232 



THE BREEDING SEASON 



ewes; it prevents them from befouling themselves and removes ob- 

 stacles for the ram in serving. In case ewes are very fat and gaudy 

 at the rump, the wool should also be clipped close on the top of the 

 rump (Fig. 159). 



Condition of the Ram. The ram should be active, vigorous 

 and in medium flesh during the breeding season. To do effective 

 service, he should be strong in his pasterns and well supported by his 

 hind legs (Fig. 160). 



FIG. 158. 



FIG. 159. 



FIG. 158. It is easy to record the date of breeding of a ewe with stencil mark on 

 her side. 



FIG. 159. A ewe thus trimmed around the dock is properly prepared for mating 

 with the ram. 



Feed and Exercise. In many flo.cks the ram is turned in with 

 the ewes and allowed to go without any special attention. Such a 

 method seems careless and inadvisable; nevertheless, it possesses 

 some merit. Usually an active, vigorous ram is of nervous tempera- 

 ment and if he is removed from the flock for a part of each day he 

 spends the time in worrying. Sometimes he may even refuse to 

 eat while away from the flock, and he reduces in condition faster 

 than if he were allowed to remain with the ewes. With such a ram 

 it would be better to allow him to remain with the ewes most of 



