50 FEEDING WITH SUGAR BEETS, SUGAR, ETC. 



The varying requisites in sheep raising render their profitable 

 breeding most difficult. It is pointed out that when conditions 

 permit, that sheep, even in summer, be not allowed to leave 

 the fold on empty stomachs. The change from dry fodder to 

 pasturage should not be accomplished too rapidly. A good 

 custom that seems to prevail is that of giving sheep plenty 

 of exercise even in cold weather. The principal difference in 

 fodders to be given to older sheep and types, previously men- 

 tioned, is that the percentage of coarser feeds is to be aug- 

 mented and the concentrated diminished. The total per diem 

 is diminished and carbohydrates increased. 



While oats are objectionable as a general ration, in this 

 special case they render excellent service; as they have an ex- 

 citing tendency on the procreating organs, their introduction as 

 a ration must be effected gradually, just to take the place of 

 bran; and when the greatest effect has been produced the 

 ration is withdrawn little by little. In all casss the question of 

 age is an important factor. 



Raisers of sheep have many theories that are not altogether 

 in accordance with practice. Ample feeding for sheep is as 

 important as it is for cattle. 



Unlike cattle, there is no special time for sheep to be born, 

 and it occurs just as frequently in summer as in winter. The 

 rations during the two periods must, however, differ; in summer 

 there is the natural pasturage, and what sheep can utilize is 

 very different from that for cows. The question remains to be 

 solved just within what limits lands are suited to sheep. 

 Swampy low lands do not give satisfactory results. The lands 

 should not be too far from the fold and farm to furnish suffi- 

 cient food to thoroughly satisfy their appetites almost twice a 

 day. It has been suggested that the best method for determin- 

 ing the quantity of grass, etc., needed, is to weigh a certain 

 number of sheep before and after their feeding, by which means 

 one could ascertain the average consumption. When winter 

 feeding is considered it must not be forgotten that sheep during 

 gestation have not attained their full growth, and should be fed 

 accordingly. Very coarse fodders are not suitable for sheep; 

 too highly fermented food is also objectionable; excitable 



