how do you judge a lamb

How do you judge a lamb?

• Thickness through the center of the leg.
• Width between the rear legs as the animal walks or stands.
• Width and length of the loin.
• Length of the hind saddle.
• Shape over the rack.

Full Answer

How do you present a lamb to a judge?

When judging a class of lambs, a good rule to follow is that “fat sheep go last”. The rear view of this lamb shows that it is very trim with its base width being at least as wide as width of top. Again, fat sheep will be widest at the top. The lamb in this picture has great length and leanness.

How to judge a sheep?

Judging the Market Lamb When judging market lambs, there are two main areas you must analyze. These are: • muscling • finish Once you have determined the quality of muscling and finish, analyze the general appearance and the size and frame of the lambs. Follow the steps below when judging market lambs. Judging will become easier if you follow the

How do you show a lamb properly?

very smooth at the point of the shoulder, has a clean, flat breast, and has a very high set to its neck. This lamb also blends smoothly from its neck to its shoulder and its rib. The lamb on the right is tight over the top of the shoulders and has the correct angle (Christmas tree shape) as you compare width at the hip to width at the top

How do I halter a lamb for a show?

Keep the lamb between you and the judge. If your lamb will not move, gently lift up on the lamb’s dock. For smaller exhibitors, who cannot reach the dock of their lamb, apply pressure behind the head of the lamb. Lining Up: If the judge pulls you into line, your lamb’s shoulder should line up with the shoulder of the first lamb in line. Keep your lamb parallel to the other lambs.

SHOWMANSHIP: EXPECTATIONS

Showmanship can be defined by an effective presentation of your lamb. You are judged on your ability to:

BEFORE THE SHOW

It is your responsibility, as an exhibitor, to read the general and special rules governing the show you are attending. By sending in your entry form you are agreeing to abide by and uphold the rules of the show. If you are unwilling or unable to fulfill these obligations, it is best that you do not exhibit at that show.

AT THE SHOW

Exhibitors should not only dress neatly, but they also need to pay attention to appropriateness of their dress. Remember, you will be bending over and squatting down at times, so wear clothes that are comfortable and appropriate. YOU ARE SHOWING YOUR LAMB—NOT YOURSELF. You do not want to wear cloths that distract from your lamb.

CONCLUSION

Finally, remember the goals of showmanship are to learn about your lamb and the sheep industry, to showcase lamb and lamb products in a competitive event for the general public to observe and learn from, and last, but not least—HAVE FUN. If you have done your best—leave the ring with your head held high, despite your placing.

Value of Working at Home

In the sheep project, working at home is vital to becoming a successful showman. All good showmen start early training and building a bond with their lamb. Once a lamb is weaned, immediately start spending time with your lamb.

Leading for Exercise

The halter should be properly placed on the lamb’s head with the lead rope on the lamb’s left side. The halter strap that crosses over the muzzle or nose should be between the eyes and the nose. Rope halters and show halters can be adjusted for proper fit. If the halter is too small, it will get into the lamb’s eyes.

Special Term

Setting up an animal: A showmanship term referring to the proper placement of a lamb’s legs while being exhibited to a judge for evaluation. Your hand, boots or knee can help move the legs to the proper position under the animal so that the animal is presented at its best appearance from the side, front, or rear views.

Setting up Your Lamb

When stopped with an animal in the show ring, take one step to the left so you are in front of the animal. Keep hands on both sides of animal’s jaw, right behind the ears (Figure 2). Keep two to three feet between you and the next animal so you do not crowd.

Special Term

Bracing a lamb: Bracing is when you make your lamb flex their muscles in the leg and loin areas. The lamb will push into your body, making their muscles feel harder and more toned. It also makes the muscles appear larger and more pronounced. This practice is the same as when humans flex their arm muscles.

Bracing Your Lamb

Bracing your lamb will enhance a judge’s opinion of your lamb’s merit, so successful bracing is an important part of lamb showmanship. Once you have your lamb set up, be ready for the judge to come handle your animal. Train the lamb to brace or push against your knee. Keep your lamb in a light brace the whole time you are in the show ring.

Appearance

The animal should be clean, well-groomed and clipped in those areas as acceptable or recognized for the breed or sex. The wool should be short shorn for market animals and blocked out for breeding sheep. A good grooming job exemplifies pride of ownership by the exhibitor.