58 SHEEP FEEDING 



4. Many feeders say that it is much easier to get sheep 

 onto full feed in the cornfield than in the lot. Those with 

 whom this has proved to be the case take lots of time in 

 getting their sheep onto feed, and supply roughness in abun- 

 dance, either as hay or undergrowth. Too much emphasis 

 cannot be laid on the necessity of taking a great deal of 

 time to get the feeders on full feed. Many maintain that 

 this is the most important phase of sheep feeding. After 

 the sheep acquire a taste for the corn, and before they get 

 on full feed, it is a good plan to let them fill on roughness 

 each day before turning them into the cornfields. Wethers 

 are especially apt to founder from overeating. 



SYSTEM IV. FEEDING CORN ON A BLUE-GRASS PASTURE 



Corn fed on blue grass saves labor. During the times of 

 scarcity of farm labor the farmer's attention is readily 

 attracted by any farm operation that permits a reduction 

 of his labor forces. From this standpoint this system of 

 sheep feeding recommends itself. 



The fall growth of grass to be saved for pasture feeding. 

 The main and fundamental requirements for feeding corn 

 to sheep on pasture is a very excellent blue-grass sod. When 

 the sheep it is a yearling or wether proposition reach 

 the farm they are given the usual course on short pasture 

 until well filled. Next they are turned into very good blue 

 grass that has been saved especially for them. In about a 

 week they can be given their first feed of shucked or 

 snapped corn, thrown out on the sod in one of the cleanest 

 places in the pasture. This first feed, a very small one, is 

 generally given in the evening, and in order to start the 

 sheep to eating the corn a few kernels may be shelled off at 

 different places and a little salt sprinkled on them. In the 



