GROWING AND FITTING SHEEP FOR EXHIBITION 261 



as they should have, as the aim is at such a time to force 

 milk production to the limit. But it is not necessary to 

 keep them separate from the other members of the flock 

 previously to the lambing season, under proper conditions 

 of management. In addition to roomy quarters they 

 should, of course, have much freedom of access to a yard 

 adjacent. Later they should have access to suitable graz- 

 ing, but only at stated times, as shown below. Where 

 grading cannot be furnished, green food should be fed 

 to them in paddocks. 



The quarters for the dams will also be suitable for 

 the lambs up to the weaning season. But in addition 

 it is imperative that the lambs are given a protected 

 place where they can take a portion of their food apart 

 from the dams. Such a place may usually be furnished 

 within the apartment in which the dams are fed (see 

 page 260). 



When the lambs are weaned, they may be kept dur- 

 ing the heat of the day in the same apartment that the 

 dams have vacated, but at other times should have access 

 to a yard, a paddock or to an adjacent pasture. The sheds 

 must be darkened during the day by covering the open 

 windows with sacking or some such material as will keep 

 out flies and will, at the same time, provide ample ventila- 

 tion. 



The quarters suitable for shearlings in summer are 

 limited to those just described as suitable for lambs. In 

 winter they want a reasonably roomy, bright and airy 

 space free from drafts and adjacent to a yard. They must 

 be kept apart from other sheep in order that they may be 

 given proper and suitable food. 



Food for the dams while nursing in sheds — The fod- 

 ders fed to the dams must be of high quality and such as 

 are favorable to milk production. Alfalfa and clover stand 

 at the head of the list in suitability for such feeding, but 

 peas and oats and vetches and oats of fine growth are ex- 

 cellent. The alfalfa should be cut at first bloom, and the 



