Types and Market Classes of Live Stock 245 



almost exclusively. Many range-bred sheep are sold to the central 

 states for fattening on grain and roughage. At the markets and in 

 market reports, western sheep are frequently distinguished by the 

 name of the state in which they were produced, as "Colorados," 

 "Montanas," "Mexicans," "Idahos," etc. The mutton and breeding 

 classes include both native and western sheep, but the feeder class, 

 as a rule, includes western sheep only. Many native lambs in feeder 

 condition are not desirable for feeding because they are undocked and 

 uncastrated. Furthermore, native sheep and lambs that reach the 

 market in low condition seldom sell as feeders because they are usually 

 infested with internal parasites, thus making it difficult or impossible 

 to fatten them. 



The stomach worm of sheep, Haemonchus contortus, is one of the 

 most serious pests affecting live stock. Sheep of all ages are subject 



Fig. 82. — Prime native lambs. 



to it, but infested lambs show much more serious effects than do 

 mature animals. The lambs become infested from the older sheep 

 through the medium of the pasture. The symptoms are anemia, loss 

 of flesh, general weakness, dullness, thirst, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. 

 No treatment has been found that will rid a flock of this pest, although 

 dosing with a solution of copper sulphate, "Black Leaf 40," (a 40 per 

 cent solution of nicotine sulphate), or with gasoline is fairly satisfactory 

 and will hold stomach worms in check so that they will not seriously 

 injure the flock. The best means of combating the parasite is by 

 preventative measures. Rotation of pastures is imperative. Perma- 

 nent pastures for farm flocks are almost certain to cause trouble. Rape 

 should be sown as early in the season as possible. It is easily grown, 

 has a high value as feed for sheep and lambs, and helps prevent stomach 

 worms, especially when temporary fences are used and the flock is 

 changed to fresh ground frequently. 



