﻿THE MANAGEMENT OF SHEEP 1 1 X THE FARM. i 



SELECTING THE RAMS. 



The ram has as much influence upon the flock as the entire ewe 

 flock bred to him, which fact gives rise to the old saying, "The ram 

 is half the flock." The selection of the ram is thus seen to be a matter 

 of prune importance. Improvement in breeding can be brought 

 about in a flock at less expense by the use of a good ram than in any 

 other way. A good ram is a valuable investment, and the few extra 

 dollars in cost over the price of a mediocre one multiply themselves in 

 returns on the lamb crop. The wise selection of a single ram has in 

 many cases made a flock famous. 



The qualities desired are that he be a well-balanced individual, bold, 

 and of masculine character, and with abundant vigor and style of 

 carriage. He should be a representative of the most improved breed 

 character and should possess a strong constitution, as indicated by a 

 short, broad head; large, dilated nostrils; a short, thick neck; abroad, 

 deep chest; and a large heart girth. 



Abundant digestive capacity is also essential, and it is shown in a 

 large muzzle and a broad, deep middle. A somewhat paunchy ram 

 is often a good breeder, and a certain amount of this is permissible, 

 but when developed to an extreme it is unsightly and is discriminated 

 against. As much quality as is possible without sacrificing strong- 

 bone, size, and ruggedness is desirable. It is indicated by density 

 of bone, fineness of fiber and hair, and a general absence of coarseness. 

 The degree of quality present in some breeds is greater than in others, 

 but an excess of refinement is out of place in a ram of any breed. 



The head should be masculine, with a clear prominent eye. The 

 neck should be full, swelling gradually to meet the shoulders. A 

 "ewe neck" is very objectionable. The shoulders should be broad 

 but not prominent; level on top, with no tendency toward openness. 

 The breast should be broad and full, the forearm well developed, the 

 forelegs straight and wide apart, and the pasterns strong. 



The ram should not be deficient back of the shoulders, but should 

 carry his width in a broad, straight -back, well-sprung barrel, and 

 full flank. The loin should be broad and level, the rump long and 

 broad, with no tendency toward droopiness or a pointed rump. The 

 twist should be deep and full, the width of the quarters carrying down 

 in well-developed legs of mutton. The rear flank should be full and 

 well let down, the hind legs straight, without weakness in the pasterns. 



The fleece, as nearly as possible, should be uniform over the differ- 

 ent parts of the body and should be characteristic of the breed. The 

 skin should be of medium thickness and of a good healthy color for 

 the breed. 



It is desirable that he be deep muscled, but to a certain extent this 

 depends upon the care, feed, amount of service, etc. A ram that is 



