384 A STUDY OF FARM ANIMALS 



worms develop in the fourth or true stomach. Here the 

 worms suck blood from the stomach lining, and in time 

 the sheep shows emaciation, a whitish or "papery" skin, the 

 fleece looks out of condition, and there is diarrhoea and 

 more or less coughing. Many lambs die. The stomach 

 worm is the most serious pest the flock-master has to contend 

 with in the pasture regions where rain keeps the grass fresh 

 and green. The only satisfactory and practical method of 

 keeping this pest from our flocks is by rotating pastures, and 

 feeding forage crops. If the flock can be placed on fresh 

 pastures each year, stomach worms need not be feared. For 

 medical treatment, the most universal one at present is the 

 following: Dissolve 1 pound of pure crystals of copper 

 sulphate, or blue stone, of good dark color, in a gallon of hot 

 water, after which add enough warm water to make 9 gal- 

 lons. Preparatory to giving this substance, the sheep should 

 be kept off feed during the night, treated the next morning, 

 "on an empty stomach," and not given water for from 12 

 to 24 hours after dosing. About a tablespoonful is a dose 

 for a lamb 4 months or so old, to be increased by one half 

 for a 6 months lamb, while a mature sheep may be given 2 

 tablespoonfuls. The medicine is given with a syringe or 

 long-necked small bottle. Treatment should be repeated at 

 intervals of 2 weeks, if the flock seems badly affected. 



Tapeworms are found to some extent with sheep; but, 

 as a rule, are not a serious source of trouble. The late Prof, 

 J. A. Craig recommends* 2 drams of extract of male shield 

 fern in a half cup of milk, followed in 2 hours by 4 ounces 

 of castor oil; this treatment for a mature sheep, and after 

 going without food and water for 12 to 24 hours. 



Nodular disease is due to a parasite which forms knots 

 or lumps on the insides of the intestines. Sheep do not 

 commonly die from this disease, but it more or less affects 

 the digestion and condition of the sheep. There is no satis- 

 factory method of treatment. 



*Sheep Farming in America, 1913. 



