1490 SHEEP 



Disadvantages Observed. — i) In breeding no scientific rule or definite 

 method is followed, consequently a poor class of animal is the rule. 



2) Fodder is scarce and in some seasons absolutely wanting. 



3) The excessive travelling of the animals reduces their weight 

 and production of milk. 



In the region of La Mancha, sheep are bred under the two following 

 system : 



Case I. — During the winter the ewes which have just lambed are 

 given extra food, and when the lambs are weaned these are also fed until 

 the time when the pastures are ready. For this purpose each ration co sts 

 more than 1.4^ per day. The following account is given. 



Receipts. 



Production of milk for 2 1^ months after weaning ...:.... x d 



the lamb: 4.8^ gallons at 1 3.1 rf per gallon 5 3-3 



5.5 lbs. of wool at 6. 3(i per lb 2 10.8 



11.8 cwt. manure at 4.9if per cwt 4 9.8 



Value of the lamb 11 2.4 



Total . . . 



Expenses. 



90 da3's feeding the ewe, valuing the ration 



at only 1.4 (/ (the most favourable cape;. ~. 



20 rations for the lamb at o.8rf per head per day 



Cost of keep during remainder of the year 



Attendance at o. 11^ per day. ... 



Interest and depreciation at o.oig^/ per day, mortality risk at 4 per 



cent and cost of veterinary stirgeon - 4-8 



Total ... £1 4 1.23 



Thus the conclusion is drawn that the annual profit does not exceed 

 1.05 d per head. 



Case 2 — Rearing being impossible, the lanbs are sold directly ; the}'' 

 are bought by middlemen at a low price, and it must be acknowledged that 

 the loss on the side of the lambs is balanced by the gain in the production 

 of milk, so that the nett result is the same as in the preceding case. 



Conclusion. — From the above it is concluded that the best method of 

 sheep-raising is to select the breed of La Mancha and cross it so as to 

 obtain animals which can be weaned promptly and employed in the pro- 

 duction of cheese. The latter substance keeps for a longer time than does 

 milk or mutton, and the profit is not lowered by the demands of middlemen. 

 Then cheap fodder must be found for the winter ; the rations should not 

 cost more than o.yd per head per day. Where this is not possible, improved 

 breeds of great hardiness nmst be obtained for crossing- with the breed of 

 La Mancha, so as to resist the adverse conditions in times of a shortage 

 of food. 



