SHEEP RAISING. 25 



Tagging or removing the particles of manure which collect in the 

 wool should be done often to prevent sheep from getting in a filthy con- 

 dition. Even when properly docked they will often accumulate droppings 

 in the wool which become very offensive and disagreeable. By the use of 

 the hand shears a large number of sheep may be gone over in a short time 

 much to their comfort and appearance. 



FIG. 10 A fleece properly tied without the use of binder or sisal twine. 



Keeping the Flock Healthy. 



In keeping the flock healthy, the feeding can not be too much empha- 

 sized. Sheep will subsist largely on rough feed, such as leguminous 

 hays and roots. Too much concentrated feed, especially for sheep not 

 in the habit of getting it, may cause serious digestive troubles. Native 

 sheep should be brought gradually to their grain ration, as sudden in- 

 creases are very likely to cause loss in the flock. Lambs especially 

 should be carefully handled to prevent digestive troubles. Although 

 they should be pushed for market they should be brought gradually to 

 their full ration. 



The pastures should be changed often to prevent infection from 

 stomach worms and succulent feed should be supplied as much of the 

 time as possible. During the winter corn silage and roots should take 

 the place of summer pasture. 



Dead carcasses should be burned, as they often harbor parasites which 

 pass part of their life in other animals which may visit these places 

 and spread or prolong the trouble. Sheep brought from other flocks 

 should be examined carefully for disease and parasites, as they are likely 

 to infect the entire farm flock if they are diseased. If the ewe lambs 

 retained to replenish the flock have been supplied \vith a rotation of 

 pasture where infected sheep have not been allowed for at least one 

 year or since cultivation for seeding, a healthy flock will be assured. 



