SEP 21 1921 



JUDGING SHEEP. 



G. H. Bedell. Animal Hu&hnndni Division. 



Page 



Some essentials in sheep judging 



The score card ; 



How to use the score card 



Comparative judging 



How to handle the sheep 



CONTENTS. 



Page. 



Steps in systematic judging 8 



Determining age of sheep by the teeth IS 



Location of market cuts in carcass 23 



SOME ESSENTIALS IN SHEEP JUDGING. 



Any one who engages in the keeping of sheep should have a fairly 

 good knowledge of what to look for when selecting individuals for his 

 flock. Upon his ability to place the proper weight on the various 

 points which must be considered In the individual selected depends 

 to a great extent his success as a constructive breeder. 



It is probably true that the average person knows less about the 

 method to follow and the points to look for in sheep than in most 

 other types of livestock. With other stock the judge can depend 

 almost entirely upon his eye in arriving at his decision; with sheep, 

 however, he must not only use his eyes, but to verify his opinion he 

 must handle the individual. The fleece on the sheep is very apt to 

 cover defects which can be determined only by actual handling. 



A good judge of livestock lias a natural aptitude for the work, 

 coupled with a great deal of practice. The best judges are those 

 who are constantly at it, whether in the show ring, feed lot, or field. 

 It is natural for them to be always comparing points and qualities 

 of individuals and weighing their value. 



THE SCORE CARD. 



The beginner will find the score card a helpful guide in his judging 

 work. The score card gives a detailed description of the parts of a 

 perfect animal. It gives these parts in a systematic way and its use 

 will help in learning a uniform system of judging and in developing 

 an appreciation of the relative value of the various parts of the 

 animal in relation to the whole. As soon as one has learned the art 

 of properly observing the various parts of the animal and considering 

 their respective importance the score card becomes unnecessary and 

 comparative judging practicable. 



Note.— Mr. Bedell resigned [rum the department in October, 1920. 



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