacrificed to fashion, it should be avoided, and 

 more progress will be made in the end. The most improved and at 

 the same time the most up-to-date type should be selected. 



With purebred stock it is desirable, if possible, to select all the ewes 

 from the flock of one reliable breeder. More uniformity, both in 

 the ewes themselves and in the lambs, can thus be secured. The pur- 

 chaser should make it a point to see the stock before buying. If this 

 is impossible, the stock should be shipped subject to approval. Many 

 breeders' show flocks are comprised of purchased or imported sheep 

 of high quality, while their breeding flocks are of a very mediocre 

 character. 



