SHEEP 



357 



gestation for ewes is one hundred and forty-seven to one hun- 

 dred and fifty-five days, or apiDroximately five months. The 

 birth weight of lambs taken from the average of all common 

 breeds is six to nine pounds. The ram should be allowed with 

 ewes only during the breeding season. A good ram properly 

 managed can take care of from fifty to eighty ewes. 



Dry, well-ventilated quarters must be provided through the 

 winter. Pregnant ewes must be given plenty of nutritious feed 



Fig. 1S3. — Beginning at top of shoulder and passing back Avitli one Land, 

 observe strength, straightness and fleshing of back. 



or they cannot produce strong, healthy lambs. A very high, 

 closely boarded fence built around the south side of the barn will 

 keep out dogs, and give the ewes a nice place to sun themselves 

 on bright days. During the lambing season the ewes should be 

 visited two or three times nightly. A little extra care and atten- 

 tion at this time will be well rewarded. Each ewe should be kept 

 separate with her lambs for at least twenty-four hours. Hinged 

 hurdles can be used advantageously in making small temporary 

 individual lambing pens. 



Docking and castrating is not a difficult operation. "When the 

 lambs are four davs to three weeks old is the best time for the 



