SECTION XIX. 



DISEASES OF THE EWE. 



In the western sheep raising sections it is re- 

 markable how small the loss is among breeding 

 ewes. This is largely due to constant culling out 

 the ewes that prove to be poor milkers, or that 

 have difficult parturition; those subject to mam- 

 mary troubles, and those that lose their lambs. 

 It is a * * survival of the fittest ' ' with breeders aid- 

 ing nature in the selection. Coupled with this is 

 the active life that the ewes lead during preg- 

 nancy. 



The small bands of sheep, kept under artificial 

 conditions, are the commonest victims of this class 

 of disorders. Lack of exercise, with rich, con- 

 centrated foods, play an important part in predis- 

 posing to this as to other diseases. These factors, 

 combined with exposure and spoiled forage, are by 

 far the greatest hindrances to success with preg- 

 nant ewes. The man who cannot, or will not, 

 recognize these should retire from the sheep busi- 

 ness, or, better still, never embark in it. 



1. Disorders of Gestation. 



Eliminating spoiled forage or bruises that cause 

 abortion, very little trouble is met with in the 

 pregnant ewe. 



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