FEED AND EXERCISE 



233 



the time, taking him away just long enough each day to have a feed 

 of grain. Should the ram be of quiet disposition and not disposed to 

 fret when taken from the flock, it is advisable to keep him by him- 

 self for about half the time, or with wethers or perhaps with two 

 or three ewes in a lot where he will take a moderate amount of 

 exercise. 



It is not always possible to have the ram in good condition in 

 the breeding season. He may be old or lame, or for unknown reasons 

 thin in flesh. He may be fit for some service, but in order to have 



FIG. 160. A vigorous, 



proper condition for breeding season. 



him sire a considerable number of lambs his energies must be con- 

 served. He should be allowed with the flock for only an hour or two 

 each day and should have a liberal supply of choice green feed. 



Whether or not the ram is allowed to run with the flock in breed- 

 ing season practically all of the time he should be given grain, the 

 amount to depend on his size. If he be of medium size, he should 

 eat at least one pound per day of some such mixture as three parts 

 oats and one part wheat bran by weight. These feeds are excellent 

 for a ram at service, as the bran acts as a mild laxative and the 



