378 JUDGING SHEEP 



ingly, it is necessary to have a clear idea of the kind of 

 wool produced by the various types of sheep. Market 

 considerations are also important, but if the three distinct 

 types of wool are clearly understood and their qualities 

 defined from the breed-production standpoint, the value of 

 the fleece may be judged accurately from the viewpoint of 

 the stockman. 



Method of Examination. — In judging-fleece characteristics 

 the best results are obtained by following some regular 

 procedure in making the examination. The wool covering 

 of the head should first be noted, after which it should be 

 examined over the shoulder, mid-body, and outer thigh 

 respectively. With the fingers extending straight and held 

 close together, the wool should first be opened over the 

 shoulder. This should be done by parting the wool at a 

 natural opening to avoid rufiling or matting it. The finest 

 wool grows in this region, and a determination of the quality 

 in this part should not be taken as the standard. The wool 

 should next be opened over the mid-body and outer thigh 

 in the same manner. A balance of the fleece characteristics 

 indicated in these parts will furnish an accurate guide to 

 the wooling qualities throughout. 



Before deciding finally on the value of the fleece the 

 sheep should be turned up on the buttocks and an examina- 

 tion made of the wool covering over the belly and on the 

 legs. The quantity, quality, length, density, purity, close- 

 ness of crimp, yolk, and soundness should all receive close 

 consideration in the general examination. In making a final 

 summary of the value of a mutton sheep, the mutton and 

 wool qualifications should both be taken into consideration. 

 While the wool is a by-product in the mutton sheep its value 

 should be coordinated with the mutton-producing qualifica- 

 tions. In the fine-wool breeds the reverse condition is true, 

 the wool being of chief consideration. 



Throughout the examination the fingers should be extended 

 and held closely together to avoid ruflBing the wool. The 

 fingers should never be thrust in the folds of the wool as it 

 usally leaves an impression which it is difficult to overcome, 

 especially in sheep fitted for show. As in judging the form 



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