162 Western Live-stock Management 



both risen. By inserting current prices, a feeder can 

 soon figure whether he will derive any profit on shearing 

 itself or whether he will have to depend on the increased 

 gains only for his returns from shearing lambs for the 

 feed-lot. 



Shearing is especially popular among speculators near 

 the large markets. These men find that shearing saves 

 room in the feed-lots, which in their case is often an im- 

 portant item, as shorn sheep may be sorted without han- 

 dling. They usually handle immense numbers of sheep 

 of all grades and are constantly sorting them over to 

 procure those which may be turned at a profit. When the 

 sheep are shorn, a glance will tell the condition of each 

 animal. 



SHELTER 



The ideal feed-lot should be located in a place sheltered 

 by nature from the prevailing winds and storms, and 

 should have a small stream for the water supply. In such 

 localities sheds are hardly necessary. In fact, very few 

 lambs are fattened under shelter. When the feed-lots 

 are in exposed positions, simple sheds of rough boards may 

 be necessary. These will be used only for shelter in times 

 of storm, and the hay racks and grain boxes will all be 

 out in the open. There is a growing preference among 

 feeders for pumped water instead of running streams. It 

 is claimed that the warmer well-water is better for the 

 lambs than the ice cold stream. It is possible, hoAvever, 

 that the advantage is due to the well-water being given in 

 convenient troughs where the lambs can get it easily, 

 while the running stream often has such steep icy banks 

 that the lambs will not drink until their thirst becomes 

 unbearable. 



