- THE MANAGEMENT OF SHEEP ON THE FARM. oO 
more rapid growth, rather than storing up fat. Forage crops, such 
as rape and kale, make excellent fall pasturage for lambs, and where 
the lambs have such pasture they may need no grain. 
SEPARATING THE RAM LAMBS. 
The ram lambs should be separated from the ewe lambs when not 
older than 6 months. Where there are a number of these, they had 
better be separated when weaned. 
CARE OF RAMS. 
It is desirable that breeding rams be in strong condition before 
and during the breeding season. Because of the extra demands 
made upon them at this time they should be given extra grain in 
addition to their regular ration, beginning about a month before 
mating and continuing throughout the season. A mixture of equal 
parts of bran and oats is as good a grain ration as one can desire. 
This feed keeps the ram vigorous and does not induce fattening. 
CARE DURING MATING SEASON. 
Many farmers allow the ram to run with the ewes throughout the 
year, but this is a poor practice. It is much better to turn the rams 
in only during the breeding season, and this is the ordinary method. 
With many purebred flocks the rams are turned in only during the 
night. 
It is good practice to paint the brisket of the ram every two weeks 
with a different colored paint, that will rub off on the ewes that are? 
served. In this way the approximate time of mating can be deter- 
mined, and also whether or not the ram is a sure breeder. A close 
watch should be kept upon an untried ram to determine his breeding 
qualities, as an infertile one, if not detected, will cause the loss of a 
lamb crop. One ram will cover the average farm flock, but it is 
advisable to have a second one, if the flock will warrant it, to use in 
case the stock ram proves a nonbreeder. From 30 to 40 ewes are 
covered by a ram where allowed to run with the flock. 
Hand coupling—Hand coupling is a very satisfactory way of 
handling the ram where the flock is not too large. It is often prac- 
ticed in purebred flocks. With hand coupling the most practical 
way is to drive the ewes into a small lot in the morning and turn the 
ram in with them. He soon singles out a ewe that is in heat and as 
soon as he has served her she is removed. ‘Two or three ewes can 
thus be served in the morning and as many more in the evening, after 
they have again been driven up. 
Some shepherds turn in a teaser with the flock to single out the 
ewes that are in heat. An old ram with a gunny sack tied over his 
