210 Western Lave-stock Management 
considerable variety but the best results are obtained when 
this variety is uniformly fed. Gradual changes from one 
feed to another are not harmful but often beneficial. 
CLEANLINESS 
Because sheep are great weed destroyers and utilize 
the odds and ends about the farm, it is often assumed that 
they are not particular about what they eat. This isa 
mistake. Sheep picking weeds and odds and ends select 
the more choice parts and consume them fresh. If offered 
feed that has been nosed over by other stock, they will 
refuse it or will eat it without a relish. Feeding troughs 
in which feed has been allowed to accumulate and sour 
are extremely distasteful to them. Feed-racks so arranged 
as to let the hay down a little at a time, thus preventing 
the sheep from breathing on it, are the best. Cleanliness 
is of the utmost importance in the feeding of all classes of 
sheep. 
EXERCISE 
Exercise is very conducive to the natural development 
of the sheep. This is particularly true of growing stock. 
Young sheep confined too closely are very likely to be 
delicate in their later life and not attain normal develop- 
ment. Plenty of exercise and good feed are the two main 
factors necessary for a good breeding flock. Exercise 
prevents the ewe from accumulating too much body fat 
and at the same time it makes her appetite much keener. 
In the case of lambs that are being fattened for the market, 
as much exercise is not needed as in the case of growing or 
breeding stock. However, they should not be confined too 
closely because of the effect that exercise has on the 
appetite. Gains made by sheep depend very largely on 
