THE BREEDING OF SHEEP 419 



there is danger of parasite infection. As soon as weaned, the 

 lambs should be placed on sown pastures as suggested in the 

 discussion on feeding the flock in summer (page 381). While 

 this is often neglected, it is very important, for after the young 

 lambs once become infected with germs, they are not likely to 

 thrive, and will prove a failure. Some forethought is required 

 in arranging and sowing the pastures, but if sheep fanning is 

 to prove profitable, it is very essential, especially throughout 

 the corn-belt and those regions subject to parasites. 



Castrating male lambs. — The male lambs should be castrated 

 at ten days to two weeks old, as they will suffer less if operated 

 at this time. Lambs intended for hot-house trade should not be 

 castrated, as the exposed testicles add to the appearance of the 

 carcass when on the market. The operation is not difficult, 

 and there is practically no danger of injuring the lamb. An 

 assistant should hold the lamb in such a position as to expose the 

 scrotum. Sever the end of the scrotum, pinch the testicle out, 

 and remove with the adhering cords. The scrotum may be 

 rubbed with a mixture of tallow and turpentine, half and half, 

 and the lamb returned to the dam. 



Docking the lambs. — Unless the lambs are to be sent to market 

 vmder three months of age, they should have the tail removed. 

 The tail is of no use to the sheep and is likely to become foul. 

 Docked lambs thrive better than undocked, and they present a 

 fuller and squarer appearance. The lambs should be docked 

 at ten days to two weeks of age, or even younger if strong. 

 This may be done by severing the tail with a sharp knife, cut- 

 ting from the under side, by the use of a mallet and sharp chisel; 

 or, better still, by the use of docking pincers. These pincers 

 resemble the ordinary shoeing pincers and may be made by any 

 blacksmith. The edges should be rather thin, with the back 

 heavy in order to hold heat, for by heating them to redness and 

 then severing the tail the stump will bleed but little, whereas if 

 the tails of lambs in very good condition are severed with a 



