20 BULLETIN 20, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 
season and makes conception more sure. This is an advantage in 
that it shortens the lambing period. Having the lambs as near one 
age as possible is an advantage when they are to be sold, as uniform 
lots always sell more readily and at higher prices than uneven ones. 
TIME OF MATING. 
Some breeds of sheep mate at any season of the year, such as the 
Barbados. Others, such as Dorset, Tunis, and Rambouillet, mate 
either in the fall or spring, while the other breeds mate only in the fall. 
The time of mating depends upon the time it is desired to have the 
lambs dropped. With those that are bred in the fall, there is a grow- 
ing tendency to have them lamb as early as possible, as the early 
lambs are not troubled so much with stomach worms. Where 
“hothouse” lambs are raised the ewes are mated in the spring or late 
summer. It is common among Dorset breeders to have most of the 
lambs dropped in the fall. 
With ewes that lamb in the fall the rams are turned in during the 
months of April, May, and June, while with ewes that lamb in the 
spring they are turned in during August, September, and October. | 
GESTATION PERIOD. 
The gestation period is the time between the effectual service of the 
ram and the dropping of the lamb when the ewe is in normal condition. 
The average has been found by the Wisconsin station,! in making 
observations on more than 1,200 ewes, to be between 146 and 147 
days. The time varies somewhat with the individual and with its 
health and physical condition. The length of the period does not 
seem to influence the size of the lamb, but if lambs are carried from 
five to seven days overtime they are usually weak or dead when 
delivered. Ram lambs are usually carried for a somewhat longer 
time than ewe lambs and they weigh slightly heavier at birth. 
SEPARATING PREGNANT EWES. 
It is much better if the breeding ewes can be kept separate from 
the rest of the flock. They require special management and feeding, 
and this can be more easily done when they are in an inclosure by 
themselves. Abundant exercise should be given them. They should 
not be fattened, neither should they be allowed to become thin. 
FEEDING PREGNANT EWES. 
Turnips, rutabagas, and swedes are the most desirable roots for 
breeding ewes, mangels and sugar beets being undesirable before. 
lambing. Frozen roots should not be fed, as it is claimed that they 
will cause abortion. Frozen or acid silage should never be fed to ewes » 
1 Kleinheinz, Sheep management. 
