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BULLETIN 20, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



There are several types of feed racks that are quite satisfactory. 

 A combination rack for feeding both roughage and grain is con- 

 venient, especially where the amount of space is limited. Some 

 racks are boarded up solidly, with openings through which the sheep 

 eat ; others are slatted horizontally, this type being largely used in the 

 West. Racks with vertical slats are also used; these slats should not 

 be too wide apart with suckling ewes or the lambs will get in upon 

 the feed and soil it. Having the upper part of the rack boarded solid 

 is desirable, as it prevents chaff from falling into the fleece. The 

 arrangement and dimensions of various types of racks are shown in 

 figures 10 to 13, inclusive. 



PASTURE. 



The sheep pasture should be well drained or foot rot will prove 

 troublesome and the flock will not keep in the best of health. If 



Fig. 10. — Combination rack for feeding hay and grain. Sheep can feed from either side. 



the texture and structure of the soil of level fields is such that the rain- 

 fall is readily drained away, they may prove good feeding grounds, 

 but as a rule roiling or hilly land is much better. Plenty of pure 

 water is necessary and abundant shade is desirable, especially during 

 hot weather, but sheep should not be allowed to lie under trees 

 where manure has accumulated. 



Avoid overstocking the pasture. If the sheep are too numerous 

 they will eat the very roots of the grass, killing it and reducing the 

 carrying capacity of the fields. Understocking is likewise undesirable, 

 as it results in coarse, rank herbage that is not readily eaten by the 

 sheep. Burrs and weeds that are not eaten should be destroyed, 

 so that the seeds will not get into the fleeces. 



Dead furrows are dangerous in a sheep pasture and should never 

 be left open. Ewes rolling over into them upon their backs can not 



