266 MANAGEMENT AND FEEDING OF SHEEP 



for such feeding of the ewes see page 247, and of the 

 lambs see page 249. 



Lambs subsequently to weaning Lambs for exhibi- 

 tion should be allowed to remain somewhat longer with 

 the ewes than other lambs. They should seldom be 

 weaned short of the age of five months. Before being 

 weaned they are allowed access to grazing with the dams 

 during a considerable portion of the day; but subse- 

 quently, and indeed after the arrival of hot weather, they 

 are kept in sheds and the yards attached much of the 

 time. After the weaning period they are allowed to graze 

 for an hour or more in the morning, and also in the even- 

 ing, but in some instances they are only allowed to graze 

 once a day, but for a longer period. When grazed once 

 a day, the evening is preferred, as dew is not then present 

 on the pastures. As the season for exhibiting approaches, 

 the period for grazing should probably be curtailed, as 

 only about so much exercise is needed, and if taken in ex- 

 cess, increase would probably be somewhat retarded. 



Until the fair season, the feeding of more or less 

 cured fodders should be continued from the weaning sea- 

 son onward. Even though the lambs are being fed liber- 

 ally on green food, they will consume a considerable pro- 

 portion of such food, for the reason that the appetite calls 

 for it. It is craved probably because it acts as a regulator 

 of digestion. It will best serve the purpose if composed 

 of such fodders as alfalfa, clover or vetch hay. 



While various kinds of grazing may be used subse- 

 quently to weaning, none is more suitable than clover and 

 rape, both of which may usually be in season at such a 

 time. These will answer practically the same purpose if 

 fed as soiling food. 



After the lambs are weaned, they will profit by the 

 judicious feeding of field roots, or what may be an equiv- 

 alent, as, for instance, cabbage. Fall turnips come earlier 

 than other roots, and they may be fed roots and tops 

 together. Later rutabagas and mangels or sugar beets 



