Serer Lin OF “THE 
USDEPARTNENT OACRICULTURE 
No. 20 
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Contribution from the Bureau of Animal Industry, A. D. Melvin, Chief. 
December 17, 1913. 
THE MANAGEMENT OF SHEEP ON THE FARM. 
By Epwarp L. SHaw and Lewis L. HELLER, 
Of the Animal Husbandry Division. 
INTRODUCTION. 
Sheep husbandry should receive more attention from the farmers 
of this country than it does at the present time. Unquestionably 
sheep raising could profitably be fitted into the general management 
of thousands.of farms where there is none at the present time. On 
many other farms the size of the flock could be increased and more 
attention given to this branch of farming with resulting profit to the 
owner. 
The various phases of sheep husbandry afford numerous channels 
through which the skill of the producer can display itself. The 
breeding of purebred stock offers special inducements to many, while 
a larger number are content with the production of mutton and wool 
for market purposes. In the breeding of purebred stock the beginner 
has a number of valuable breeds from which he can make a selection. 
It is not so much the breed selected that will lead to success as it is 
the care and management. It must be noted, however, that certain 
breeds have a wider range of adaptability and are more popular. The 
number of purebred flocks 1s Increasing every year and the demand for 
good breeding stock is more than keeping pace with the increase. 
With a commercial flock there are several phases that are worthy 
of consideration. Early spring lambs is one of the most important, 
while late spring or early fall lambs should receive due consideration. 
The production of winter or so-called ‘‘hothouse”’ lambs is well worth 
undertaking by those who are favorably situated. This early lamb 
is a high-priced product and should prove profitable under favorable 
conditions. 
Many farmers have disposed of their flocks and many others have 
refrained from entering the business because of some of the difficulties 
that are peculiar to this industry. Among the most important of 
these are cur dogs, parasites, and diseases. A certain amount of 
trouble is inevitable where these abound, but ordinarily this should 
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