SHEEP UNDER FARM CONDITIONS 157 



object of feeding at this period should be not only 

 to maintain them in as good condition of flesh as 

 possible, but to produce at the same time a heavy 

 flow of milk. Naturally, the ration should include 

 as large a proportion as is thought advisable of 

 succulent feed, and such forage and grain as will 

 furnish a large proportion of protein. If only a 

 limited amount of alfalfa or clover hay be avail- 

 able, it is advisable to feed corn fodder earlier in 

 the season, and keep this hay until after lambing, 

 as it will, at this time, serve for best results. 

 Timothy hay and prairie hay are probably the 

 poorest forage feeds which can be given at this 

 time, and their use should be supplemented by 

 liberal amounts of bran and oats. A satisfactory 

 ration for ewes with Iambs by their sides will be 

 about 4 pounds of corn silage, i pound of mangels 

 or other roots, and about 1% pounds of mixed 

 grains, for each loo pounds of live weight. This 

 mixed grain should consist of lOO pounds of wheat 

 bran, 25 pounds of oats, 25 pounds of cracked oil 

 cake, and a little corn. In addition to this they 

 should have all the clover hay they will eat, and if 

 they have access to bright, clean straw, so much 

 the better. 



SUMMER PASTURE AND MANAGEMENT 



As early as possible in the spring the sheep 

 should be placed upon pasture. It is essentially a 

 grazing animal, and the best and cheapest gains 

 are made from pasture. The change from the dry 

 feed of winter to the soft, green feed of early spring 

 should be made somewhat gradually, especially if 

 the supply of succulent feed has been low. Fre- 

 quently, a few hours in the middle of the day is all 



