FEEDING AND CARE OF RAMS l6l 



mained on hand for so long a period raises a suspicion 

 in the minds of those who are seeking rams that they 

 were not disposed of because of inferiority in their fur- 

 nishings. 



When good stock rams have been used for say two 

 years, it may be necessary to dispose of them to avoid in- 

 breeding. When they have shown peculiar excellence in 

 the line of prepotency, it would be unfortunate to have 

 such rams sent to the block. Those seeking rams to head 

 their flocks of that particular breed, should give the pref- 

 erence to these when they can obtain them. Their pre- 

 potency has been proved, which, of course, cannot be said 

 of young rams. If, however, such rams should be pur- 

 chased by those not instructed in the care of such rams, 

 disaster may follow. It will usually be found advisable 

 to care for them on lines similar to those to which they 

 have become accustomed. Violence in care and food 

 given to such rams will usually result in great injury to 

 them. 



The age to which rams may be kept in service with 

 profit and advantage cannot be stated, except in the most 

 general way, for reasons that will be apparent. It would 

 be correct to say that usually the period of most active 

 service for rams is when they are shearlings, two years 

 old, three years old and four years old. In other words, 

 they are in service four seasons. Instances are on record 

 in which Merino rams have been in service for more than 

 a dozen years. But there may be instances in which the 

 period covered will be twice as long. And there may be 

 other instances when the period of service should be 

 closed sooner. It is greatly important to use rams only 

 that are possessed of much vigor, whatsoever the age 

 may be. 



Miscellaneous attentions called for — Certain atten- 

 tions are called for in the management of rams that may 

 not seem greatly important, and yet when given they 

 add to the profit from keeping them. These include (i) 



