RAPE 279 



was assumed that the formalin stopped the rapid fermentation of 

 certain sugars contained in the green feed which had been eaten. 



Sweet clover is more like a forage crop than a pasture. Not 

 much is known about its value as a green feed for sheep and lambs, 

 but they will eat it and it has been used here and there with success. 

 It makes luxuriant growth and undoubtedly has high carrying 

 power for a short period at least. Because of its tendency to grow 

 rank and coarse, one should start pasturing it rather early and a 

 comparatively large number of sheep should be kept on it. From 

 present indications, it would seem that a small area of it would be 

 a splendid asset in dry seasons as in fertile soil it makes a good 

 growth in hot, dry weather. In the corn belt and similar regions, 

 an early spring seeding of sweet clover makes good feed from about 

 the middle of June until late fall. 



Little lambs and, in fact, old sheep are not fond of sweet clover, 

 and its use is more or less questionable. 



Rye. — In the northern states, rye is of most use in the early 

 spring months. If the pasture season opens about the first of May, 

 one can place the sheep on rye about March 35. When it begins to 

 Joint it is not palatable ; hence, to get the most out of it with ewes 

 and lambs, it must be kept closely grazed. The animals must not 

 be moved to some other green feed with a view of bringing them 

 back to the rye later, for then they will not eat it. 



In central Tennessee, rye is used all winter as pasture^ It is an 

 important factor in producing the early fat lambs which come from 

 that region. 



Winter oats furnish good forage in the winter and spring in 

 many parts of the South. 



Rape is one of the best known forage crops for sheep and lambs, 

 and since it is hardy it is suitable for sowing early in the spring. 

 If sown early it attains sufficient growth to supply feed before the 

 lambs are old enough for market. For this purpose it should be 

 sown just as soon in the spring as it is advisable to work the ground 

 into a good seed bed. Three to four pounds of seed should be sown 

 to the acre and covered lightly by harrowing. Being a luxuriant 

 grower, rape is adapted to a fertile soil and a plentiful supply of 

 moisture. When sown in unfertilized, poor soil it is almost sure to 

 prove a disappointment and a financial loss. Sheep and lambs 

 should not be turned on rape until it has attained a growth of six 

 or eight inches because it produces so much more feed if allowed to 



