Wether sheep of the Merino, Romney, Corriedale, Perendale, and Border Leicester X Romney breeds were born and reared togeth~r on hill country and slaughtered at mean ages of 5, 10, and 15 months. The Romney lambs were heaviest at birth, but by weaning they were surpassed by the Perendale and Border Leicester X Romney. After weaning the breeds were ranked for live weight and growth rate; the Border Leicester X Romney were the heaviest, then Perendale, Corriedale, Romney, and Merino.Singles were heavier than twins at all stages of gwwth, and their growth rate up to 10 months of age was greater. The Border Leicester x Romney was superior in both lamb and hogget greasy fleece weight. The Perendale, Corriedale, and Romney had similar Jamb fleece weights, and the Merino the lowest. Hogget fleece weights were similar for all breeds other than the Border Leicester x Romney.

The growth and composition of 5-, 10-, and 15-month-old Merino, Romney, Corriedale, Perendale, and Border Leicester x Romney wethers on steep New Zealand hill country were studied. The Merinos grew slower than the Romneys and Corriedales, and the Perendales and Border Leicester x Romneys were the fastest-growing breeds, both in terms of live weight and carcass weight. Some benefits to hill country farmers of changing to a faster-growing breed of sheep are discussed.Data are given on the growth of various components weighed at slaughter, and detailed results are presented on the composition of the carcasses. The Romney is shown to be leaner than the other breeds at the same carcass weight. Growth coefficients differed between breeds lor omental fat, carcass protein, and eye muscle area.Taste panel results on leg roasts showed that the panel members preferred the meat from yearling sheep to that from young lambs. 283

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Various carcass measurements and carcass weights were used in multiple regression equations to predict trimmed boneless meat, excess fat, and bone in beef carcasses. Most measurements did not improve the predictions obtained by carcass weight alone. Some carcass measurements significantly improved the prediction of meat, excess fat, and bone, when included in multiple regression equations with left-side carcass weight. cannon bone of the left foreleg was knife-cleaned and the weight, length, and circumference measured. Carcass measurements After 12 h in the chiller at 4°c the following measurements were taken: