PROGRESSIVE SHEEP RAISING 



In the Mating The following suggestions are quoted 



Season from Illinois Extension Circular No. 1 7. 



(a) Have the ewes in a gaining condition. 



(b) Shear the ewes around the rear parts, and see that 

 the dung does not collect there. 



(c) Dip the ewes and the ram if ticks, lice, or scab mites 

 are present. 



(d) Feed the ram a pound of grain each day. Grain 

 should be fed to ram before mating begins. 



(e) Use one ram to every thirty-five to fifty ewes. 



(f) Keep a record of the time when the ram is turned in 

 with the ewes and when taken away. 



During The period of pregnancy is 146 days and 



Pregnancy the following will be found a useful guide: 



(a) Have the ewes gain 15 to 25 pounds. 



(b) Utilize cheap roughages. 



(c) Feed grain and leguminous hay during the months 

 of pregnancy. 



(d) Shelter the ewes from cold rains and storms. 



(e) It may be advisable to divide the ewes into groups 

 relative to age, condition, or time of lambing. 



Suggestions Most of the following suggestions are 



for Lambing taken from Extension Circular, No. 

 Time 18, University of Illinois, by Prof. W. 



C. Coffey, which contains much valu- 

 able information on handling the flock at lambing time. 



The shepherd should keep watch over the flock at lamb- 

 ing time. Keep the ewes that are about to drop lambs 

 separated from other kinds of live stock and do not forget 

 that hogs will eat young lambs. 



Provide warm quarters in cold weather and give ewes 

 plenty of room. Have a few portable lambing pens, about 

 four feet square. 



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