l62 MANAGEMENT AND FEEDING OF SHEEP 



trimming the wool on sale rams; (2) trimming the feet 

 when necessary; (3) "ruddling" the rams when they run 

 with the ewes at the time of service; and (4) isolating 

 rams brought in from distant flocks. 



The degree of the trimming called for is less than 

 that given to show rams, but a certain amount of it will 

 in a majority of instances add to the attractive appear- 

 ance of the rams. The long wooled breeds may not be im- 

 proved much by it, nor is it given to the Merino types. 

 But the middle wooled breeds will be much improved by 

 trimming (see page 268). The fleece should also be care- 

 fully guarded against the seeds of plants that adhere to 

 the wool, such as burs. A few plants growing in by- 

 places unnoticed will deform the fleece of many rams that 

 may have grazed near them. 



The feet of all rams may need trimming, but the need 

 will be greatest with rams in service. For the method of 

 trimming (see page 282). It is greatly important that 

 stock rams shall be kept active on their feet, for reasons 

 that will be apparent. 



By ruddling is meant applying some coloring sub- 

 stance to the breast and brisket of the ram that will leave 

 its imprint on the ewe that has been served. The benefits 

 resulting are the evidence of service and the possibility 

 of knowing the date of the same. Lampblack and oil 

 are the materials used in some instances, and powdered 

 red chalk and linseed oil in others. Various paint mix- 

 tures, however, may be used. Those that dry least 

 quickly will best serve the purpose. The frequency with 

 which the application is renewed will vary with the dry- 

 ing properties of the coloring matter used. 



The isolating or quarantining of a ram brought into 

 the flock is a wise precaution, unless it is absolutely cer- 

 tain that in all respects he is healthy. The introduction 

 of sheep scab and ticks may in this way be ascertained, if 

 present, within a few weeks, and in this way may be pre- 

 vented from reaching the flock. Two careful dippings 



