EIGHTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK— PART III. 97 



is 10.25 pounds of feed. At the difference in price of mutton and 

 beef, we would figure a greater profit in mutton production than 

 beef. 



Now, what is essential in mutton production ? Let us consider 

 the feeding of the flock. To have a flock do well and produce 

 the best class of mutton, a variety of food is necessary, technically 

 speaking, a balanced ration. All meat producers know that, in 

 order to get the best results they must have a balanced ration. For 

 a balanced ration for sheep in the winter season — the season of 

 dry foods — we should have some succulence. Such foods as roots, 

 ensilage, or something that will take their place is necessary. 



Economical feeding is very important. There is no class of 

 grain or fodder cheaper than corn or corn fodder. They can be 

 used very well in making up a balanced ration, although we must 

 balance up with protein and succulent feeds. 



We can make mutton very cheap in the fall of the year by grow- 

 ing root crops and rape, and it is of especial importance in dry 

 weather. 



In growing your animals, there is one thing we should bear in 

 mind, and that is, to feed bone and muscle forming foods. In the 

 early life of the animal it should be so fed that bone and muscle 

 development is certain, or you will never get a perfectly well 

 developed animal. We should watch the lambs to see that they 

 are kept growing. 



In order to get the best results from your lamb crop, it is 

 necessary to commence a long time before they are born, that is, 

 you want the mother fat when they are born, and a good strong 

 flow of milk, which should be kept up through the season. Ewes 

 are great milkers, far exceeding the milking capacity of the cow, 

 and much richer. Remember, and feed for milk production, bj^ 

 using rich protein feeds, such as clover, linseed cake, alfa^lfa 

 and bran — corn will not answer at this period. 



About the time a lamb is a week old it is looking around for 

 something to eat. Then give it a chance ; make a lamb creep, con- 

 sisting of a slatted gate, making a small enclosure, in a corner 

 of your bam or yard for the lambs to go into at will. Feed them 

 a little oats and bran ; clean your trough out at least once a day, 

 and put in fresh feed ; construct a small hay rack in the creep and 

 feed the brightest and best hay you have. 



One of the greatest enemies the sheepmen has in raising mut- 

 ton, is the internal parasites — stomach, tape and other worms. 

 7 



