SHEEP FATTENING. 51 



fodders are very objectionable, and the nutritive ratio should 

 be 1 :4, with at least 60 per cent, moisture. Beets give excel- 

 lent results, and should in all cases be mixed with chopped 

 straw, etc. It is difficult to determine the exact quantity of 

 fodder to be given; the best guide with sheep is the amount 

 they refuse. 



Great advantages are to be derived by allowing sheep to have all 

 the milk from the mother that they need. The health of a sucking 

 lamb depends upon the health of the mother. The discussions 

 of this question are outside the province of the present writing. 



One sheep should never be allowed to feed more than one 

 lamb at a time, and in special cases the use of a bottle may give 

 excellent results; two quarts of milk per diem is readily con- 

 sumed by an average healthy lamb. 



Good and well selected fodder comes next in importance. 

 Great care should be taken that the fodders be not too rich 

 and dry. The lamb as well as the mother under such rations 

 would soon die. 



During very rainy weather the grass and general pasturage 

 contain so much water that it is frequently found possible to 

 supplement their food in fold. The sucking should be repeated 

 four times a day (at first much oftener), and during the interval 

 the mother has ample time to recuperate. Arrange so that the 

 mother and young one are separated by a partition with doors 

 large enough for the lamb to pass, but not the mother. The 

 first tooth appears after four months, and the weaning should 

 then begin. One meal of oil cake, etc., is furnished during the 

 interval of their sucking. These meals become more numerous, 

 and within a month the weaning should be complete. 



It may be considered a mistake to make a distinction between 

 the requirements of male, female or altered sheep. The object 

 in all cases is the same, that of securing in one year the most 

 complete development possible. 



The French authorities are strongly opposed to the use of oats 

 in sheep rations, as this fodder has a very exciting tendency 

 and as a result a very thinning effect. The summer pasturage 

 is very much the same as it is with sheep. The rations should 

 be as much like fresh grass as possible. 



