Sheep Breeders' Association. 



375 



A PRIZE WINNING SOUTHDOWN WETHER. 

 iOwned by the Department of Animal Husbandry, University of Missouri. 



the native ewe flocks. The western ewe is usually uniform in size, 

 age, breeding and condition. They are almost universally free 

 from the destructive internal parasites, common to the native 

 flocks. They may be had in flocks of any ordinary size at most 

 seasons of the year, but particularly in the late summer and fall. 

 The native ewes, on the other hand, are apt to be of mixed breed- 

 ing of varying ages and, owing to small flocks, only a comparatively 

 small number may be purchased at a time, but probably the most 

 -serious objections to native ewes is that they are usually badly in- 

 fested with tape worms, stomach worms, and often with nodular 

 disease. 



It has been claimed by men who have had considerable ex- 

 perience that the western ewes are very satisfactory for a year or 

 two, but do not thrive well after they have been maintained on 

 fenced farms for more than two or three years. It is possible that 

 this result may come from infestation of parasites, but whatever 

 the reason, the facts seem to be that in extensive methods of 

 sheep production it will generally be found most practical 

 to dispose of the western ewes every one or two years 

 and buy new flocks. 



For the production of winter or hot-house lambs, it is un- 

 doubtedly better to secure western ewes, showing some blood of 

 the Hampshire, Shropshire, or other Down breeds. Ewes show- 

 ing, however, a large amount of Merino blood are successfully 

 maintained, both for hot-house lambs and for ordinary summer 

 lamb production. 



