Buchanan County bulletin. [volume] (Independence, Iowa) 1869-1891, 1878-05-17
Grain for Sheep.

Prof. e. w. Stewart, of Lake View,
who is good authority on all questions
relating to Authorization, writes to show
in the Rural Nec Yorker that it is
matter Of actual economy to add
small grain ration to the daily food of
sheep. We reproduce his article, omit
ing the analytical tables
The American farmer seems to think
the necessity for grain feeding of sheep
or other stock calamity. He imagines
that grain is more expensive food and
must, as compared with hay, always be
fed at loss. This opinion, as | have
said, is based upon imagination, and not
upon analysis or experiment. The
opinion has grown up from the habit of
farmers OF raising grain for sale, and
hay and other fodder for home consump-
ton. They suppose it more profitable
to sell the grain because it bring more
per ton, and many times more per bulk.
Now, If we compare the four grains
most raised: rye, barley, oats and corn
we find the albuminoide to average ia
per cent, carbohydrates 65 per cent,
tat A per cent; while the average of
hay is 10 per cent. albuminoides, 40 per
cent, carbohydrates 81 per cent. fat.
This would make these four grains
worth for feeding so per cent. more
than hay; but when we consider that
the nutriment in these grains is more
digestible, that it is contained in so
much smaller space, and may be taken
in addition to the bulky food and pro-
duce so much more rapid growth, it is
n hn Of
worth 70 per cent. more than a pound
of good hay. And hay usually brings
in all our eastern markets, three-fourths
the price OF grain per pound. The
great mistake made by farmers is that
they do not often enough combine grain
with hay and other fodder in feeding
sheep. During the cold season sheep
can only digest about hay enough to
keep up animal heat and supply waste.
Where, then, are the growth and fleece,
to come from? The principal profit
generally comes from the wool, and
beautiful fleece can only grow upon
sheep in fine condition. Young Sheep
must also make a good growth Of body
besides growing the wool, and if this
growth is not made. there will not be a
profitable fleece If farmers would but
consider the fact that the principal cost
Of keeping sheep is in keeping them
alive, without growth, and that the
extra food which produces the growth
and the fleece is but small, they would
not withhold this small amount of grain
which would give them liberal profit.
All the profit comes from the extra
food.
Look TO THE LAMBS. When they
first make their appearance in the
world lambs are very feeble animals, but
if they once get well started they are
quite likely to live, and, if properly
cared for, do well. The first day or
two of it's life is critical period with a
lamb. Therefore it is important for
sheep owners to look after flocks when
it is time for the ewes to bring forth
their lambs, Unless they are deformed,
or extremely feeble (Which is seldom
the case), nearly all lambs will live if
they have little care and attention.
Probably large proportion of them
would live it let alone, but many would
die. When the weather is cold they
need special attention. A severe chill
will be likely to to be fatal unless
prompt and remedial means are used.
The owner should visit the sheep yard
frequently during the time at which
lambs are expected. Every evening he
should attend to new corners, if there
are any which need help. To give spe-
ci6c directions would require a great
deal Of space. Every owner of sheep
should have a copy of 'Randall's Prac-
teal Shepherd a good book which con
tains great deal of valuable informa-
ton. Experience, too, is very valua-
BILE aid, as the writer has proved, but
there should be a certain degree of
knowledge to 60 before the experience
in order to prevent mistakes which
would otherwise be very likely to occur.
Good care is one of the essentials. and
this every one can give.-Dirigo Fnrmer.
MULcHING.-The object of mulching
is two fold, first, to retain moisture in
the ground and prevent it from being
parched by summer heat; second, to
protect the roots Of vegetables from the
severe frosts in winter. The best mate
rails for mulching are tan bark, saw
dust,-o better still, charcoal DUST
substance which will keep the soil loose
and moist. BY proper mulchlng we
have seen potatoes, peas, beans, cab |
bages, onions and other vegetables main
tain their growth through the dryest
summer
No Connecticut Legislature in late
years has had so large proportion of