Autumn Management of the Flock 169 



is insured, as the lambs are dropped more nearly 

 together, and there may be a larger number of them 

 than there would be if the ewes were in a low condi- 

 tion at breeding time. We have not a very complete 

 knowledge of the conditions that govern the dis- 

 charge of ova from the ovaries and the number 

 released at any one period. The ova are produced 

 during the period of heat, but, except in the Merino 

 and Dorset breeds, few ewes come in heat without 

 the stimidus of the cooler nights following the summer 

 season of the section in which they are kept. Im- 

 ported English ewes kept in California take the ram 

 upon the approach of the comparatively cooler 

 nights of July and August, much earlier than the 

 same ewes had previously come in heat in England. 

 All direct attempts to induce coming in heat by 

 artificial means have been unsuccessful. It is rea- 

 sonable to assume, however, and experience justifies 

 the assumption, that there is a relation between 

 coming in heat and the body condition. Ewes 

 that are abnormally fat are likely to show the results 

 of the fattening conditions in the impairment of the 

 functions of the ovaries. The same is true of an 

 abnormally low or under-nourished condition. 

 When the ewes are all in uniformly good condition, 

 they will therefore come in heat regularly and be 

 likely to get in lamb. If the ram service is properly 

 arranged, the majority of the ewes will get in lamb at 

 the first or second service. Since ewes come in heat 



