Created By: Kenneth Geuns

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Introduction to Sheep Selection

• Created By Kenneth Geuns
• Updated By Megan Kay

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Objectives

• Discuss criteria sheep selection.
• Identify structural correctness and reproductive
  correctness.
• Evaluate the frame and growth, breed differences,
  muscle, volume and growth.

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Criteria for Sheep Selection

• Soundness
• Structural
• Reproductive
• Frame and Growth
• Volume and Capacity
• Muscle
• Breed Character

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Structural Correctness

• Correct joint angles
• Shoulder, knee, hock and pastern
• Strong top
• Level rump structure
• Large, square foot
• Adequate bone

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Structurally Correct Ram
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Structurally Correct Ram
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Structurally Correct Ram
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Structural Incorrectness
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Reproductive Correctness

• Developed vulva on females
• Correct testicle development and shape on males

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Frame and Growth

• Larger framed sheep will be later maturing and
  stay leaner
• Larger framed sheep will be growthier
• Long fronted, long necked desirable
• Correct frontends most critical in sheep
• Smooth shoulder
• Correct neck - shoulder junction

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Large framed Long bodied
Small framed Short bodied
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Breed Differences
Cheviot
Southdown
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Volume and Capacity

• Critical for feeding and breeding capacity
• Fleshing ability critical in ewe flock
• Deep, bold sprung rib cage
• Wide chested and wide based

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Volume and Capacity
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Muscle

• Evaluated through the rump and top
• Critical in all meat animal production

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Breed Character

• More highly emphasized than on hogs or cattle
• Subjective evaluation on many breeds

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Suffolk Breed Character

• Black head and legs free from wool
• Long, pendulous bell-shaped ear
• Roman nose

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Review

• Discuss criteria sheep selection.
• Identify structural correctness and reproductive
  correctness.
• Evaluate the frame and growth, breed differences,
  muscle, volume and growth.