SHEEP PRODUCTION 259 



In summer, good grazing with frequent change of pasture, 

 plenty of water and shade, and access to salt should be pro- 

 vided. If lambs are kept over summer they will need 'to be 

 protected against stomach worms and other internal para- 

 sites. This may be accomplished by keeping the lambs 

 separated from the older sheep, in uninfected pastures. 



In winter, sheep provide their own protection against cold, 

 but must be protected against wet and drafts by means of 

 suitable shelter. They also need plenty of exercise. If they 

 are kept in a large, dry feed-lot, they may be compelled to 

 take sufficient exercise by scattering rough feed over the lot. 

 When the lambs appear, in late winter and early spring, they 

 must receive much special care in order to give them a good 

 start in life. Especially is it necessary to look after weak 

 lambs by providing warmth and food until they become strong 

 enough to take care of themselves. 



Marketing. Experience seems to show that the greatest 

 profit from sheep raising on the average farm is realized by 

 having lambs ready for market at three to five months of 

 age. An early marketing of lambs has these advantages: 

 a saving of feed, and, usually, a high selling price; in addition,, 

 the risk of loss by internal parasites during- the summer is 

 avoided. 



When the early market plan is followed, all the lambs are 

 sold except those selected for addition to the breeding stock. 

 During the following year the lambs which are retained will 

 be ready to take the place of the least useful of the older 

 ewes. The latter are then fattened and sold. 



Feeders. Instead of raising sheep to feed, some farmers 

 buy them, on the market, feed them until in good condition 

 and then sell them. Most of the sheep in large markets come 

 from the ranges, as at the Chicago market. When they 



