184 Western lAve-stock Management 



be run with the older ewes; but when grain is fed, the 

 Iambs must be kept separate, as the older ewes will crowd 

 them away from the feeding troughs. Lambs require 

 more feed than older ewes, instead of less. 



Care of the ram. 



The ram is usually kept away from the ewe flock 

 except during the breeding season. If allowed to winter 

 with the ewes, he is likely to bunt the pregnant ewes and 

 cause abortion. If he has the company of another ram 

 or a wether, he will thrive better than, if kept alone. A 

 small amount of a grain mixture of two parts oats to one 

 part bran, together with some good clover, vetch, or 

 alfalfa hay, and a few roots or a little corn silage will 

 keep him in excellent condition. Mangels or sugar-beets 

 should never be fed to rams and wethers, as they cause 

 bladder trouble. During the summer, good pasture is 

 sufficient, but a month before breeding season begins he 

 will require some grain. While the ram must be in a 

 good vigorous condition, there is great danger of having 

 him too fat. Exercise is essential at all times. 



Lambing time. 



At lambing time the ewes "require access to a shed or 

 barn, although close confinement is very detrimental. 

 Well-drained land that will stand tramping may be seeded 

 to rape and clover, and the ewes run on this during the 

 lambing season. Unfortunately, such land and climatic 

 conditions are not everywhere available. When the ewes 

 are strong and healthy, they will need little attention at 

 lambing as compared with the attention required by range 

 ewes. The most important equipment for lambing time 

 is a set of panels about four feet long and two-and-one- 



