124 MANAGEMENT AND FEEDING OF SHEEP 



lambs separate from the pregnant ewes, as the latter will 

 call for a different ration. The aim should be to keep 

 them growing and "sappy" without laying on too much 

 fat. This will follow if they can have an abundant sup- 

 ply of roots, even in the absence of grain, especially if 

 the fodder fed is good. In the absence of field roots, some 

 grain will prove helpful. But when fine, well-cured clover 

 and alfalfa of tender growth are fed, the additional grain 

 called for will be very limited. Almost any of the small 

 grains will answer, especially when a small quantity of 

 wheat bran, or in its absence oilcake, is added. The 

 amount of grain to feed should be determined by the con- 

 dition of the ewes. In the absence of field roots, two or 

 three pounds of good corn silage daily will be helpful. 



From winter on until the mating season, such want 

 no other food than ordinary pasture. It may not be neces- 

 sary at such a time to keep them in pastures separate 

 from those grazed by the ewes which are nursing their 

 lambs. In some instances, however, it may be desirable 

 to give them pastures less bountiful than those occupied 

 by the latter, to prevent them from reaching that stage 

 of obesity which would be unfavorable to impregnation. 



Management at the breeding season — It is a matter 

 of considerable importance that the ewes shall mate so 

 as to drop lambs approximately at the time desired and 

 within a reasonably short period. The object for which 

 they are grown will then be more fully realized, the labor 

 of caring for them will be less and uniformity in the flock 

 will be better maintained. The flockmaster may not al- 

 ways be able to accomplish this, because of the extent 

 to which the weather during the season affects pastures, 

 but he may adopt measures that will prove a material aid 

 in the direction desired. 



The time at which the ewes will mate may be con- 

 trolled more readily when the lambs have been weaned 

 early in the season. Opportunity is then given for the 

 ewes to recover from the reduced flesh resulting from the 



