FEED AND CARE OF SHEEP 227 



mature, the lambs are turned into the field and allowed to eat 

 both crops. In this way many of the lambs are fattened quickly. 

 The lambs should be watched and as soon as they become fat 

 they should be taken from the pasture. Sometimes a few lambs 

 have to be finished in the feed lot. 



Wintering Fattening Quarters. Sheep because of their heavy 

 coat of wool do not require as warm quarters as cattle. There- 

 fore a shelter should be provided that offers plenty of fresh 

 air and protection from severe weather. A southern exposure 

 is to be preferred. Plenty of bedding- is desirable which should 

 be renewed and supplied in sufficient quantities to keep the 

 animals comfortable. The quarters should be well drained and 

 kept as dry as possible to prevent disease such as foot rot. 



Feeding Racks. The roughage and grain should be supplied 

 daily and separately. The hay should be placed in racks large 

 enough so that all the sheep may feed at the same time. It 

 should only be furnished in quantities sufficient for a feed as 

 sheep do not relish hay that remains in the hayrack. Grain 

 should be placed in troughs wide enough so that the feed can- 

 not be eaten rapidly. This may be accomplished by providing 

 a wide bottom to the grain trough thus distributing the grain. 

 As with hay only grain enough for a feed should, be given. 



Salt. Sheep require salt and there should always be a sup- 

 ply on hand. This may be furnished by nailing several boxes 

 about the feed lot or by a separate trough which should be kept 

 for this purpose. 



Water. Sheep do not drink as much water as other classes 

 of live-stock. The amount of water consumed varies with the 

 nature of the feed and temperature. From 4 to 6 quarts daily 

 are considered average amounts. A supply of pure fresh water 

 in suitable watering troughs should be in the feed lot. 



Fattening Winter Lambs. When the lamps are taken from the 

 pasture to the feed lot only a moderate amount of grain should 

 be given. This may be increased gradually until they are on 

 a full ration. The kind of roughage will determine the amount 

 and character of grain to use. Should straw, corn stover, or 

 grass hay be the roughage, a protein concentrate must be pro- 



