228 FEEDING FARM ANIMALS 



ing classes, and those rich in starch and oil selected 

 for fattening. The protein supply should be suffi- 

 cient, else the body will not be properly supported, 

 wool growth will be checked, and the readiest digestion 

 of the carbohydrates and fats will not be secured. 

 This last point must always be kept in mind in feed- 

 ing any class of live stock. 



Much may be gained by varying or mixing the 

 food so as to stimulate the appetite. A healthy sheep 

 will increase in weight in proportion to the food 

 consumed only as long as digestion and assimilation 

 are of a high order. If a sheep can be made to in- 

 crease its diet by the addition of roots or appetizing 

 concentrates, a manifest advantage is gained. 



Roots Always Fine for Sheep. Roots, a staple 

 food, are of the greatest value in winter feeding 

 of sheep. When fed in proper quantities, their laxa- 

 tive effect healthfully opposes the tendency of dry 

 straw or hay to produce costiveness. If fed in ex- 

 cess, the quantity of water they contain and their 

 large bulk, especially when used in winter, reduce 

 the temperature of the animal considerably and 

 gradually act unfavorably on the health. Watery 

 foods are not good for sheep. Sheep need succu- 

 lence, but roots and green crops should be consid- 

 ered as supplements only, and not as the basic por- 

 tions of the ration. 



The roots most commonly fed are sugar beets, 

 mangels, rutabagas and turnips. Each kind is fav- 

 orable in effect upon the quality of the wool. The 

 quantity of roots to be given will depend on the 

 kind of sheep. As a safe guide, it may be stated 



