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SHEEP-fed-barely-sprouting-fodders, page : 15
The shape and size of sheep is termed "Conformation". Sheep having a good conformation are more likely to be good producers. A ewe with good conformation will have a nice straight back, strong chest and neck, legs well placed under the body rather than having a sway back and belly, hock-kneed legs and weak chest and neck.
A ram needs closer inspection than a ewe. A ram will affect the character of your flock for better or for worse, what is apparent in him will also become apparent in the lambs he sires.
A ram should of course have a good basic conformation. In addition he should also show a heavy, muscular neck and a deep, wide body. His genitals should be well developed, meaning its scrotal circumference should be at least 30 cms (12 inches) by the time he is a yearling, however, the scrotal circumference of smaller breeds is less. He must have good, strong healthy feet for breeding, if his feet are not strong then he is unable to mount successfully and there is a chance of injury. If he has a large head, this can cause a problem during lambing as the ewe will have difficult delivering a large headed baby. Because of the importance of a ram in your herd and its influence on future lambs, you should invest in the best one you can afford, however, you have the option of leasing one, but make sure it is healthy.
Shape of head, teeth and mouth:
Not only should the teeth but the shape of the head should be taken into consideration. We have already discussed teeth, so remember a bite is also important without a good bite they are unable to shear grass. In a well conformed animal, the upper jaw is approximately the same length as the lower jaw, this means that the teeth of the lower jaw must line up with the pallet on top.
Body:
As we mentioned before, the back should be long and straight, as should its belly. Both the chest and pelvic area should be broad and firm. Feet should be well placed on the ground, and with legs widely set, fairly straight and forward facing. The rump should be rounded with a slight downward curve but it should not slope. Sheep being raised for meat should be large with strong muscles and trim features, whereas those being raised for wool should have a slightly more angular body with a dense, clean, bright fleece.
Udder:
The udder of a mature ewe should be soft and pliable, warm to touch but not hot. It should be symmetrical with two good teats widely spaced on each side. Teats should not show signs of chapping or hardness.
Overall Heath:
Having checked all the forgoing, do not overlook the health of the animal. If you are unsure, seek the advice of a vet and ask him to give the animal/s a close examination. Amongst the
A ram needs closer inspection than a ewe. A ram will affect the character of your flock for better or for worse, what is apparent in him will also become apparent in the lambs he sires.
A ram should of course have a good basic conformation. In addition he should also show a heavy, muscular neck and a deep, wide body. His genitals should be well developed, meaning its scrotal circumference should be at least 30 cms (12 inches) by the time he is a yearling, however, the scrotal circumference of smaller breeds is less. He must have good, strong healthy feet for breeding, if his feet are not strong then he is unable to mount successfully and there is a chance of injury. If he has a large head, this can cause a problem during lambing as the ewe will have difficult delivering a large headed baby. Because of the importance of a ram in your herd and its influence on future lambs, you should invest in the best one you can afford, however, you have the option of leasing one, but make sure it is healthy.
Shape of head, teeth and mouth:
Not only should the teeth but the shape of the head should be taken into consideration. We have already discussed teeth, so remember a bite is also important without a good bite they are unable to shear grass. In a well conformed animal, the upper jaw is approximately the same length as the lower jaw, this means that the teeth of the lower jaw must line up with the pallet on top.
Body:
As we mentioned before, the back should be long and straight, as should its belly. Both the chest and pelvic area should be broad and firm. Feet should be well placed on the ground, and with legs widely set, fairly straight and forward facing. The rump should be rounded with a slight downward curve but it should not slope. Sheep being raised for meat should be large with strong muscles and trim features, whereas those being raised for wool should have a slightly more angular body with a dense, clean, bright fleece.
Udder:
The udder of a mature ewe should be soft and pliable, warm to touch but not hot. It should be symmetrical with two good teats widely spaced on each side. Teats should not show signs of chapping or hardness.
Overall Heath:
Having checked all the forgoing, do not overlook the health of the animal. If you are unsure, seek the advice of a vet and ask him to give the animal/s a close examination. Amongst the