380 JUDGING SHEEP 



or pliability is readily determined by pressing on the fleece 

 with the palm of the hand, fingers extended. If there is a 

 firm yet pliable condition the wool possesses the requisite of 

 softness. If there is a dry, harsh touch, the wool is lacking 

 in yolk or oil to give it the necessary pliability to retain a 

 normal, healthy condition. When the secretion is ample, 

 the scales on the fibers retain their close-fitting position, 

 while if the secretion is not sufficient the scales stand out 

 and give the harsh, grating touch characteristic of a dry, 

 unhealthy or cotted fleece. A sheep which is well fed and 

 otherwise properly managed usually exhibits it in the con- 

 dition of the fleece as well as the body. 



Quantity. — The quantity of the fleece is indicated by the 

 length, density, and uniformity of staple. The length of 

 staple varies, depending on the breed and the season of the 

 year. The fleece should be judged with these three factors 

 in mind. The long or coarse wools include those produced 

 by the Lincoln, Leicester, and Cotswold. The medium 

 wools include those from the Southdown, Shropshire, Hamp- 

 shire, Oxford, Suffolk, Cheviot, and Dorset, and the fine or 

 short wools those produced by the Rambouillet, American 

 and Delaine Merino. Short-staple wools are used in the 

 manufacture of woolens and felts, while long-staple wools 

 are adapted to producing worsted goods made from strong, 

 fine yarn. 



Density refers to the closeness or compactness of the 

 fibers. If the fibers are not close it depreciates the value of 

 the fleece greatly, not only on account of the amount of wool, 

 but because of the depreciation in quality. An open fleece 

 is also very objectionable because of the lack of protection 

 afforded the sheep. An open fleece is often influential in 

 causing an animal to become diseased through continuous 

 exposure to storms and it is difficult to keep such a fleece 

 free from foreign matter. 



Uniformity of covering influences greatly the wool clip. 

 Sheep which are bare on the head, belly and legs are very 

 undesirable, unless it is with breeds which are not naturally 

 heavily wooled over these parts. Not only are these regions 

 important but the uniformity of covering as well over the 

 back, shoulders, sides, and thighs. An open, spiral condition 



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