Oct. 2, 1908.] Agricultural Gazette of N.S.W\ 815 



given at lambino time to assist any ewes requiring aid, and in any case it 

 pays to be very watchful of the flocks at this season, for the percentage of 

 lambs may be increased consideral)ly thereby. 



Mating. — It is generally admitted that ewes in rapidly increasing condition, 

 but not too fat, are likely to be most prolific. Under average conditions a 

 ram should be mated with not more than sixty ewes ; he should be in strong 

 condition, but not too fat. If he should be very fat anrl lazy — when con- 

 venient, yard the sheep at night for a week or so. 



Lambing. — The ewes should be in good condition, but not t(jo fat. They sliould 

 be on good pasture from the time of lambing until lambs are weaned or sold. The 

 lambs must be well supplied with milk all the time or early maturity can not result. 



Lamh-marhing, drc. — Lambs should be ear-marked, detailed, and castrated 

 at from 10 to 20 days old, as they recover much quicker fioiii o]>erations 

 than when older. The latest method is to sear off the tails wicii a red hot 

 iron instead of cutting them off with a knife. The former method saves 

 much loss of blood, and consequently little or no check is received from the 

 operation. Lambs do not appear to sulk after searing as they do after cutting 

 off the tails ; the cut dries and heals quickly and is less likely (being drier) to 

 be attacked by flies. If a disinfectant is used, such as Stockholm tar or a sheep 

 dip, do not put it on the seared part, but smear it on the wool adjacent 

 thereto. One of the objects of searing is to dry up the wound ; that of tar, 

 &c., to keep flies away by the smell near it. When searing make the iron 

 very hot, but do not pi'ess too heavily. A moderate time in taking the tail 

 off makes the operation more complete. The principal advantage in searing 

 is claimed to be that it checks loss of blood and consequently prevents any 

 check in development, which is such an important point. Castrate lambs with 

 care and at an early age. Avoid frosty or very hot weather if possible. Be 

 careful to use a clean knife. Do not use a knife for other purposes before 

 thoroughly cleansing it. A clean wound in the scrotum heals quickly. Use 

 Stockholm tar or other disinfectant on the cut. If any dirt is introduced on 

 the blade suppuration may supervene, delay healing, and may check gr -wth. 



Percentage of Lambs. — Taking for example pure-bred merino ewes pro- 

 ducing 75 per cent, of lambs, the average British ram on merino ewes would 

 give about 5 per cent, more, or 80 per cent. The British ram on a crossbred 

 (British ram on merino ewe) would be about 10 }ier cent, more, or 90 |ier 

 cent., while several of the pure British breeds would go 100 to 130 per cent. 



Food during rearing of Lambs. — It is most important tliat the ewes and 

 lambs should have good feed continuously, that no check may occur which 

 would more or loss defeat the object of early maturity in lamb-raising. 

 So nething more than natural herbage is generally required. Good introduced 

 grasses such as Perennial and Italian Rye, Prairie, Kentucky I^lue, Timothy, 

 and the like should be provided. Lucerne for spring and summer topping, 

 and rape and Red clover for the winter and early spring are hard to beat. 

 Care must be taken, however, in putting sheep or cattle with empty stomachs 

 on the three latter fodder plants for the first time, or hoven may result. 

 Neither should they be put on on windy and wet days at first. Get them 



