147 days. The rams should be first used then twenty-one weeks pre- 

 vious to when first lambs are wanted. 



The ordinary method of breeding is to permit the ram to run 

 with the ewes during the breeding season. This results in favoritism 

 to particular ewes and in unnecessary service. A better system is to 

 keep the ram separate and turn him with the flock for a short time at 

 night and in the morning. As each ewe is served she may be removed 

 from the flock. By this system a single ram may be made to success- 

 fully breed 80 to 100 ewes. Attention must still be paid to ewes served 

 and separated. Some ewes pass through several periods of heat 

 before conceiving. When the ram runs at large 'with the flock not 

 more than 40 to 50 ewes should be allowed to each ram. During the 

 breeding season a ram needs some grain in addition to pasture. 



WINTER CARE AND FEED 



The first problem in winter feeding is to start the ewes into the 

 winter period in good flesh and vigorous condition. If this is done 

 hay and various other fodders are sufficient for the greater part of 

 the time. In some sections where corn is one of the leading crops, 

 corn fodder with the ears removed has given quite good results, with- 

 out grain in addition. Clover, alfalfa or other legume hays are very 

 palatable for sheep and are a sufficient feed for the greater portion 

 of the period of pregnancy. Root crops, silage free from mold, both 

 in moderate amounts, give splendid results along with clover or 

 alfalfa hay. Heavy feeding of root crops previous to lambing, it is 

 claimed by some sheepmen, results in flabby lambs of low vitality. 



One of the problems of the flockmaster is to have his ewes give 

 sufficient milk for the new lambs. Ewes fed the entire winter on 

 dry feed, particularly true of young ewes, frequently have no milk 

 after lambing and refuse to own their lambs. Older ewes take care of 

 their lambs but have an insufficient milk flow. The Idaho Station was 

 recently requested to suggest a ration for 5000 Merino ewes to over- 

 come the trouble mentioned. It can be almost entirely overcome by 

 light grain feeding beginning four to six weeks previous to lambing. 

 Root crops or other succulent feed in addition are very desirable. 

 Oats or bran and oats are to be preferred among the grains, and the 

 daily allowance per head need not exceed one-half pound. 



Tightly encolsed shelters for sheep in winter are neither necessary 

 nor advisable. The sheds or barns need first of all to be kept dry 

 underfoot and there should be sufficient room under shelter or in out- 

 side yards for exercise. If weather permits, a good plan is to compel 

 the ewes to walk a reasonable distance to a field or another yard for 

 their hay. For shed room some authorities recommend 15 square 

 feet per sheep. The fleece keeps the body warm and the overhead 

 protection needed is such as will keep off storms and prevent drafts. 



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