488 Feeds and Feeding. 



and Skinner, on feeding millet seeds, which are small and have a 

 hard covering, to lambs, found that a large percentage was voided 

 undigested. On grinding the millet it proved highly satisfac- 

 tory. (342) 



792. Roughage. — The legumes are the prime source of roughage 

 for sheep — clover and alfalfa in the East, alfalfa in the irrigated 

 regions of the West, and the cowpea, beggar weed, and other plants 

 in the South. Clover, one of the best of roughages for sheep, should 

 be cut early in order to secure the leaves and heads, which are the 

 parts desired. Alfalfa hay is superior even to red clover in palata- 

 bility and in the nutriment it carries. When of good quality it not 

 only answers for roughage, but because of its abundant nutriment it 

 serves as a partial substitute for grain, thus materially reducing the 

 cost of feeding and fattening. At the Oklahoma Station^ cowpea 

 hay proved equal to alfalfa hay for fattening lambs. So long as 

 there is an ample sUpply of good legume hay of any kind, sheep 

 show little desire for other varieties of forage. 



Next in value to hay from the legumes come the dry leaves of the 

 corn plant. For sheep feeding, corn should be cut early and cured 

 in well-made shocks. The sheep will eat a little more of the stalks 

 if shredded, but cutting will not induce them to eat any of the 

 coarser parts. 



793. Succulent feeds. — One of the advantages of feeding silage 

 or roots to sheep is the tonic and regulating effect. Both corn silage 

 and roots are greatly relished, and feeding trials show them to be 

 about equal in nutritive value. The low cost of producing silage 

 should lead to its more common use. Roots are universally fed to 

 sheep in Great Britain, and no other farmer compares with the Brit- 

 ish farmer in producing high-quality mutton. Wet beet pulp has 

 proved a valuable feed for lambs, especially when combined with al- 

 falfa hay. 



794. Dipping. — In all cases before sheep are admitted to the fat- 

 tening pens they should be examined by an experienced shepherd, 

 and if any evidence of skin disease or vermin is found the flock 

 should be dipped in the most thoro manner. At the West scab, and 

 in the East lice and ticks, are common troubles. To attempt to 

 fatten sheep afflicted with any of these pests is to court disaster. 

 Sheep having any ticks show increased irritability and restlessness 

 as soon as fattening begins. 



795. Length of feeding period. — The feeding period with sheep 

 and lambs which have never received grain while on pasture should 



1 Bui. 78. 



