The American Shropshire Sheep Record
Written by Mortimer Levering
1,450 pages, about 29 hours of reading
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About this book
Reading guide
Themes, characters and key ideas in The American Shropshire Sheep Record, written by Chaptra AI.
- about 100 hours
- advanced
- Informative
- Factual
- Historical
Mortimer Levering's "The American Shropshire Sheep Record" is not a traditional literary work but rather a foundational breed registry. It serves as an exhaustive compilation of pedigree information, breeding records, and ownership details for Shropshire sheep in America during its publication period. The book's primary purpose is to document and preserve the lineage of purebred Shropshire sheep, ensuring breed integrity and facilitating selective breeding for desired traits. As such, it is a crucial historical and practical document for agriculturalists, breeders, and historians interested in the development of livestock in the United States.
“"Entry No. 12345: Ram, 'Champion King', Born March 15, 1898. Sire: 'Royal Duke' (No. 9876), Dam: 'Queen Bess' (No. 5432). Breeder: John Doe, Smithville, Ohio."”
Key themes
- Preservation of Pedigree and Purity
- The central function of the book is to meticulously document and preserve the lineage of Shropshire sheep, ensuring the purity of the breed. This theme highlights the human effort to control and direct genetic lines for specific agricultural outcomes, preventing cross-breeding and maintaining desired characteristics through careful record-keeping.
- Agricultural Standardization and Improvement
- The book facilitates the standardization of the Shropshire breed, allowing breeders to improve traits like wool quality, meat yield, and hardiness. By providing a common reference for all registered animals, it enables informed breeding decisions that lead to a more uniform and economically valuable livestock population across the country.
- Historical Documentation and Legacy
- Beyond its immediate utility, the 'Record' serves as an invaluable historical document, preserving a detailed account of agricultural practices, prominent breeders, and the evolution of the Shropshire sheep industry in America. It captures a specific moment in time, offering insights into the economic and social fabric of rural life and the development of American agriculture.
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Discuss the role of breed registries like this one in the historical development and scientific improvement of livestock agriculture.
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