FLOCK & HERD

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 April 1938, Page 3

FLOCK & HERD

ATTENTION DURING APRIL. During April, while the rams are still with the ewes, careful shepherding is called for. Mob the ewes and their consorts up each day, preferably in the evening, and take careful note of the condition of the rams. If they are seen to be keen about their work, and are not looking jaded and lacking in interest in the ewes, all is well. But if, when they are mobbed up, they spend their time fighting with and obstructing the other rams, look empty and bedraggled, and particularly if their testes are carried high up in the purse, they obviously want a few days’ spell. Take them out if in this condition, and feed them well on bran, crushed oats and a little chaff for a week, and they will return to their work with renewed vigour. It is no use having a jaded ram with the flock; in 90 per cent, of services he is sterile.

If not already done, cull out now and dairy cows which have dried off early, and those which have shown any symptoms of disease or indications of weak constitution. These are not profit-earners, but merely consume good grass for maintenance. You will be bettor without them, and especially so during the winter months, when it costs a lot of money to feed the stock. Fewer well-fed will bring in a bigger return next season than a large herd kept short of feed during the winter and which contains :ows faulty in constitution.