EIGHTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK-PART X. 585 



First, and also one of the most essential points, is the feed. No good 

 stockman will dispute that good feeding is one of the most essential 

 points, in fact as important as good breeding. Without good feed no 

 progress can be made, and it also stops the progress that has been made. 

 But with good fed and plenty of it, or high feeding coupled with good 

 sound judgment, every chance for improvement is pushed to the greatest 

 possible extent. 



A very large per cent of pure-bred stock are hindered more today from 

 the lack of good feed than from any other one cause, or spoiled by over- 

 feeding. In order to be a good feeder one must know what to feed as 

 well as how much to feed. Corn should be fed very sparingly to breeding 

 flocks. Plenty of clover, hay and corn fodder in the rack and oats, with 

 a small ration of bran, and a liberal supply of roots come nearer being 

 an ideal feed. A very large quantity of Ruta-bagas can be raised on a 

 small patch of ground. We believe that every sheep owner should raise 

 at least a few bushels per sheep to feed for the winter feed. Corn is all 

 right to use as part of the ration for fattening stock, but even for rams we 

 are fitting for sale we do not like too much corn. It does not make them 

 as strong for the breeding season as oats and oil meal. 



Breeders as a rule want to send their rams out in the best possible 

 shape, but we would rather see one a few pounds less in weight with a 

 good strong constitution than a big blubbery fellow that is not capable of 

 siring a strong, robust lot of lambs. Here lies the main trouble in buying 

 flock-heading rams, especially with rams just imported. They have as a 

 rule been fed so high that care must be taken in reducing them to breeding 

 condition. 



Plenty of exercise and cooling foods such as roots and brans are good 

 to reduce the flesh of the ram, but the grain ration must not be discon- 

 tinued entirely. Ewes that have been highly fitted rarely prove to be good 

 breeders. 



A great deal could be written on feeds, and also in the manner of 

 feeding, but the beginner must learn gradually from every available 

 source. 



Visiting a flock of some well-known and reliable breeder is time and 

 money well spent. Some breeders do not lay enough stress on good shelter. 

 We think it very important and prefer a closed shed with plenty of 

 ventilation. It must be kept clean and well bedded, also disinfected once 

 in a while with a good dip. We never intentionally let our sheep get wet. 

 Cold rains are our chief cause of annoyance in this line, and it certainly 

 causes their systems to get out of condition. 



After being in such a storm it is impossible to find as many clear pink 

 skins as before. 



In the winter, when much shedding is called for, we see that the flock 

 receives plenty of exercise each day. 



Once in a great while it is so wet and stormy we do not let our sheep 

 out, but these are exceptions in Iowa's climate. 



It is not a great while after a flock is founded till a few rams and ewes 

 are ready to sell. Then comes the idea of showing at the fairs; also 

 advertising in a good sheep paper. When fitting for fairs every effort must 

 be made "to win." To be defeated does some beginners more good than to 



