﻿BULLETIN OF THE 



No. 20 



Conlribution from the Bureau of Animal Industry, A. D. Melvin, Chief 

 December 17, 1913. 



THE MANAGEMENT OF SHEEP ON THE FARM. 



By Edward L. Shaw and Lewis L. Heller, 

 Of the Animal Husbandry Division. 



INTRODUCTION. 



Sheep husbandry should receive more attention from the farmers 

 of this country than it does at the present time. Unquestionably 

 sheep raising could profitably be fitted into the general management 

 of thousands of farms where there is none at the present time. On 

 many other farms the size of the flock could be increased and more 

 attention given to this branch of farming with resulting profit to the 

 owner. 



The various phases of sheep husbandry afford numerous channels 

 through which the skill of the producer can display itself. The 

 breeding of purebred stock offers special inducements to many, while 

 a larger number are content with the production of mutton and wool 

 for market purposes. In the breeding of purebred stock the beginner 

 has a number of valuable breeds from which he can make a selection. 

 It is not so much the breed selected that will lead to success as it is 

 the care and management. It must be noted, however, that certain 

 breetls have a wider range of adaptability and are more popular. The 

 number of purebred flocks is increasing every year and the demand for 

 good breeding stock is more than keeping pace with the increase. 



With a commercial flock there are several phases that are worthy 

 of consideration. Early spring lambs is one of the most important, 

 while late spring or early fall lambs should receive due consideration. 

 The production of winter or so-called "hothouse" lambs is well worth 

 undertaking by those who are favorably situated. This early lamb 

 is a high-priced product and should prove profitable under favorable 

 conditions. 



Many farmers have disposed of their flocks and many others have 

 refrained from entering the business because of some of the difficulties 

 that are peculiar to this industry. Among the most important of 

 these are cur dogs, parasites, and diseases. A certain amount of 

 trouble is inevitable where these abound, but ordinarily this should 

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