GENERAL CAEE OF S&EEP AND LAMBS 583 



In these trials the winter feeding period averaged 158 days. During 

 the summer the ewes were alternated on 2 pastures every 2 weeks to 

 avoid infestation with stomach worms. No grain was fed the ewes in 

 summer, except f<jr a few weeks prior to and during the breeding season. 

 The concentrate mixture fed in these trials, of which 5 parts were corn, 

 3 parts oats, 2 parts wheat bran, and 1 part linseed meal, cost $27.40 a 

 ton; the alfalfa hay, $15 a ton; and the corn silage $3.50 a ton. The 

 costs of maintaining ewes will vary quite widely under conditions in dif- 

 ferent parts of the country, but these data will be helpful as a basis 

 for estimating the probable cost at any time. 



By feeding economical, well-balanced rations to the ewes and by 

 utilizing feed that would otherwise be wasted, the cost of maintaining 

 a flock of breeding ewes may be kept at a minimum and the profits 

 greatly increased. 



886. Lambing time. As lambing time approaches, the shepherd 

 had best take quarters in the sheep barn or close by, so he will be at hand 

 to care for the ewes. This is his harvest time, and profits depend largely 

 on skillful attention at this period. The ewes should be separated from 

 the rest of the flock a week prior to lambing, so they can be given special 

 attention. But little grain should now be fed, else milk fever may develop 

 after lambing. Before lambing, all tags of long and loose wool about 

 the rear and the udder of each ewe should be removed. It is best to 

 place each ewe in a lambing pen, 4 to 6 feet square, shortly before lambing 

 or soon afterwards. Where lambs come early, the pens should be kept 

 warmer than the quarters for the rest of the flock. Here each ewe and 

 her new-born young remain for 3 or 4 days, until they are well wonted 

 to each other and the lambs strong enough to look out for themselves 

 among the flock. Then they may go back to the flock or to quarters 

 especially set apart for the ewes and lambs. 



As they enter the world, lambs of the mutton breeds often need quick, 

 intelligent attention, which is always given by the true shepherd. The 

 mucus should be cleaned from the nostrils and mouth of any weakling. 

 With the first fill of milk from the dam, the new-born lamb becomes 

 comfortable, and is usually able thereafter to care for itself. A lamb 

 unable to draw milk within a few minutes after birth should have 

 patient assistance. The ewe must be held, and the lamb aided, all be- 

 ing accomplished by that kindly, sympathetic skill so characteristic of 

 the good shepherd. A chilled, new-born lamb is best warmed by im- 

 mersing all but the head in water as hot as the hand can bear. When 

 well warmed, it should be wiped dry, taken to its mother, and held until 

 supplied with her milk. Some advise wrapping it in thick woolen 

 cloths that have been warmed on a stove, and renewing these as often 

 as they become cool. A lamb born almost lifeless may often be restored 

 by alternately blowing gently into the mouth to start breathing, and 

 laying it on its belly and slapping the body smartly on each side of the 

 heart. One twin is usually weaker than the other, and frequently the 



