﻿THE MANAGEMENT OF SHEEP ON THE FARM. 33 



more rapid growth, rather than storing up fat. Forage crops, such 

 as rape and kale, make excellent fall pasturage for lambs, and where 

 the lambs have such pasture they may need no grain. 



SEPARATING THE HAM LAMBS. 



The ram lambs should be separated from the ewe lambs when not 

 older than 6 months. Where there are a number of these, they had 

 better be separated when weaned. 



CARE OF RAMS. 



It is desirable that breeding rams be in strong condition before 

 and during the breeding season. Because of the extra demands 

 made upon them at this time they should be given extra grain in 

 addition to their regular ration, beginning about a month before 

 mating and continuing throughout the season. A mixture of equal 

 parts of bran and oats is as good a grain ration as one can desire. 

 This feed keeps the ram vigorous and does not induce fattening. 



CARE DURING MATING SEASON. 



Many farmers allow the ram to run with the ewes throughout the 

 year, but this is a poor practice. It is much better to turn the rams 

 in only during the breeding season, and this is the ordinary method. 

 With many purebred flocks the rams are turned in only during the 

 night. 



It is good practice to paint the brisket of the ram every two weeks 

 with a different colored paint, that will rub off on the ewes that are 

 served. In this way the approximate time of mating can be deter- 

 mined, and also whether or not the ram is a sure breeder. A close 

 watch should be kept upon an untried ram to determine his breeding 

 qualities, as an infertile one, if not detected, will cause the loss of a 

 lamb crop. One ram will cover the average farm flock, but it is 

 advisable to have a second one, if the flock will warrant it, to use in 

 case the stock ram proves a nonbreeder. From 30 to 40 ewes are 

 covered by a ram where allowed to run with the flock. 



Hand coupling. — Hand coupling is a very satisfactory way of 

 handling the ram where the flock is not too large. It is often prac- 

 ticed in purebred flocks. With hand coupling the most practical 

 way is to drive the ewes into a small lot in the morning and turn the 

 ram in with them. He soon singles out a ewe that is in heat and as 

 soon as he has served her she is removed. Two or three ewes can 

 thus be served in the morning and as many more in the evening, after 

 they have again been driven up. 



Some shepherds turn in a teaser with the flock to single out the 

 ewes that are in heat. An old ram with a gunny sack tied over his 



