Picture Credit: Emmet Resch - Minnesota Youth Livestock Expo - 5th Overall Wether Dam Ewe and Champion White Face Wether Dam
Selecting a winning show sheep is an art that requires a blend of knowledge, careful observation and attention to detail. Whether your goal is success in a market or commercial class, it’s vital to consider several key factors before making your choice.
This guide will take you through the essential traits to look for, helping you choose the sheep most likely to earn that coveted purple ribbon
1. Pre-Selection Considerations
Before you even set eyes on a potential show sheep, it’s essential to consider several foundational factors that will guide your selection process and ensure your success in the ring:
Project Goals: Clearly define what you aim to achieve with your show sheep. Are you focused on maximizing muscle mass, perfecting structure or perhaps excelling in a specific breed category? For example, if muscle mass is your priority, breeds like the Dorper, Suffolk or Hampshire are known for their exceptional muscling. Understanding these goals will help you select the right breed and individual sheep to meet your objectives.
Understanding the Level of Competition: The level of competition you plan to enter should also directly influence your selection criteria. Local shows might have more lenient standards, allowing for a broader range of weights and frames. However, if you're aiming for national events, you’ll need to consider sheep with a specific frame size and weight range to compete effectively. For instance, a market lamb in a national show typically needs to be well-muscled, with a weight range between 135-160 pounds, depending on the breed and category.
Functionality at Show Time: Younger sheep might still be developing their skeletal and muscle features, offering more flexibility in conditioning them for the show. In contrast, mature animals may carry more muscle and definition but could struggle with maintaining balance and freshness.
Each of these factors plays a vital role in your success, and by considering them carefully, you can make informed decisions that align with your specific show goals and the competition level you’re targeting.
2. Balance and Style
Balance and style are what distinguish a good sheep from a great one, and these qualities are often the first aspects a judge notices, even before a closer inspection of other characteristics.
Overall Balance: A well-balanced sheep exhibits a harmonious appearance, with all parts of the body in proportion. This includes a smooth transition from the neck to the shoulders, a level topline, and a well-proportioned body that works together seamlessly.
Style and Presence: In the show ring, style is closely tied to the soundness of movement rather than just the sheep’s appearance. A well-balanced, structurally correct sheep will move smoothly and efficiently. It won’t hock in or out, and its knees will align properly without knocking. The sheep’s topline will remain balanced as it walks, reflecting a sound skeletal structure. These qualities give the sheep a natural presence in the ring, making it stand out through its graceful and correct movement, rather than through any perceived confidence.
Picture: An example of a well balanced and muscled market lamb.
Disclaimer: The following photos in this guide, provided by Kentucky University, are meant to illustrate what judges typically look for in the ring and highlight key traits of a winning show sheep. However, they may not exactly represent the specific muscling and style that judges prioritize in today’s competitions.
Unbalanced Show Lamb with No Style
Photo credit: University of Kentucky
Balanced Show Lamb with Style
Photo credit: University of Kentucky
3. Structural Correctness
Structural correctness is arguably the most important aspect of selecting a show sheep. While muscle can be developed with proper feeding and exercise, the skeletal structure cannot be changed.
Knees and Shoulders: The knees should be strong and properly aligned, supporting the sheep’s movement and weight distribution. Well-placed, muscular shoulders are vital for overall balance and movement. The shoulders should blend smoothly into the rest of the body without being too bulky, contributing to the sheep’s streamlined appearance.
Hocks, Feet, and Pasterns: Look for a sheep with a well-balanced structure. The angles of the hocks and pasterns should be flexible and sound, ensuring the animal moves gracefully. The hocks should show proper angulation, allowing for efficient movement without strain. Strong, straight pasterns are essential for maintaining soundness, and the feet should be well-formed, with even, well-aligned toes that support the sheep’s weight effectively.
Rumps: The rump should be level and broad, providing a strong foundation for the sheep’s hindquarters. A well-developed rump is crucial for muscle attachment and overall strength, contributing to the animal’s ability to move efficiently and carry its weight.
Legs and Base Width: Ensure the legs are square, and the width between the front legs matches the width at the center and top of the body. Similarly, the width of the back legs should align with the width of the hips. This structural alignment is crucial for both the movement and the overall visual appeal of the sheep, ensuring it stands correctly and presents a strong, balanced figure.
A structurally correct sheep will catch your eye immediately, just as it will catch the judge’s eye in the ring.
Incorrect vs. Correct Knees
Photo credit: University of Kentucky
Incorrect Shoulders vs. Correct
Photo credit: University of Kentucky
Incorrect vs. Correct Feet, Pasterns & Hocks
Photo credit: University of Kentucky
Incorrect vs. Correct Rumps
4. Rack and its Impact
Rack shape is a critical factor that significantly influences the overall musculature and appearance of the sheep, and it is directly dependent on the shape of the ribs.
Rib Shape: The foundation for a well-shaped rack starts with the ribs. Sheep with well-rounded, deep ribs have the skeletal structure necessary to develop a desirable rack shape. On the other hand, flat-ribbed sheep lack the skeletal support needed to accrue a proper rack shape, which can limit their muscle development.
Grooved Rack Shape: A grooved rack shape is highly desirable in show sheep. This shape indicates well-defined muscle structure and suggests that the sheep has the potential for superior muscle development. A grooved rack (see an example below) enhances the overall profile of the sheep, contributing to a fuller, more muscular appearance.
Flat Rack Shape: Again, sheep with a flat rack shape should be avoided, as they tend to lack the muscle definition and mass required for the show ring. A flat rack usually signals less potential for muscle development and it can negatively impact the sheep’s overall appeal and performance.
Evaluating the rack shape is essential, as it sets the stage for how the sheep will develop over time. Ensuring that the rib shape supports a grooved rack will help you select a sheep with the best potential for success in the ring.
Muscling of Rack
Photo credit: University of Kentucky
5. The Art of Muscling
Muscling is a critical factor, especially in market sheep, where the emphasis is on meat production and overall body condition.
Muscle Thickness: The sheep should exhibit muscle thickness throughout the body, particularly across the loin and hindquarters. These areas are where muscle mass is most apparent and where judges often focus their attention.
Muscle Definition: In addition to thickness, muscle definition is important. This refers to how clearly the muscles are defined and separated from one another. Well-defined muscles indicate a sheep that is in peak condition and has been well cared for.
Uniform Muscling: The muscling should be uniform, with no areas of excessive bulkiness or lack of muscle. This creates a smooth, balanced appearance that is aesthetically pleasing and indicative of good genetics and care.
A well-muscled sheep will not only perform well in the show ring but also meet the standards of meat production, making it a dual-purpose success.
Degree of Muscling & Length of Loin
Photo credit: University of Kentucky
6. Key Traits to Look For
Finally, to sum everything up, when selecting a show sheep, there are several key traits that will determine its potential for success in the ring:
Frame Size: Ensure the sheep has a balanced and well-proportioned frame, appropriate for the class you are entering. A properly sized frame will support the desired muscle mass and contribute to the overall balance of the animal.
Muscle Mass: Look for a sheep with well-developed muscle, particularly in areas like the loin, leg and rack. These are key areas that judges will evaluate, especially in market classes.
Structural Soundness: The sheep should have a strong, straight topline, correct leg placement and smooth movement. Structural soundness ensures that the sheep can walk and stand properly and is crucial for a great performance in the ring.
Balance: All parts of the sheep’s body should be in proportion, with a smooth transition between different body regions. A well-balanced sheep will present a more appealing and harmonious appearance.
Style and Presence: The sheep should carry itself with ease and grace, moving smoothly without any signs of structural issues like hocking in or out or knee knock. A stylish sheep will stand out due to its overall poise and movement.
The Importance of Genetics
After evaluating these traits, it’s essential to consider the genetics of your potential show sheep. Genetics can play a pivotal role in determining how well the sheep will develop these key traits.
Sire and Dam: Investigate the pedigree of your sheep, paying close attention to the frame size and muscle mass of its sire and dam. This can provide valuable insights into the sheep’s potential to develop into a winning animal.
Genetic Potential: Strong genetics increase the likelihood that the sheep will achieve the desired muscle mass, structure and overall balance. This is particularly important if you’re competing in market classes where these traits are critical.
Always keep your end goal in mind when considering genetics. While not all projects require extensive genetic research, understanding the basics can give you a competitive edge and help you choose a sheep with the best potential for success.
Maximize Genetic Potential with Supplements
To help your show sheep reach its full potential, consider incorporating top-quality supplements into your feeding regimen.
Two of my favorites are Full Bloom and On Point. Full Bloom is a feed additive designed to maximize genetic potential, ensuring your sheep develop the desired muscle and overall condition. On Point is perfect for adding that extra muscle and shape for the fresh, full look judges love. With these supplements, you’ll be well on your way to raising a show-stopping lamb.
Best of luck in your selection process!
-Delaney Barber
Full Bloom - Maximize Genetical Potential Full Bloom is an easy-to-use ruminant feed additive. This pelleted top dress will help your project reach its full genetic potential from the inside out.
On Point - Ultimate Muscle & Freshness
On Point is the key to giving your project a fresher, more youthful look while creating more cover and mass on the top side of the skeleton.
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