[Jacob-list] showing sheep with freckles?

[Paintedrockfarm at aol.com]

Linda,
 
My experience has been with judges who are putting more emphasis on overall  
sheep quality, horn structure and soundness as well as fleece quality.  As  
physically sound and conformation correct sheep -- one who is not cow hocked,  
sickle hocked, parrot mouthed, roman nosed, etc. -- that has a nice presence,  
carries himself/herself well and has the mind to handle the publicity showing  
requires, is one I would show.  I could care less about horns in a  show 
provided the number the sheep has is sound and well-balanced.  I also  could care 
less about minor freckling in a show sheep - thus far, the judges  have 
agreed.  I would concentrate first on selecting an animal that meets  or exceeds the 
breed standard in as many areas as possible and remembering there  are not 
perfect sheep.  
 
Freckling, in my opinion, does NOT discount the overall fleece quality when  
comparing sheep.  Of course, it is a less desired trait but I think way too  
much emphasis is placed on the freckling issue as a whole.  I'm certain  much 
controversy will arise there but, to each his own.  Our show sheep  selection 
concentrates more on overall fleece quality and consistency  throughout the 
wool -- to me this is much more important than a few  freckles.  If the sheep is 
young (lamb, for example) AND heavily freckled,  I would think hard on him/her 
as a show prospect.
 
Yes, I want as little freckling as possible and no, I would most likely NOT  
use a heavily freckled ram.  I do, however, have more fleece sales of those  
who are freckled and our spinners locally love it!  Again, they are looking  at 
fleece quality -- the freckling makes the whole blending thing much simpler  
for processing.  Judges are in a league all their own when you are not  
dealing in a Jacob show.  Sometimes the same is true when you are showing  in a 
Jacob class! :)
 
Good luck at SAFF!
 
Cheryl
 
 
 
 
Mike  & Cheryl Terrano
_Painted  Rock Farm_ (http://members.aol.com/paintedrockfarm) 
Route 4 Box 726
Buckhannon, WV  26201-9205
(304) 457-6620 
_paintedrockfarm at aol.com_ (http://paintedrockfarm@aol.com/) 
Breeders of Registered Jacob Sheep & French Angora  Rabbits
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