ALFALFA T HE BEST ROUGHAGE 47 



ant that the increase should be gradual. Much loss has been 

 occasioned by too sudden increase in the feeding of grain. 



Alfalfa Excellent Roughage 



For roughage clover hay has no superior. Alfalfa, where pos- 

 sible to secure, is excellent. In case of shortage of these feeds 

 corn fodder, bean pods, oat straw, any or all will help out a short- 

 age of clover hay, but some of the latter is essential. A large share 

 of the profit in lamb feeding is secured by transforming these 

 coarse feeds into marketable form and putting much of them back 

 upon the land in the form of manure, thereby increasing the 

 fertihty of the soil. 



Cornfield Feeding 



In feeding lambs in the cornfield give them free access to it 

 at all times after they are used to the pasture and surroundings. 

 A good pasture in connection with the cornfield gives best re- 

 sults. Pure water, accessible at all times, is essential. Rape 

 sown in the corn at time of last cultivation furnishes most ac- 

 ceptable roughage at a minimum cost. 



Clean Racks and Troughs 



Cleanliness, regularity and proper feeding are three important 

 requisites to profitable lamb feeding. Hay racks must not be 

 burdened with hay or roughage which has been picked and 

 mussed over; grain troughs must always be clean and dry, no 

 manure nor filth being permitted; water troughs or tubs must 

 be hkewise. A lamb's appetite is a perfect clock — he is hungry 

 for his feed at the same time each day. Do not disappoint him by 

 failing to have his grain before him when he wants it. Proper 

 feeding consists in giving just the right amount each time and 

 especially not too much. The lambs should clean up the grain 

 troughs quickly and at the same time plenty should be given. 



The lamb's appetite must be watched and humored. For 

 instance, he will assimilate more feed in cold, dry weather than 

 when it is warm and wet. The most successful feeder is he who 

 watches his lambs and humors them most, for then they gain best. 



