Grain Feeding Lambs Before Weaning 



At the Wisconsin Station Craig fed various grains to unweaned 

 high-grade Shropshire lambs for periods averaging ten weeks. The 

 lambs were induced to eat grain as early as possible and were given 

 all they could consume in a trough accessible at all times through a 

 "creep," which shut out the dams. A summary of four trials is here 

 shown. 



Corn meal gave good returns in these trials, especially when cost 

 is considered. This feed is one of the best for unweaned lambs designed 

 for the butcher, since it puts on much fat. For unweaned lambs which 

 are to go into the breeding flock, at least one-half of the concentrates 

 should be such as were fed to the other lots in these trials. Oats and 

 peas are rich in crude protein and one or both can be grown on almost 

 any farm in America. Where not available, bran can take their place. 

 The large daily gains made by these unweaned lambs and the small 

 amount of grain required in addition to the dam's milk for a given 

 gain forcefully illustrates the principal that young animals give the 

 best returns for feed consumed. 



Fattening Sheep of Different Ages 



At the Montana Station, Shaw compared the fattening qualities 

 of average western range lambs, one and two-year-old wethers, and 

 aged ewes. Each lot of about 50 was fed whole barley and clover 

 hay for 88 days with the following results: 



