MATING THE FLOCK.

Shannon News, 15 April 1925, Page 4

MATING THE FLOCK.

MUTTON AND WOOL. Endeavours arts sometimes made to grow both wool and meat of tip-top quality on one and the same animal. Is it possible? It depends upon the , country and the ability of the sheep- < owner in selecting his rams and mai> ing- them with the ewes; and their sub- i sequent management. The ewes, in a general way,-should be drafted into' separate lots according to the rams with which they are to run. If a level lot of lambs are to be produced,

some trouble must be taken in the mating of the flock, and the good and weak points, of the ewes and rams rioted, so that the faults and imperfections may not be stressed'in the progeny. A pound or two when buying a ram is not worth considering it suited to the style and character of the ewe flock." It is wise to stick to the line of blood which has proved its fitness and "nicks'' in well with the ewes and country.; It is also essential that attention should be paid, to the build of the sheep. The rams should be on good is, they should be of a type to suit butchers. Then, too, form, size, and masculinity must be featured in the ram;- A wetherheaded sheep ias a sire be banned, no matter whether his* cover Ing is fit to send a Bradford woolmar into raptures. The rani should, if re. quired to head a ewe flock intended to beget fat lambs, possess a good dock with a nick down the rump, which is sure evidence' of his capacity to breed good "doers;" Previous to mating" the ewe flock it is advisable, in order to increase production, to flush the ewes—i.e, feed them on some succulent feed some short time before breeding time. It is an old-time custom ahd one. If the ewes are in low" condition when mated they are slow in taking the ram, which means a prolonged lambing and a poor crop of lambs. Once the lambs are weaned, the ewes will fare well enough on any clean, bare pastures or stubbles, but a month previous to mating they should get better feed, and in dry weather ample clean water. Opportunity should'at this time be taken of dealing with anv cases of foot-rot, and the total flock be sound on their feet,at tup- ! ping time. The period at which the ewes should be put to the ram will depend upon' the' locality and surrounding circumstances. Nothing is gained in having the ewes lamb early in the spring unless the owner makes p/rovison for them, and has young grass coming away, some swede turnips or mangolds until the usual grass about. Nothing is gained by leaving the rams with the ewes for an unduly Jong period. Better far to mate up, say. 2 per cent, of ardent, virile rams than depend upon double this number for a prolific lamb crop—the rams to bo with the ewes not longer than two months.