188 THE RURAL EFFICIENCY GUIDE STOCK 



be supplemented by feeding oats with cabbage, but these feeds are more 

 expensive. 



The system of improving the condition of the ewe and getting her into 

 strong, vigorous condition is called "flushing," and has the following ad- 

 vantages : 



The lambs produced are usually stronger and more vigorous. 



Ewes are more apt to produce twins and triplets and thus increase the 

 percentage of increase. 



Ewes breed safely within a shorter period of time which accordingly 

 reduces the time that it will be necessary to watch and give special attention 

 to ewes during the lambing season. 



Feeding the Ewe Flock. The ewe flock that is in good condition at mat- 

 ing season can be wintered at a very reasonable cost and on comparatively 

 little grain. A good grade legume hay and roots up to within a few 

 weeks of lambing time, may be all that is necessary. Clover cut in full 

 bloom or alfalfa and other leguminous hays are best. Oat and pea hay, blue 

 Efrass, bright fodder and a fine grade of oat straw may be utilized. Coarse 

 hays like timothy and marsh grass and fodders and hays that are moldy 

 and musty should never be fed. 



For a few weeks prior to lambing time and oftentimes throughout the 

 winter when the roughage is not of the best quality, a mixture of three 

 parts oats and two parts wheat bran, fed at the rate of one-half pound per day, 

 insures good condition and milk flow on the part of the ewes. 



Chopped roots are excellent for ewes where they can be grown at a rea- 

 sonable cost. Good corn silage, free from mold and not too acid, can be 

 fed as a suitable substitute for roots to a good advantage. Ewes accustomed 

 to succulent feed can be safely fed two pounds of roots or silage per head 

 daily. 



After lambing there is danger of milk fever on the part of the ewe 

 during the first three days and grain should be reduced to a very small 

 amount if fed at all. After this danger is over, grain feeding should be 

 resumed and the ration increased to the extent that the ewes thrive well and 

 produce ample milk for their lambs. Seldom is it wise to feed more than 

 two pounds of grain. Keep salt where sheep have free access to it. 



Additional Suggestions on Care of Ewe Flock. Keep the flock exer- 

 cising every day that the weather permits. 



Do not allow ewes to become wet from storms and avoid draughts of cold 

 wind sweeping into their pens. 



Be present to give any assistance necessary at lambing time. 



Treat cases of caked udder by bathing with hot water, drying and apply- 

 ing melted lard or mercurial ointment, repeating this three times a day until 

 relief comes. 



Treat sore teats by applying vaseline frequently. File the teeth of the 

 lamb having the sharp teeth that causes the difficulty. 



Tag ewes to the extent that the wool about the udder does not inter- 

 fere with the lamb. 



