SHEEP UNDER FARM CONDITIONS 



155 



of the farmer may result in the loss of large num- 

 bers of lambs, and the normal increase of the herd 

 wiped out. The breeding period should be so 

 timed that all the lambs will be born within the 

 shortest possible space of time, and in this manner 

 constant attention can be given during a lambing 

 period. Early lambs are usually more profitable 

 under farm conditions, because they can be matured 



AN IDAHO LAMBING SHED 



and marketed before the heavy shipments of range 

 lambs begin. Under range conditions, it is not 

 usually possible to have the lambing period until 

 the weather has become quite warm, as few of the 

 large breeders are equipped with lambing sheds or 

 other shelter. Good warm quarters for the protec- 

 tion of the flock during lambing time are essential 

 to the successful production of early lambs. It is 

 important that the young lamb should not suffer 

 from cold or become chilled during its early life, 

 when the vitality is naturally low. Heavy losses 

 will surely occur if the young lambs are exposed to 

 cold wind or to the rains of early spring. It will 

 be necessary to give a lot of attention to the flock 



