HARVESTED FEEDS 



237 



of considerable sustaining and fattening power, but it furnishes 

 some succulence, and grazing gives ewes the exercise they need. 



Harvested Feeds. — Ordinarily it is best to begin feeding preg- 

 nant ewes grain or hay or both not later than Januajy first, and 

 often it is advisable to begin a month earlier than this. In fact, it is 

 impossible to set a definite time for beginning to use harvested feeds, 

 and the owner must be guided solely by the supply of feed in the 

 fields and the condition of his flock. Unless the ewes are in thin 

 flesh the amount of grain fed should not be more than five-tenths 

 to seven-tenths pound per head per day to individuals weighing 



Fig. 163. — Ewes in proper condition for lambing. These ewes are in rather high condition 

 with respect to fiesh and fat and being so will have enough milk for their lambs. 



140 to 175 pounds. Whole oats are always considered good feed 

 for sheep, but other grains and concentrated feed products can 

 be used. Corn alone is not considered by many of the best shepherds 

 as a good grain feed for breeding sheep because they think that it is 

 too heating. The writer, however, believes corn has been too harshly 

 criticised by many shepherds, for it is a good feed when used 

 with discretion. If it is mixed with oats or with several concentrates 

 palatable to sheep, it can form a useful part of the ration. Breeding 

 sheep will do fairly well on a moderate amount of grain composed 

 entirely of corn, provided good leguminous hay is fed. 



Economy and eflSciency are what the owner must think of when 

 compounding rations. Such feeds as linseed oil meal and bran are 

 usually costly and hence, when placed in the ration, add to the cost 

 of maintaining the flock. If the flock can be kept in good condition 



