LECTURE XLIX. 



FEED, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF THE LAMB FROM 

 BIRTH UNTIL READY FOR MARKET. 



No class of animals responds more readily to good care 

 and treatment than the young lamb. It is very important 

 that they be given the very best of care during the first few 

 days, as they are then very tender. When a week or ten 

 days old they will withstand a considerable amount of ex- 

 posure. 



At lambing time the ewe should have warm quarters if the 

 weather is cold and unfavorable. If the lamb is weak and 

 chilled, it must receive special care and stimulants to restore 

 vigor. One of the very best methods of reviving the chilled 

 lamb is to immerse it in hot water, then rub gently so as to 

 start circulation of the blood. This is one of the most 

 effective and at the same time simple methods of accom- 

 plishing the desired end. Sometimes whisky is given in 

 small quantities to a chilled lamb with good results. Nourish- 

 ment of some kind should be given as soon as possible. The 

 mother's milk is the best, as the first milk of the dam or 

 the colostrum is necessary to regulate the digestive system. 

 If the lamb is not strong enough to suckle of its own ac- 

 cord, the mother should be turned on her side and some of 

 her milk given to the lamb. Generally it will suckle with- 

 out any further aid. It may be necessary to handle the 

 mother in this way for a couple of days or until the lamb 

 is strong enough to walk around and obtain the necessary 

 nourishment itself. The mother's milk is all that is neces- 

 sary for the first few weeks, except in some instances where 

 a poor milker is trying to rear two lambs, then some cow's 

 milk should be given. 



When about ten days or two weeks old the tails should be 

 docked and all ram lambs not intended for breeding pur- 

 poses should be castrated. 



The docking may be done with a sharp two-inch flat chisel. 



