FEEDING OF SHEEP. 



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amount of nitrogen in the food and the amount of wool. To illus- 

 trate this we append a table showing the result of experiments in 

 feeding as follows: 



From this table, and guided by the results shown, the feeder 

 can select approximately the most advantageous kinds of feed to 

 use. 



Winter Feed of Breeding Ewes Up to two or three 

 weeks preceding lambing, it is only necessary that breeding ewes 

 be kept in plump ordinary condition, nor are any separate arrange- 

 ments necessary for them after that period, in climates where they 

 can obtain sufficient succulent food to provide for a proper secretion 

 of their milk. In the North, where the grass does not start before 

 lambing time, roots should be mixed by the flock-masters with oat 

 or pea-meal, and given in addition to ordinary food. 



Appropriate Time of Giving Various Kinds of Feed 

 If there is any rule more absolutely imperative than another in 

 the management of sheep it is that the strictest regularity should 

 be observed as to feeding, both as to time and in the alternations 

 of different kinds of food. Sheep which are foddered sometimes 

 at one hour and sometimes at another some days grain and some- 

 times not sometimes three times a day and sometimes twice, can- 

 not be made to thrive. Unlike cattle and horses, sheep do not eat 

 well in the dark, and their last feeding should therefore take place 

 at a time to allow them to consume their food before night sets in. 

 Noon is the common time for feeding grain or roots, if but two 

 feeds of hay are given; but if they are foddered three times a day 

 it does not much matter at which meal grain is given, only that 

 the practice must be uniform. In colder weather care must be 

 taken to increase the ration, as the sheep then requires, and will 

 consume, more nourishment. 



Salt in the Feeding of Sheep Sheep are not only bene- 

 fited by salt, but they actually require it. Some consider salting 

 the hay when storing in the barn sufficient, but this is not a wise 

 method as the quantity is best left to the sheep. The salt should 

 be placed in a box where they can have access to it at will, or may 



