SHEEP PRODUCTION. 



Their Adaptability. Sheep are adapted and fit nicely into the conditions 

 and systems of agriculture in many sections of the country. On most farms, 

 at least a small flock of sheep would be profitable, if the farm organization and 

 the help to care for them insures proper management. Sheep are valuable 

 for their wool and mutton and for the utilization of lands that ordinarily 

 grow up to brush and weeds or that are not adapted to other classes of stock 

 and other purposes because of their hilly, broken condition. The success of sheep 

 on ranches of the West and on small farms is evidence of their wide range of 

 adaptability. 



Necessary Requirements. While sheep are capable of utilizing many 

 weeds and can live on scanty lands more or less covered with brush, it is a 

 mistake to expect or to think that they will thrive to the extent of being 

 profitable if maintained under such conditions altogether. Thousands of sheep 

 die every year from want of proper feed and shelter and because of improper 

 management. An abundance of feed throughout the year must be provided if 

 one is to expect the best results. Sheep are the most delicate of all classes 

 of farm animals and require the attention of a conscientious and faithful 

 attendant who understands the importance of regularity, gentle and patient 

 treatment, protection from excitement caused by dogs, wild animals and 

 even strangers, and who knows at all times when the flock is thriving properly. 

 Sheep will not do well and cannot be maintained on low, wet ground. Roll- 

 ing, hilly land is well adapted to sheep raising. Land that grows sweet, 

 luxuriant grasses and that is pastured to the extent that the sheep get short, 

 fresh bites, is ideal. 



Sheep can endure cold weather and do not require protection from the 

 cold during the winter unless the ewe flock should be bred to lamb in 

 late winter or early spring when it will be absolutely necessary to have 

 a warm place for ewes and lambs during the lambing season and until the 

 lambs are well started. Sheep must be kept dry and sheds should be constructed 

 in a manner to keep out storms and to prevent the sheep from being subject 

 to winds and cold drafts. Plenty of pure, fresh air is necessary. Cold rains 

 in the spring and fall often do great damage to flocks that have been turned 

 out. Sheep are of a dainty disposition and subject to indigestion and infection 

 by parasites where conditions are not absolutely clean. Pure, fresh water, 

 clean feed boxes, wholesome feeds, pastures that are free from filthy pools and 

 that are rotated to prevent infection from sheep parasites, should be pro- 

 vided and are important requirements for success in the sheep industry. 



Types and Breeds of Sheep. There is a greater variety of distinct types 

 among sheep than any other class of farm animals. In considering sheep 

 from the standpoint of wool production one has a choice of medium or 

 middle wool, long or coarse wool, and short or fine wool types. Breeds 



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