Summer and Autum Management. 



Summer Pasture. Blue grass pasture is one of the best for sheep. 

 Forage crops may be used but involve more labor, expense and care. 

 However, the problem of keeping the sheep free from parasites may 

 at times necessitate the use of forage crops, and also the "flushing" 

 of ewes for breeding. In most sections of Pennsylvania Sheep may be 

 turned on pasture by the first of May. No grain need be fed except 

 to the lambs, in creeps, when placed in protected quarters at night. 

 If fed grain, the lambs, can be weaned without losing in weight or 

 condition of flesh. Shelter is necessary to protect the ewes and lambs 



Fig. 9.. A portable shade for sheep. 



from cold and rains, which may cause pneumonia. Sheep should not 

 be allowed to graze the grass closely in the spring. Sufficient growth 

 should take place in order that a reserve of blue grass will be available 

 during July and August. On average pasture that will maintain a 

 cow at the rate of two acres a season, the same area will maintain 

 seven sheep averaging 150 pounds in weight. Sheep should not be 

 allowed to graze closely, since they will kill out the grass by eating 

 the crown of the plant. When pastured judiciously, sheep increase: 

 the stand of grass in thickness and yield. 



Sheep should be grazed for as long a period as possible without 

 danger of exposure to severe weather. The cost of maintaining sheep 

 on pasture land valued at $60 per acre, with interest, labor and feed, 



25 



