16 



BULLETIN 144 



The fact that the Delaine-Merino lambs were more nearly the 

 weight of the Shropshires at weaning time than is shown in Table 

 4, Part I, was because the Shropshire ewes had a higher propor- 

 tion of twins and the Delaine-Merino lambs averaged nearly two 

 weeks older than the Shropshires in Part II. The value of the 

 mutton and wool, based on market prices for the three years, was 

 greatest in the lots fed alfalfa hay as a sole roughage. The Shrop- 

 shire lambs, because of their thicker flesh covering, varied from 

 $.50 to $.75 higher in market value per 100 pounds liveweight than 

 the Delaine-Merinos. 



The greater market value of mutton and wool in Shropshire 

 Lot I and Delaine-Merino Lot III, in which alfalfa hay was the 

 sole roughage, did not offset the greater cost of maintenance for 

 the breeding ewes. The lambs in these two lots did not weigh as 

 much or have as high condition as the lambs from Lots II and IV 

 in 1915, owing to the feeding of no grain to the ewes prior to 

 lambing. 



No credit was given for the manure produced on pasture, the 

 increase in stand of grass by sheep grazing and the destruction of 

 weeds which were abundant in the pastures. 



When 100 per cent lambs were raised the Delaine-Merino ewes 

 in Lot IV were the only ewes to show a profit, while the Shrop- 

 shire ewes in Lot II paid for the cost of their maintenance. The 

 Shropshire ewes, however, are capable of raising 150 per cent or 

 more, while 125 per cent from Delaine-Merinos is all that can be 



Table 9. Cost of Maintenance, with Alfalfa Hay at Varying Prices 



1. Cost of feed for lamb included. Alfalfa valued at $15 per ton. 



