456 FEEDING FARM ANIMALS 



a time subsequently to the weaning period under arable con- 

 ditions, unless they can be provided with rich pasture such as 

 rape furnishes ; (3) to pregnant ewes when in the yards and 

 also after parturition and (4) to sheep and lambs that are 

 being fattened except when grazed on rape. Milk lambs 

 may be given all they will consume, and pregnant ewes a 

 small allowance before lambing, but liberal feeding subse- 

 quently. Whether grain will be profitable if fed to sheep 

 and lambs that are being fattened on rape, will depend 

 upon such conditions as relative values. Shearling ewes do 

 not usually require grain winter or summer, nor do breed- 

 ing ewes ordinarily need it when on good pasture. 



It will be found profitable to feed grain to swine at all 

 times, with one exception. The exception is that of ma- 

 ture, brood sows on good pastures, when only one litter is 

 required of them each year. Young pigs that are nursing 

 and for some weeks subsequently should be given all the 

 grain that they will take. Later when on good pasture, 

 about half the normal grain ration that would be necessary 

 Were they confined will suffice. During the fattening pe- 

 riod, they should be given all they will consume with a 

 relish. 



Proportion of concentrates to roughage. In dis- 

 cussing this question it may certainly be assumed: (i) 

 That roughage has a mission in addition to furnishing 

 nutriment to animals; viz., the proper distension and en- 

 largement of the digestive organs in all animals, especially 

 ruminants; (2) that roughage is more plentiful relatively 

 than concentrates and because more plentiful it furnishes 

 nutrients relatively more cheaply than grain and (3) that 

 because of the above the aim should be to utilize roughage to 

 the greatest extent consistent with highest profit in the 

 live stock so fed. 



The necessity for feeding roughage to horses, cattle, 

 sheep and swine is based on the need for proper distension 

 of the digestive organs to enable animals to consume larger 

 quantities of food than would otherwise be utilized. The 



