Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1918-03-20
Sheep Raising.

| Recently sheep huSbandry has re-
ceived a great deal of attention due
to the national need for more wool
and mutton and the increased prices
for same. Thus it behooves the sheep
owner to practice the best methods in
handling his stock in order to raise
large percentage of lambs.
The two main factors having the
greatest influence on the percentage
of lambs raised are the feeding and
care Of the eve previous to Landing
and the attention given to the new
lamb and the eve at the time of birth
and shortly afterward. Plenty Of
protein feeds should be furnished the
eve in order that she may produce an
abundant supply of milk for the new
lamb. Clover, alfalfa Or other legu-
minous hay is the cheapest way to Sc
cure this. In the absence of these,
however, bran and oil meal should be
utilized. Succulent feeds such as
corn-silage and roots are very good.
Landing time is spoken of as being
the harvest time for the shepherd and
the Importance of being on the job is
not over-emphasized. Help should be
given the eve in case she needs it,
and it is often necessary to help the
young lamb get his first milk. Little
attentions such as warming the chill
ed lambs, furnishing COWS milk where
the eve does not have an immediate
flow, and many other things which
the careful person can do will often
save the lives of many.
Plans for the future should be made
in keeping the stock healthy through
out the summer. A change of pas
ture or special forage crops provide
a good means Of preventing internal
parasites which take a large annual
toll from our focks. Before turning
to\pasture it would be wise to treat
the ewes for stomach and lung
worms. The best treatment for the
former seems to be a one per cent So
per sulphate crystals to 24 cts. of
WaterO given as a drench. One-half
measuring cup or 31a liquid ounces of
this solution is the dose for a eve.
Symptoms of stomach worms are a
general run down condition, I'M
healthy colored skin and lack of blood
in the gums and veins on the eye
balls. In extreme conditions scour-
ing is caused. The symptoms of lung
worms are snOtty noses and a hoarse
cough. Lung worms can be checked
by injecting two and a half c C's
(3045 drops) Of chloroform in the
nostrils of the sheep. An eye drop
per or fountain pen filler can be util-
lied for this purpose. Care should
be taken to prevent an overdose. Give
them enough to make them feel grog-
gy or dizzy but not enough to make
them unconscious or unable to stand.
Plan to have fresh field or mead
ow to turn the lambs on when wean-
ed. This will keep them from pick
ing up more internal parasites from
the ewes and give them good feed.
Rape, soybeans, oats and field peas
are all very good for this. For late
forage crops, rape soWed in corn at
the last cultivation make an ideal
feed to get the lambs in shape for
market and the ewes in good condi-
ton for breeding and carrying
through the winter A great deal OF
grain could be wisely saved if the
shepherd would take care in furnish
ing abundant fall forage for the flock
SO that they will go into winter quar-
ters in the best possible shape. Leg
luminous hays and corn silage will
eliminate the necessity of
feeding large amounts of grain. Care
should be taken to have the silage |
Two to two and a half pounds per
head daily should be sufficient for the |
sheep.
In many sections of the state there
is considerable dissatisfaction with |
the dog laws. The chief criticism is !
the reimbursement clause, improper
and liberty Of the dog to
roam at will at all times. The sheep
men and farmers in general should
use their influence in getting a defin-
tie action at the next legislature.