172 Sheep Management, Breeds and Judging. 



ram should be turned with the flock and left with 

 them all day and night. While this is perhaps con- 

 trary to what has been previously recommended, 

 in this case it will help to get the ewes to breed 

 more quickly, as the ram when left with the flock 

 will tease the ewes. 



If a Dorset flock of ewes is once established a 

 ram of one of the other mutton breeds may be 

 used. Of course, the ewe lambs could not then be 

 kept for further winter lamb breeding, as they 

 would tend to lose Dorset characteristics. What- 

 ever breed the ram is, he should be a vigorous fel- 

 low and in thrifty condition. 



In the summer months after the ewes have been 

 bred they do not need any special care so long as 

 they have plenty of good pasture. In the fall, how- 

 ever, when lambing time approaches and pastures 

 usually get scant, the ewes should receive a little 

 grain in order to insure a heavy milk flow. A 

 warm place must be provided for these ewes to 

 lamb in, since young lambs grow and thrive much 

 better in general in a warm place than they do in 

 a cold one. When a lamb lies down, curls up into 

 a ball, and shivers from the cold it will not grow 

 well. On the other hand, when it is nice and warm 

 in their quarters and the lambs feel comfortable, 

 get up and stretch themselves, play and jump, then 

 they will thrive and do well. 



