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FARMERS BULLETIN 840. 



sheep should be dipped a second time about 24 days after the first 

 dipping. About 10 days should be allowed to elapse after shear- 

 ing, so that shear cuts may have time to heal before dipping. 



CULLING THE EWE FLOCK. 



The summer or early fall, soon after the lambs have been weaned 

 or marketed, is the best time to dispose of ewes that are not con- 

 sidered desirable for another year's breeding. The ewes that are to 

 raise the next crop of lambs can then be prepared for fall breeding. 

 Ewes of the mutton breeds do not ordinarily breed well nor keep 

 in good condition after 5 years of age. Their usefulness, however, 

 depends more upon the condition of their teeth than upon their 

 actual age. Fine-wool ewes usually remain useful to a later age. 

 It is a good plan to sell aged ewes before they become too run down 

 to be valuable to the butcher. The ewes that give the most milk 

 and raise the best lambs are likely to be quite thin at this time and 

 should not be judged by their appearance. 



Nonbreeding ewes, poor milkers, light shearers, and mothers of 

 inferior lambs should be marked as their defects are discovered and 

 should be disposed of at this time. Their places should be filled by 

 the best individuals among the yearling ewes and from the best breed- 

 ing older ewes. 



WEANING THE LAMBS. 



If lambs are sold at from 3 to 5 months of age, they may run with 

 their dams until that time. The lambs to be kept for breeding pur- 



FIG. 4. A group of yearling ewes kept to replace the older ones culled out in the fall. 

 These ewes have been cared for to produce good fleece and full development for use 

 as breeders. 



