158 PROFITABLE STOCK RAISING 



that it is advisable to pasture the animals, feeding 

 them their regular ration in the morning and even- 

 ing. After the first few days, when the grass be- 

 comes stronger and contains more nutriment, the 

 animals may be left continuously upon pasture with- 

 out serious detriment. Ordinarily, no feed is given 

 while pasture is good, although this is frequently 

 profitable when some special object is sought, such 

 as the fitting of sheep for fairs or rapid growth of 

 the lambs is desired for an especially early market. 

 Grass, water and shade are essential for the best 

 growth in summer. Close account should be kept 

 of the animals, especially in late summer, when the 

 grass is likely to become poor and dry, and extra 

 feed should be given upon any indication of re- 

 tarded growth. 



When the spring lambs are intended to be fat- 

 tened for market the following fall, it is especially 

 important that they be kept growing and thriving 

 from the very day of birth. This continuous 

 growth has been well begun when the management 

 of the ewes has provided for a liberal flow of milk 

 for the young lambs during their early life. This 

 gives them a good thrifty start, and encourages a 

 rapid, strong development, so that at a very early 

 age they will begin to eat a little of the feed or 

 pasture which supports their mothers. This 

 amount of solid food taken will rapidly increase as 

 the animals are placed upon tender pasture, and at 

 an early age the lamb will be drawing its sus- 

 tenance from the two sources. The lambs will 

 learn to eat a little crushed grain or bran before 

 they are very old, and if this be kept before them 

 they will consume increasing amounts of it during 

 the summer, with marked effect upon their growth 

 and condition. 



