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This guide provides an in-depth overview of the essential criteria for sheep selection, focusing on the importance of structural and reproductive correctness. Learn to evaluate the frame, growth potential, and breed differences while assessing key factors such as soundness, muscle development, volume, and capacity. Understand the significance of joint angles, shoulder structure, and reproductive traits for optimal breeding. Discover how these criteria impact sheep health, performance, and productivity in various breeding contexts.
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Introduction to Sheep Selection Created By: Kenneth Geuns Updated By: Megan Kay
Objectives • Discuss criteria sheep selection. • Identify structural correctness and reproductive correctness. • Evaluate the frame and growth, breed differences, muscle, volume and growth.
Criteria for Sheep Selection • Soundness • Structural • Reproductive • Frame and Growth • Volume and Capacity • Muscle • Breed Character
Structural Correctness • Correct joint angles • Shoulder, knee, hock and pastern • Strong top • Level rump structure • Large, square foot • Adequate bone
Reproductive Correctness • Developed vulva on females • Correct testicle development and shape on males
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
Large framed Long bodied Small framed Short bodied
Breed Differences Cheviot Southdown
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
Muscle • Evaluated through the rump and top • Critical in all meat animal production
Breed Character • More highly emphasized than on hogs or cattle • Subjective evaluation on many breeds
Suffolk Breed Character • Black head and legs free from wool • Long, pendulous bell-shaped ear • Roman nose
Review • Discuss criteria sheep selection. • Identify structural correctness and reproductive correctness. • Evaluate the frame and growth, breed differences, muscle, volume and growth.