SHEEP 345 



fodder may be taken some distance from the building in which the 

 sheep are housed. 



In a practical way, the shepherd should regulate the quantity of 

 food according to the condition of the ewes. If they have gone into 

 wintr quarters in thin condition, they should be fed more heavily 

 than if they were fat at that time. Handling the ewes at intervals 

 furnishes the best indication as to their condition, and this will in- 

 dicate the quantity of food that should be fed. In the author's ex- 

 perience the aim has always been to keep the breeding flocks in a 

 condition which the general farmer would term fat, and only good 

 results in lambs have come from this management. When ewes are 

 firm fleshed, through abundant feed and exercise, they are vigorous, 

 and a healthy flock of lambs is likely to be the outcome. In general, 

 a breeding ewe weighing 150 pounds requires daily about one-half 

 pound of such grain as bran and oats, 2 pounds of succulent food, 

 and the same weight of such dry fodders as clover hay or cut corn 

 fodder. As lambing time approaches, twice this amount of grain 

 will be required. The quality of the fodder and grain will have an 

 influence on the amounts to be fed, but the controlling factor should 

 be the condition of the ewes. Overfeeding, especially if associatd 

 with lack of exercise, will be productive of disease in the flock, and 

 it is likely to result in the birth of large weak lambs, while under- 

 feeding is equally favorable for disease and the birth of undersized 

 lambs. Overfeeding may produce sterility, while underfeeding de- 

 lays the breeding season. The vigorous, firm-fleshed condition which 

 results from liberal feeding and unlimited exercise is the aim of the 

 experienced flock master. 



Among the fodders for winter feeding may be mentioned clover 

 hay, pea straw, corn fodder, oat hay, oat straw, and millet. As to 

 their relative merits, based on cost, the nourishment in them for 

 sheep and more especially the preference of the sheep for them are 

 about in the order given. 



Pea and bean straw are greatly relished by sheep. In Canada, 

 where the pea crop is a general one, the straw is put away especially 

 for the sheep, and it is fed more extensively, perhaps, than any other 

 fodder, with good results. The hardness of the stems of timothy hay 

 seems to be one of the reasons why sheep do not care much for this 

 fodder. They never appear to be eager for it, and if given any lati- 

 tude in choice they will leave it untouched in favor of any of the 

 other fodders, with the possible exception of oat straw. 



For the best results in thrift, wool growth, and lamb produc- 

 tion, the breeding ewes should get some grain during the winter 

 season. They can hardly be kept in proper condition otherwise. A 

 good plan is to feed oats the first part of the winter, and then bran as 

 lambing time approaches. About 0.5 pound of oats during the first 

 of the winter, and near lambing time 1 pound of bran per head 

 daily will be sufficient for breeding ewes weighing from 150 to 200 

 pounds. Thc?o are the two most satisfactory grain foods that are 

 generally available, both in respect to cost and results. Corn is not 

 a satisfactory grain to feed ewes, as it produces too much fat, which 



