SF
375
S51
1917
B 436925


APK 26 1919
SF
375
551
THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE COLLEGE 1917
Agricultural Experiment Station
MAINTENANCE RATIONS FOR BREEDING FLOCKS
OF MUTTON AND WOOL TYPES OF SHEEP
By B. O. SEVERSON.
SEPARATE No. 17.
Reprint from the Annual Report for 1915-16.
HARRISBURG, PA.:
WM. STANLEY, RAY, STATE PRINTER,
1917.
THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE COLLEGE
Agriculture Experiment Station
MAINTENANCE RATIONS FOR BREEDING FLOCKS
OF MUTTON AND WOOL TYPES OF SHEEP
By B. O SEVERSON.
SEPARATE No. 17.
Reprint from the Annual Report for 1915-16.
HARRISBURG, PA.:
WM. STANLEY RAY. STATE PRINTER
1917.

VIRTUE
LIBERT
AN
DEL
Reelacs 7-18.40 mig?
010-85-2.08M
MAINTENANCE RATIONS FOR BREEDING FLOCKS OF
MUTTON AND WOOL TYPES OF SHEEP.
By B. O. SEVERSON.
The following report is a continuation of an investigation to de-
termine a cheap and efficient method of maintaining breeding ewes
under Pennsylvania conditions, as previously reported in the Annual
Report of The Pennsylvania State College for 1911-12* and 1913-14.†
OBJECTS OF THE EXPERIMENT.
1. To determine the cost of maintaining breeding ewes.
2. To determine the influence of type upon the cost of production.
3. To determine the value of alfalfa hay as a sole roughage for
breeding ewes.
4. To determine the effect of alfalfa hay on lambs and wool pro-
duced.
5. To determine the value of alfalfa hay and corn silage as a rough-
age ration in comparison with alfalfa hay alone as roughage.
To observe the effects of wintering in an open shed upon health
6.
7.
1
and thrift of breeding ewes.
To study the behavior of ewes and lambs after yeaning.
8. To note the value and condition of wool produced.
9.
To determine the manner in which grain is best fed to breeding
ewes and lambs.
10. To note the behavior and cost of maintaining ewes and grow-
ing and fattening lambs during the summer months.
11. To determine the value and cost of lambs at a marketable con-
dition and weight.
CHANGES IN THE PLAN OF THE INVESTIGATION.
As shown in the preceding reports, four lots of breeding ewes
were maintained, two of which were composed of purebred Shrop-
shires and two of purebred Delaine-Merinos. Lot I, Shropshires,
and Lot III, Delaine-Merinos, were fed a similar ration. The ration
fed during the years 1911-12 and 1912-13 was composed of corn
silage, supplemented with cottonseed meal at the rate of one pound
for each twenty-five pounds of corn silage fed. Lot II, Shropshires,
and Lot IV, Delaine-Merinos, were fed similar rations. The feeds
fed were alfalfa hay and corn silage. To all lots the same grain
mixture was fed, composed of five parts shelled corn, three parts
oats, two parts wheat bran and one part oil meal. This mixture
was fed in amounts to keep the ewes in breeding condition. The con-
clusions reached after the first two years of this investigation were
*The Penna. State College Annual Report 1911-12, page 149.
†The Penna. State College Annual Report 1913-14, page 84.
(3)
4
considered sufficient to discontinue the ration composed of corn silage
supplemented with cottonseed meal as fed to Lots I and III. The re-
sults indicated that this method of feeding was unsatisfactory, not
only to the health and vigor of the breeding ewes but also because of
the production of weak and dead lambs.*
During the years 1913-14, 1914-15 and 1915-16, of which this report
gives the detailed results, the plan of this investigation was changed.
The same four lots of ewes were kept, but the number of individuals in
each lot varied somewhat throughout the period. Instead of the corn
silage and cottonseed meal ration fed to Lots I and III, roughage ra
tion composed solely of alfalfa hay was fed to these two lots. In Lot
II, Shropshires, and Lot IV, Delaine-Merinos, the same ration fed
during the two previous years was offered, namely, a roughage ration
of corn silage and alfalfa hay. The grain mixture was also the same
in all lots, and fed with the same objects in view, except that during
the winter of 1914-15 the grain mixture was not fed until after the
ewes had lambed and only to the ewes that did yean.
METHOD OF EXPERIMENTATION.
During the winter the roughage was fed in the morning at six
o'clock and in the evening at four-thirty o'clock, while the grain dur-
ing the winter of 1913-14 and 1914-15 was fed at twelve o'clock noon,
and during the winter of 1915-16 it was fed prior to the roughage in
the evening. In Lots II and IV where corn silage and alfalfa hay
composed the roughages, the alfalfa hay was fed in the morning and
the corn silage in the evening. The sheep and lambs were weighed at
regular intervals. Salt and water were available at all times. Re-
cords were kept of individual ewes and lambs as shown in later pages
of this report. The sheep were shorn in April of each year. During
May they were dipped in a three per cent solution of a standard coal
tar disinfectant, as a precaution against external parasites.
During the summer months the breeding ewes were placed on pas-
ture without grain except when the ewes were "flushed" for breeding.
By "flushing" is meant to bring the ewes into vigorous condition of
flesh and vigor prior to the mating season. While the ewes were
allowed to suckle the lambs the flock was alternated on two pastures
every ten days. This was done in order to prevent, as far as possible,
infestation of ewes and lambs by parasites. Lambs were weaned at
twelve to eighteen weeks of age. When weaned the lambs were kept
separate from the ewes. The report shows that various methods of
feeding were practiced on the lambs after weaning.
The breeding season began during the middle of September and ex-
tended during a period of two months. Due to the smallness of the
flocks and the unsatisfactory results of preceding years, with the
quality of labor available in employing the "hand coupling" system of
breeding, the rams were allowed to run with their respective flocks
after being gradually allowed to stay with the flock a longer period
each day at the beginning of the mating season. The "hand coupling"
system of breeding is a system by which the ram is not allowed to run
with the flock but is placed with the ewes early in the morning and
late in the afternoon, and mates with such individuals as are in heat,
*The Penna. State College Annual Report 1913-14, pages 106 and 116.

Fig. 1. Sheep grazing on hilly land during summer of 1914

K
業
​***
Fig. 2. A Sheep corral, surrounded by a six-foot fence, is a protection against dogs. An open shed protects sheep from cold
rains of early spring and late autumn.
5
L
the number not exceeding four in one day. By placing lamp black on
the breast of the ram he marks the ewes that he breeds; the shepherd
then records the numbers of the ewes bred and separates them from
the rest of the flock. This method requires more time and attention
from a good shepherd, but is the most satisfactory when the fullest
use of a good ram is desired on a large flock of sheep.
The ewes and lambs were placed in protected quarters at night as a
safeguard against the ravages of dogs. A sheep corral was con-
structed during the spring of 1915. This corral, as shown in Fig. 2,
had an acre area surrounded by a fence six feet in height. The woven
wire portion was five feet high; a barb wire was nailed at the bottom
of the fence two inches from the ground and two barb wires were
nailed at the top. An open shed facing the south provided shelter
from the cold rains of early spring and late autumn. The corral
should be sufficiently large so that a permanent stand of grass is
present. It is desirable to have the corral divided into two equal
parts, so that the sheep can be alternated every two weeks in order
to control internal parasite infestations, and this would also permit of
practicing the "hand coupling" system of breeding.
Weighing.
Individual weights were taken on three consecutive days at the
beginning and close of the winter feeding periods. The weight of the
fleece was included in the final average weight of each ewe. At the
end of every four weeks, weights were taken on three consecutive days,
the first and last days being group weights of each lot and the middle
day, individual weights of each sheep. A single group weight was
taken at the middle of each four-week period. During the winter
1913-14 and 1914-15 the weights were obtained on a 10,000 pound
wagon scale, and during 1915-16 on a more sensitive, 2,000-pound bul-
lock scale. Individual weights were obtained of the ewes and lambs
at lambing time, at four weeks and at eight weeks following yeaning.
During the summer periods individual weights were obtained on
three consecutive days at the beginning and close of such periods. At
intervals of four weeks, individual weights were taken of all ewes and
lambs.
•
Quarters.
Shelter during the winter months consisted of a shed open to the
south. The quarters available to each lot were nine feet wide and
twenty-three feet long, adjoining which was an open lot of the same
width and thirty feet deep. Thus there was available 207 square feet
under shelter and 270 additional square feet in the exercise lot. The
ground surface of these quarters was well drained and no trouble was
experienced in keeping the quarters dry. The exercise lots are open to
criticism as not affording sufficient space for exercise. One of the
essentials in the successful management of breeding ewes is exercise
to keep them vigorous to withstand the drain on their systems as a
result of lambing and suckling their lambs. At the open end of the
shed a door is hinged from above and is closed only during severe
winter weather. At the lambing season the ewes were removed to
warmer quarters and after one week were again placed in the open
6
shed. The shed shown in Fig. 3, which is 60 feet long and 28 feet
wide with the yards attached, was constructed at a cost of $150 in the
fall of 1913, and would provide shelter for a flock of 100 breeding ewes.
The shed is economical and practical, but must be used in connec-
tion with warmer quarters during the lambing season for lambs
yeaned prior to April. During the first two winters feed racks were
arranged under cover at the side of each pen for the feeding of hay,
while the grain and silage were fed in separate troughs. During the
winter of 1915-16 a feed rack, as shown in Fig. 5, was used. This rack
was very satisfactory in that the corn silage and grain were fed in the
trough beneath, and the hay in the rack above, thus economizing space.
Also the fleeces were freer from dirt, chaff and seed than when the
former racks were used. The bedding used was oat straw, in quanti-
ties sufficient to keep the quarters dry at all times.
DESCRIPTION OF SHEEP.
On Dec. 1, 1911, twenty purebred Shropshire and twenty purebred
Merino ewes of breeding age were placed on this investigation. These
were divided into four lots. Lot I was composed of ten Shropshires,
Lot II was composed of ten Shropshires, Lot III was composed of ten
Delaine-Merinos, and Lot IV was composed of ten Delaine-Merinos.
This number was changed in the winter of 1913-14 to eight Shropshire
ewes in Lots I and II, and six Delaine-Merinos in Lots III and IV.
During the winter of 1914-15 the number of ewes in Lots I and II was
ten each and in Lots III and IV six each. In 1915-16 the number was
ten Shropshires in Lots I and II and eight Delaine-Merinos in Lots
III and IV. Purebred rams of the respective breeds were used. Dur-
ing the mating season of 1914 in the Shropshire lots, several cross bred
lambs were obtained, due to rams of other breeds being allowed acci-
dentally to come into the flock. The weight and character of the ewes
can be determined from the tables elsewhere in this report.
Table I. The following are the Shropshire Ewes and Rams Used on
the Experiment Since December 1, 1911.
Flock No.
Shropshire Ewes
Association No.
Date of
Birth.
Flock No.
Shropshire Ewes
Association No.
Date of
Birth.
McCoy 121,
McCoy 137,
McCoy 162,
McCoy 188,
Shaffer 570,
Shaffer 581,
Shaffer 582,
Shaffer 583.
Shaffer 584,
251579 April, 1905
272423 March, 1906
290679 | April, 1907
314717 March, 1909
301825 April, 1909
318274 April, 1909
318275 | April, 1909
318276 | April, 1909
318277 April, 1909
Shaffer 585,
333090
Shaffer 586,
333091
Shaffer 597,
332501
Shaffer 598,
Shaffer 599,
Shaffer 610,
Shaffer 611,
Shaffer 612,
•
...
Shaffer 613,
Shaffer 614,
P. S. C. 15,…….
P. S. C. 19,
P. S. C. 22,
April, 1909
April, 1909
April, 1909
332502 | April, 1909
332503 | April, 1909
340543 April, 1910
340544 April, 1910
340545 | April, 1910
340546 | April, 1910
340547 | April, 1910
344921 March, 1911
344923 March, 1911
344925 April, 1911
P. S. C. 85,
P. S. C. 107,
P. S. C. 113,
P. S. C. 116,
P. S. C. 148,…….
R. Young 56,...
Lantz 327.
Gibson 143,.....
Rumsey 13-1,…….
Rams.
•
320920 March. 1910
321206 March, 1910
381563 March, 1912
392965 March, 1913
P. S. C. 23,…..
P. S. C. 31.
P. S. C. 43,
P. S. C. 44.
P. S. C. 55.
P. S. C. 56,
P. S. C. 58.
P. C. 61.
P. C. 67
P. C. 68,
344926 April, 1911
345946 April,
1910
361241 Feb.,
1912
361242 Feb.,
361243 Feb..
1912
1912
1
361244 Feb., 1912
361245 Feb., 1912
361246 March, 1912
361248 March, 1912
361249 March, 1912
394840 March, 1914
•
•
384391 March, 1913
384392 March, 1913
384393 March, 1913
394845 March, 1914

YARD FENCE
27.8
45.1
SHED
28.1
10°
BARN
Fig 3. The college sheep barn and shed. The shed is 60 feet long and 28 feet deep; it provides space for 100 breeding ewes.
10
35
18'.

Fig. 4. A view of the experimental sheep lots used during the winter of 1913-14, 1914-15 and 1915-16.

Fig. 5. A hay rack and feed trough combined. The use of this equipment increased the value of
wool more than one cent a pound, because it prevented dirt and hay seed from getting into
the wool.

Fig. 6.
Shropshire ram R. Young 56. Association No. 320920, used dur-
ing mating season of 1911, and on mature ewes of flock in 1913.
7
L
T
Table I shows the flock number, the registration number and the
date of birh of all Shropshire ewes and rams used on the experiment
since the investigation began. It was observed that the majority of
the Shropshire ewes had served their usefulness as breeding animals
when six to seven years old. When free from disease and having vig-
orous constitutions, their usefulness can be increased to seven and
eight years of age.
The Shropshire rams used are four in number. R. Young 56, asso-
ciation number 320920, was bred to all the Shropshire ewes in the fall
of 1911 and to the mature ewes in the fall of 1913. This ram weighed
140 pounds when shorn in the spring of 1912, with 10 pounds of "
blood combing" wool. On Oct. 10, 1913, he weighed 210 pounds and
sheared 74 pounds of " blood clothing" wool in the spring of 1912.
The Shropshire ram, Lantz 327 association number 321206, was a less
blocky and more upstanding individual than R. Young 56. He
weighed 175 pounds in September, 1913, and sheared a fleece weighing
7½ pounds of wool in the spring of 1913. He was bred to the Shrop-
shire ewes in the autumn of 1912, and to the yearling ewes in the au-
tumn of 1913. Gibson 143, association number 381563, was mated
with the Shropshire ewes in the autumn of 1914 and 1915. This ram
was lacking in activity, and the fact that he did not get all the ewes
“in lamb” during these two seasons may be attributed to this cause.
This ram weighed 190 pounds Sept. 25, 1914, and 230 pounds in Sept.,
1915. The fleece produced by Gibson 143 weighed 11.5 pounds in 1914,
10.25 pounds of "Low blood clothing" grade in 1915, and 6.4 pounds
of “ Blood combing grey" in 1916. Rumsey 13-1, association number
392965, was placed in the flock in the autumn of 1915 after having
served 50 ewes of another flock. He was placed with the Shropshires
to breed such ewes as Gibson 143 failed to mate. This ram's fleece
weighed 8.9 pounds in 1916 with a market grade of " blood combing."
His weight was 190 pounds in September, 1915.
661
4
1
Table II. The following are the Delaine-Merino Ewes and Rams Used on the Experiment Since Dec. 1, 1911.
Flock No.
Delaine-Merino Ewes.
Association No.
Date of
Birth.
Flock No.
Delaine-M‹rino Ewes.
Association No.
Patterson 34.
N. M. B and T. P. 34,
April, 1910
Patterson 40,
N. M. B. and T. P. 40,
Scott 614.
29882,
Scott 623.
29891,
April, 1910
April, 1907
April, 1907
Scott 625,
29893,
April, 1907
S. C. 26.
P. S. C. 28.
P. S. C. 29,
Cleaver 17.
Cleaver 23,
S. M. Cleaver 2499,
R. D. Williamson 594,
S. M. Cleaver 2500,
77790,
77791,
Scott 627,
29895,
•
April, 1907
Cleaver 33,
77792,
Scott 628,
29896,
April, 1907
Cleaver 55,
77793,
Scott 645,
Lee R. Scott 645,
April, 1908
Cleaver 56.
77794,
Scott 650,
Scott 653,
Lee R. Scott 650,
40306,
April, 1908
P. S. C. 49,
76287,
April, 1908
P. S. C. 50,
76288
Scott 655,
Scott 656,
Lee R. Scott 655,
40309,
April, 1908
P. S. C. 57.
76289,
April, 1908
P. S. C. 71.
76290,
•
•
Scott 684,
Lee R. Scott 684,
April, 1909
P. S. C. 114,
91478,
Scott 704.
Lee R. Scott 704,
April, 1910
P. S. C. 118,
91180,
P. S. C. 1,
62184,
March, 1910
P. S. C. 137.
9512,
P. S. C. 2.
62185,
March, 1910
P. S. C. 248,
94511.
P. S. C. 3.
62186,
March, 1910
P. S. C. 9,
76285,
April, 1911
C. 12.
76286,
April, 1911
C. 24,
S. M. Cleaver 2317,
April, 1910
E. D. Maple 39,
S. M. Cleaver 2412....
Chas. E. Crother 384,
E. D. Maple 39,
77795,
Chas. E. Crothers 384,
Rams.
Date of
Birth.
April, 1911
April, 1909
April, 1911
April, 1910
April, 1910
April, 1910
April, 1911
April, 1911
April, 1912
April, 1912
April, *612
April. 1012
April, 1913
April,
1915
A
11
April, 1914
April, 1914
April, 1910
April, 1913

AL
Fig. 7. Shropshire ewes. Lot 1, winter of 1913-14.

Fig. 8. Lot. II, Shropshire
ewes in winter quarters, 1913-14.
y
•
Table II gives the flock number, registration number and the date of
birth of all the Delaine-Merino ewes and rams used in the experiment.
It was observed that vigorous C-typed Merino ewes were serviceable
as breeding individuals until eight to nine years of age. The Merino
ewes were noted to be more resistant to the effects of parasitic dis-
ease and the effects of exposure to severe weather than the Shrop-
shires, but were more subject to "foot trouble" during the wet seasons
of the year.
Three purebred Delaine-Merino rams were used in mating with the
Merino ewes during the five mating seasons of this investigation. E.
D. Maple 39 served the ewes during the mating season of 1911. He
was a B-type individual, weighing 110 pounds Sept. 2, 1911, and pro-
duced a fleece weighing 22 pounds in 1911, and 13.5 pounds in 1912.
S. M. Cleaver 2412, a B-type ram, was used during the mating seasons
of 1912, 1913 and 1914. He weighed 150 pounds in breeding condition,
Sept. 25, 1914. His production of wool was 22 pounds in 1913, 19.5
pounds in 1914 and 21.25 pounds in 1915. The market grade of wool
in 1915 was "X clothing" and "very shrinky." Charles E. Carothers
384, a C-type Merino ram, was used during the mating season of 1915.
He weighed 170 pounds in September, 1915, and produced a fleece
weighing 25 pounds with "Fine Delaine" grade but "shrinky."
Winter Period.*
Dec. 5, 1913, to May 8, 1914-154 days.
THE METHOD OF FEEDING.
The four lots of breeding ewes were fed as follows:
Lot I, eight Shropshire ewes of breeding age, averaging 154.28
pounds, were fed alfalfa hay alone as a roughage, twice daily. The
amount fed was controlled by appetite. The grain mixture was com-
posed of five parts shelled corn, three parts oats, two parts wheat bran
and one part oil meal. This mixture was introduced into the ration
twenty-eight days after the feeding period began.
Lot II, eight Shropshire ewes of breeding age, averaging 156.42
pounds, were fed a roughage ration composed of corn silage fed in the
evening at the rate of two pounds per ewe, and alfalfa hay fed in the
morning in amounts to satisfy the appetite. The grain mixture was
the same as that fed in Lot I.
Lot III, six Delaine-Merino ewes, averaging 128.82 pounds, were fed
in the same way as the Shropshire ewes in Lot I.
Lot IV, six Delaine-Merino ewes, averaging 113.05 pounds, received
the same ration as was fed to the Shropshire ewes in Lot II.
FEEDS USED.
Table III shows the air-dry moisture contained in samples taken at
monthly intervals, of feeds used during the winter of 1913 and 1914.
The average air-dry moisture and the average air-dry matter content
for feeds are also shown.
*Mr. K. J. Seulke, Teaching Fellow in Animal Husbandry, assisted in keeping records during the
winter of 1914-15.
10
Table III. Showing Air-Dry Moisture in Feeds Fed'.
Dec. 5, 1913-May 8, 1914
Jan. 27
Feb. 4
Mar. 27
April 10
April 24
Average
air-dry
Average
air-dry
moisture.
matter.
Shelled corn,
Oats,
Wheat bran,
•
Oil meal,
Alfalfa,
Corn silage,
Per cent.
Per cent.
13.41
13.44
Per cent.
12.67
Per cent.
10.53
Per cent.
Per cent.
Per cent.
15.60
13.130
86.870
12.91
12.63
7.54
7.79
12.44
10.662
89.338
24.41
15.74
10.15
10.56
12.35
14.642
85.358
13.49
12.50
9.35
5.09
10.33
10.152
89.848
19.00
17.28
9.63
15.04
18.33
15.856
84.144
71.42
67.71
64.68
69.68
75.78
69.870
30.130
¹Reported by the Dept. of Expt. Agric. Chem., Chas. Kern, analyst.
The shelled corn remained quite uniform in moisture. It was of
yellow dent variety and was grown locally. The oats during March
and April were decidedly lower in moisture content than during the
first and latter parts of the winter. The wheat bran was high in mois-
ture content during January and lowest during March and April.
The oil meal was likewise low in moisture content during March
and April. The alfalfa hay was raised on the college farm. It had
good color but was slightly stemmy. The first and second cuttings
were fed. The corn silage was good in quality and free from mould.
The moisture content was greatest during January and April. The
corn used for silage purposes was glazed when placed in the silo.
11

Table IV. Showing Individual, Initial and Concluding Weights of Breeding Ewes. December 5, 1913-May 8, 1914.
Lot I. Shropshires.
Lot III. Delaine-Merinos.
No. of Sheep.
Average
initial
weight
Dec. 4, 5
and 6, 1913.
2 Average
concluding
weight
May 7, 8 and
9, 1914.
Average
initial
Average
concluding
Loss
in weight.
Gain
in weight.
No. of Sheep.
weight
weight
Loss
Dec. 4, 5
May 7, 8 and
in weight.
Gain
in weight.
and 6, 1913.
9, 1914.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
P. S. C. 23,
Shaffer 599,
Shaffer 581,
P. S. C. 61,
180.00
151.70
28.30
Scott 653,
133.33
104.53
28.80
153.33
150.08
3.25
Scott 625,
121.66
100.00
21.66
172.33
133.22
39.11
Scott 656,
120.00
120.50
.50
144.33
107.08
37.25
P. S. C. 3,
140.00
129.00
11.00
Shaffer 598,
156.66
126.16
30.50
P. S. C. 49,
120.00
113.75
6.25
P. S. C. 15,
144.33
126.50
17.83
P. S. C. 50,
101.66
113.75
12.09
P. S. C. 44,
183.33
133.66
49.67
P. S. C. 56,
145.00
123.75
21.25
Total,
736.65
681.53
67.71
12.59
Total,
1,279.31
1,052.15
227.16
No. of Sheep.
Average
initial
weight
Dec. 4, 5
and 6, 1913.
Lot II. Shropshires.
Average
concluding
weight
May 7, 8 and
9, 1914.
Lot IV. Delaine-Merinos.
Average
initial
Average
concluding
Loss
in weight.
Gain
in weight.
No. of Sheep.
weight
weight
Dec. 4, 5
May 7, 8 and
Loss
in weight.
Gain
in weight.
and 6, 1913.
9, 1914.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Shaffer
614,
186.66
197.20
10.54
Patterson 40,
118.83
86.58
32.25
P. S. C. 19,
156.33
118.25
38.08
P. S. C. 25,
103.33
92.00
11.33
Shaffer 613,
170.00
129.70
40.30
Scott 623,
121.66
105.00
16.66
Shaffer 584,
168.33
160.58
7.75
P. S. C. 57,
103.33
103.10
.23
Shaffer 570,
163.33
158.31
5.02
P. S. C. 9,
102.00
96.38
5.62
P. S. C. 31,¹
164.00
P. S. C. 71,
133.33
109.75
23.58
P. S. C. 55,
143.33
101.37
41.96
P. S. C. 43,
161.66
131.00
30.66
Total,
682.48
592.81
89.67

Total,
1,313.64
996.41
163.77
10.54
¹P. S. C. 31 died.
"Concluding weights include fleeces.
12
WEIGHTS OF BREEDING EWES.
Table IV shows the individual, initial and concluding weights of
the breeding ewes in all lots, during the winter of 1913-14. All ewes
were in relatively high condition of flesh when placed in winter
quarters on Dec. 5, 1913. In Lot I, Shaffer 599 was the only ewe that
did not produce a lamb. All ewes lost weight during the period, due
primarily to lambing. The Shropshires in Lot II lost in weight with
one exception. Shaffer 614 and Shaffer 570 did not lamb. P. S. C. 31,
association number 345946, died on Feb. 20, 1914, from carrying still-
born lambs. On post-mortem examination she proved to have three
lambs. One lamb had its back up against the neck of the womb, and
its placenta was more putrid than the others and was swollen. The
Delaine-Merino ewes in Lot III all lambed except P. S. C. No. 3. Two
ewes in this lot weighed more at the close than at the beginning of the
period. All ewes in Lot IV yeaned and lost weight during the winter.
The individual weights indicate that ewes in good condition of flesh
when placed in winter quarters will have less weight in the spring of
the year if lambs are produced.
Table V. Showing Average Weights per Head of Breeding Ewes by
Four-Week Periods.¹
Dec. 5, 1913-May 8, 1914.
Lot 1-8.
Shropshires.
Lot II-8.
Shropshires.
Lot III-6.
pelin -
Merinos.
Lot IV-6.
Delaine-
Merinos.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Initial weight, December 5,
159.91
164.20
122.77
113.74
January 2.
164.37
163.12
148.00
119.16
January 30,
166.25
166.01
141.39
128.05
February 27.
165.87
2160.66
138.16
121.33
March 27,
154.58
2154.76
121.11
108.61
April 24,
137.48
2143.84
115.51
101.66
May 8,
131.52
2142.34
115.63
98.81
Average weight per ewe,
154.22
156.42
128.82
113.05
¹Weights of fleeces included.
2 Average weight of seven ewes.
Table V shows the average weight per ewe in each lot by four-week
periods. Even though the ewes were in good condition of flesh when
taken off pasture they increased in weight in all lots during the fore
part of the winter period. The marked decrease in weight occurred be-
tween February 27 and March 27. At this time the greater portion of
the lambs were born. The losses in weight are noted to be greater in
the Shropshire lots than in the Merino lots. The average weights in
Lot IV were less than those of Lot III, due to the individuality of the
ewes and not to the feed consumed.
13
Table VI. Showing Average Gains and Losses per Head of Breeding
Ewes by Four-Week Periods.
Dec. 5, 1913-May 8, 1914.
Lot I.
8 Shrop-
shires.
Lot II.
8 Shrop-
shires.
First four weeks, January 2,
Second four weeks, January 30,
Third four weeks, February 27,
Fourth four weeks, March 27,
Fifth four weeks, April 24,
Two weeks, May 8,
December 5, 1913-May 8 1914,
¹Average weight of seven fleeces.
Lot III.
6 Delaine-
Merinos.
Lot IV.
6 Delaine-
Merinos.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
4.46
1.08
25.23
5.42
1.88
2.92
-6.61
8.89
-
-.38
-5.38
-3.23
-6.72
-11.29
1-5.90
-17.05
-12.72
-17.10
1-10.92
-5.60
-6.95
-5.96
-28.39
1-1.50
.12
-2.85
-21.8f
-6.94
-14.93
Table VI shows the average gains and losses per head of breeding
ewes by four-week intervals. In the Shropshire lots, Lot I, fed alfalfa
as roughage, showed a greater loss than the Shropshires in Lot II, fed
corn silage and alfalfa hay as roughage, as indicated by a loss of 28.39
pounds per ewe in Lot I and 21.86 pounds per ewe in Lot II. In the
Delaine-Merino lots, Lot III lost 6.94 pounds per ewe, and Lot IV lost
14.93 pounds per ewe. A greater loss in weight was, therefore, regis-
tered against the ewes fed corn silage and alfalfa as roughage in the
case of the Merinos, which is the reverse of previously mentioned
Shropshire lots.
Table VII. Showing Feeds Fed and Refused by Four-Week Periods.
Feeds Fed.
Feeds Refused.
Dec. 5, 1913-May 8, 1914.
Grain
Mixture?
Alfalfa.
Corn
silage.
Alfalfa.
Corn
silage.
Lot I-8 Shropshires.
December 5-January 2,
January 2—January 30,
Janualy 30--February 27,
February 27-March 27,
March 27-April 24,
1April 24-May 8,
Total,
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
912
85.50
56
912
20.50
56
940
25.00
72
1,096
29.75
112
$86
44.75
56
336
1.50
352
5,082
207.00
Lot II-8 Shropshires.
December 5-January 2,
456
456
54.75
26.25
*January 2-January 30,
56.00
448
448
9.75
17.00
January 30-February 27,
52.75
•
434 |
434
9.25
12.50
February 27-March 27,
63.00
464
409
15.75
8.25
*March 27-April 24,
98.00
462
420
9.75
17.00
1.8 April 24-May 8,
49.00
221
210
.75 1
6.00
Total,
318.75
2,488
2,377
100.00
87.00
Lot III-6 Delaine-Merinos.
December January 2,
684
79.00
January 2-January 30,
42.00
680
40.00
January 30-February 27,
42.00
644
43.00
February 27-March 27,
March 27-April 24,
¹April 24-May 8,
Total,
51.50
592
72.00
84.00
658
27.00
42.00
336
1.00
261.50
3,594
262.00
i
14
Table VII. Showing Feeds Fed and Refused by Four-Week Periods.
Continued.
Feeds Fed.
Feeds Refused.
Dec. 5, 1913-May 8, 1914.
Grain
Mixture2
Alfalfa.
Corn
silage.
Alfalfa.
Corn
silage.
Lot IV-6 Delaine-Merinos.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
December 5-January 2,
January 2—January 30,
January 30-February 27,
February 27-March 27,
March 27-April 24,
¹April 24-May 8,
342
354
48.75
32.75
...
42.00
336
336
13.75
14.75
42.00
336
336
13.25
11.25
55.00
336
336
15.50
6.50
•
84.00
336
336
12.50
14.00
42.00
168
168
17.75
Total,
1Two weeks.
265.00
1,854
1,866
103.75
97.00
2Grain mixture 5 parts corn, 3 parts oats, 2 parts wheat bran and 1 part oil meal.
8 Seven ewes.
FEEDS CONSUMED.
Table VII shows the feeds offered and refused by the several lots by
four-week periods. In all lots the grain mixture was introduced
twenty-eight days after the winter period began. It was fed at the
rate of pound per ewe for six weeks at which time it was increased
to pound per ewe daily. In Lot I the alfalfa hay consumed increased
up to March 27, after which time the amount markedly decreased.
This may be explained by the fact that more grain was fed and also
that the ewes showed less keenness of appetite for roughage after
lambing in this lot. In Lot II the consumption of alfalfa hay and corn
silage was very uniform throughout the winter; in spite of the loss of
one ewe in this lot the amount of alfalfa hay consumed increased in
the total amount fed. Keenness of appetite for all feeds was main-
tained throughout the winter. During the first three twenty-eight day
periods, the consumption of alfalfa hay in Lot III (Delaine-Merinos)
was very uniform, followed by a decrease during the month of March
when the lambs were yeaned. However, the ewes in this lot recovered
their appetite for alfalfa hay during the last six weeks of the winter
period in marked contrast to the Shropshire ewes in Lot I fed the
same ration. As in Lot II (Shropshires) Lot IV (Delaine-Merinos),
fed similarly a ration composed of corn silage and alfalfa hay as
roughage, consumed a uniform amount throughout the winter period
of 154 days. The ewes in both the Shropshire and Delaine-Merino lots
fed alfalfa hay as a sole roughage drank more water and urinated
more. In the Merino lot a majority of the ewes became "burnt" from
excessive urination.
15
Table VIII. Showing Air-Dry Matter in Feeds Fed and Refused.
Feeds Fed.
Feeds Refused.
L'ec. 5, 1913-May 8, 1914.
Grain
Mixture?
Alfalfa.
Corn
silage.
Alfalfa.
Corn
silage.
Lot I-8 Shropshires.
December 5-January 2,
January 2—January 30,
January 30-February 27,
February 27-March 27,
March 27-April 24,
¹April 24-May 8,
Total,
Lot II-8 Shropshires.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
767.35
71.94
49.01
767.35
17.24
49.01
790.91
21.03
63.12
922.15
25.03
98.03
745.49
37.65
·
49.01
282.70
1.26
308.18
4,275.95
174.15
December 5-January 2,
January 2—January 30,
January 30-February 27,
383.65
...
137.25
46.07
7.90
49.01
376.93
134.84
8.20
5.12
46.17
365.15
130.62
7.78
3.76
*February 27-March 27,
•
55.14
390.40
123.10
13.25
2.48
March 27-April 24,
8.1 April 24-May 8,
85.78
388.72
126.41
8.20
5.12
42.89
188.47
63.20
.63
1.80
Total,
278.99
2,093.32
715.42
84.13
26.18
Lot III-6 Delaine-Merinos.
December 5—January 2,
575.51
66.47
January 2—January 30,
36.76
572.17
33.66
January 30-February 27,
36.76
541.86
36.18
February 27-March 27,
45.07
498.10
60.58
March 27-April 24,
73.52
553.64
22.71
¹April 24-May 8,
36.76
282.69
.84
Total,
228.87
3,023.97
220.44
Lot IV-6 Delaine-Merinos.
December 5-January 2,
287.72
106.55
41.04
9.86
January 2-January 30,
36.76
282.70
101.14
11.57
4.44
January 30-February 27,
36.76
282.70
101.14
11.15
3.38
February 27-March 27,
48.14
282.70
101.14
13.04
1.95
March 27-April 24,
73.52
282.70
101.14
10.51
4.21
¹April 24-May 8,
36.76
141.34
50.57
5.34
Total,
231.94
1,559.86
561.68
87.39
29.18
"Two weeks.
2Grain mixture 5 parts shelled corn, 3 parts oats, 2 parts wheat bran and 1 part oil meal.
Seven ewes.
Air-Dry Matter in Feeds Consumed.
Table VIII shows the air-dry matter by four-week periods in the
feeds fed and refused in the various lots. In Lot I the air-dry matter
in the grain mixture consumed was 308.18 pounds, and in the alfalfa
hay 4101.80 pounds, a total of 4409.98 pounds. The Shropshires in
Lot II, which numbered seven after Feb. 20, 1914, consumed 278.99
pounds of air-dry matter in the grain consumed, 2009.19 pounds in
alfalfa hay, and 689.24 pounds in corn silage, a total of 2977.42 pounds
of air-dry matter in the feeds consumed. In Lot III the six Delaine-
Merino ewes consumed in air-dry matter from the grain mixture 228.87
pounds and 2803.55 from the alfalfa hay, a total of 3032.42 pounds of
air-dry matter. The air-dry matter in feeds consumed by ewes in Lot
IV was 231.94 pounds for grain, 1472.47 pounds for alfalfa hay, and
532.5 for corn silage, a total of 2236.91 pounds. The amount of air-
dry matter consumed in the case of the Shropshire and the Delaine-
Merinos was less in those lots where corn silage was fed in addition
to alfalfa hay.
16
Lot III Delaine-Merinos.
Lot IV Delaine-Merinos.
Table IX. Showing Air-Dry Matter Consumed Daily per Ewe and per 100 Pounds Live Weight.
Lot I Shropshires.
Lot II Shropshires.
Dec. 5, 1913-May 8, 1914.
Per ewe.
Per 100 lbs.
Per ewe.
Per 100 lbs.
Per ewe.
Per 100 lbs.
Per ewe.
Per 100 lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Dec.
5-Jan. 2,
Jan. 2-Jan. 30,
Jan. 30-Feb. 27,
Feb. 27-March 27,
March 27-April 24,
3.104
1.914
2.084
1.273
3.032
2.239
2.025
1.738
3.567
2.164
2.444
1.484
3.423
2.365
2.348
1.899
3.655
2.201
2.706
1.656
3.229
2.310
2.420
1.940
4.288
2.676
2.822
1.789
2.872
2.215
2.481
2.158
3.597
2.463
2.998
2.007
3.597
3.040
2.611
2.483
¹April 24-May 8,
2.950
2.019
2.978
2.081
3.792
3.281
2.658
2.651
Dec. 5-May 8,
3.532
2.289
2.672
1.707
3.324
2.580
2.423
2.143
"Two weeks.
17
Table IX shows the air-dry matter consumed daily per ewe and per
100 pounds live weight during the winter of 1913-14. The air-dry mat
ter consumed daily per ewe in Lot I was 3.532, in which lot alfalfa hay
was the sole roughage, and 2.672 pounds of aid-dry matter was con-
sumed daily per ewe in Lot II (Shropshires), fed corn silage and
alfalfa hay as roughage. Based on live weight the consumption was
2.289 pounds per 100 pounds live weight in Lot I and 1.707 pounds in
Lot II. A comparison of the two Shropshire lots indicates that Lot I
consumed 25% more air-dry matter in proportion to live weight than
did the ewes in Lot II. The Delaine-Merinos in Lot III consumed
3.324 pounds of air-dry matter per ewe daily and 2.580 pounds per 100
pounds live weight daily. In Lot IV where corn silage and alfalfa
hay were fed, the daily consumption per ewe was 2.423 pounds and per
100 pounds live weight 2.143 pounds. The ewes in Lot III consumed
16.9% more air-dry matter per 100 pounds live weight than the
Merino ewes in Lot IV.
Comparison of the Shropshire ewes in Lot I and the Delaine-Merino
ewes in Lot III that were fed similar rations shows that the Shrop-
shire ewes consumed 5.8% more per ewe and 11.3% less per 100
pounds live weight than did the Merino ewes. In Lots II and IV the
roughage fed consisted of alfalfa hay and corn silage. The Shropshire
ewes in Lot II consumed 9.2% more than did the Delaine-Merinos in
Lot IV, but in proportion to 100 pounds live weight the Delaine-
Merinos consumed 20.3% more than the Shropshires.
LAMBING RECORDS, 1914.
When signs of lambing were manifested in the ewes they were
placed in a basement barn and kept in these quarters until the lambs
were a week old. The same method of feeding was practiced during
this period as was employed previous to lambing.
18
Table X. Showing Shropshire Ewes that Yeaned, Weight of Ewe, Weight and Sex of Lambs. (Spring, 1914).
Lot.
No. of ewe.
Date of birth.
Wt. of ewe.
No. of lamb.
Wt. of lamb
at birth.
Sex of lamb.
Sire.
Condition of lamb.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lot I.
Shropshire,
P. S. C..
Shaffer,
23 March 27,
165
148
6.75
Ewe,
320920 Good.
154
581
Feb. 27,
130
P. S. C..
Shaffer,
P. S. C.
P. S. C..
P. S. C..
61
Feb.
27.
169
598
March 26,
150
146
....
15
April
2.
143.5
44
Feb.
28,
187.5
56❘ April
1,
150
EN: ENOL
8.00
Ram,
320920 Good.
81
7.00
Ram,
320920 Good.
83
8.00 Ram,
320920 Good.
79
10.00 Ewe,
320920 | Good.
8.50
Ram,
6.50
Ewe,
152
4.00
Ewe,
320920 Good.
320920 Killed by being stepped on.
320920 Lamb weak.
78
9.00
Ram,
321206
Good.
80
9.00 Ewe,
321206
Good.
147
7.75
Ram,
321206 | Good.
5.00
Ram,
321206
Lamb died.
156.45
7.46
Average,
...
Lot il.
Shropshire,
P. S. C..
19
March 11,
145.5
85
6.25
Ewe.
320920
Fair.
7.75
Ram,
320920
Lamb died.
...
Shaffer.
613
Feb.
20,
158
86
7.25
Ewe,
320920 | Fair.
6.50
Ewe,
Shaffer,
584
Feb.
21,
163.5
8.00
Ram,
230920 | Lamb froze to death.
320920 Lamb froze to death.
320920
P. S. C..
31 Feb.
10,1
P. S. C..
55
Feb.
20,
119
84
9.00
Ewe,
321206 Good.
S. O..
43
March 28,
145
149
6.00
Ewe.
321206 Good.
150
7.75
Ewe.
21206 Good.
146.2
7.31
Average,
1 Ewe died Feb. 20 from still-born lambs--she had three lambs.
A

19
Table X shows that seven out of the eight ewes in Lot I (Shrop-
shires) yeaned, and that all raised one or more lambs. One lamb in
this lot was born dead. In all other cases well-developed lambs were
produced, with the exception of one weak lamb that weighed only four
pounds at birth, dropped by P. S. C. 15. The average weight of the
ewes in this lot at time of yeaning was 156.43 pounds, and the lambs
at birth averaged 7.46 pounds. Five out of seven ewes yeaned twin
lambs. In Lot II six out of eight ewes were pregnant. Of these, as
previously noted, P. S. C. 31 died because of carrying dead lambs.
Two lambs in this lot were frozen to death on the night of Feb. 21,
when the temperature fell below zero. These lambs were strong and
vigorous at birth. One lamb was dead at birth in this lot. Although
a greater loss of lambs resulted in Lot II than in Lot I the loss can-
not be considered as due to the method of feeding practiced in the two
lots. The average weight of the Shropshire ewes in Lot II was 146.2
pounds at yeaning and the lambs weighed 7.31 pounds at birth.

20
,“
Table XI. Showing Delaine-Merino Ewes that Yeaned, Weight of Ewe, Weight and Sex of Lambs. (Spring, 1914.)
Lot.
No. of ewe.
Date of birth.
Wt. of ewe.
No. of lamb.
Wt. of lamb
at birth.
Sex of lamb.
Sire.
Condition of lamb.
Lamb weak and died.
Lamb got cold and would
not suck.
Lot III.
Delaine-Merinos,
Lbs.
Lbs.
Scott.
625 March 9.
114.00
93
10.50
Scott.
656
March 7.
124.5
4.50
P. S. C.,
50
Feb. 26,
114.00
8.00
Scott,
653
March 6,
+
124.25
91
P. S. C.,
49
March 1.
113.00
875880
6.50
Ram.
Ewe.
Ewe,
Ewe.
5.75
Ram,
9.00
Ram,
க்க்க் க்க்க்
S. M. C. 2412
S. M. C. 2412
S. M. C. 2412
Good.
S. M. C. 2412
Fair.
S. M. C. 2412
Fair.
S. M. C. 2412
Good.
Average,
117.95
7.37
Lot IV.
Delaine-Merinos,
Patterson,
40
Feb. 28,
107.5
97
7.75
Ram,
S. M. C. 2412
P. S. C..
25
March 3,
101.5
92
6.25
Ram,
S. M. C. 2412
Good.
Fair.
Scott,
623
Feb. 28,
120.0
100
8.50
Ram,
S. M. C. 2412
Good.
P. S. C..
57
March
10,
109.0
86
9.0
Ewe.
S. M. C. 2412
Good.
S. C..
9
March 13,
110.0
95
8.0
Ram,
S. M. C. 2412 Good.
S. C..
71
Feb.
24,
117.0
137
7.0
Ewe.
5.5
Ewe.
S. M. C. 2412 | Good.
S. M. C. 2412 Lamb weak and died.
110.83
7.43
Average,
.
21
Table XI shows the weight of the Delaine-Merinos in Lots III and
IV at yeaning time and the weight, sire and condition of the lambs at
birth. In Lot III five out of six ewes produced lambs; only one pro-
duced twins. P. S. C. 50 produced a strong lamb, but it became
chilled before proper attention was given to it. In the case of Scott
656, her lamb was weak as indicated by its weight of 4.5 pounds. The
average weight of the ewes was 117.95 pounds in Lot III at yeaning
and lambs averaged 7.37 pounds. The ewes in Lot IV all produced
lambs and each one raised one lamb. P. S. C. 71 produced twins, but
one was weak at birth and died. The average weight of the breeding
ewes in this lot was 110.83 pounds at yeaning and the lambs averaged
7.43 pounds. On the whole, stronger lambs were dropped in Lot IV
than in Lot III.
·
19
22
•
Table XII. Showing Weights of Shropshire Ewes and Lambs at Four Weeks from Time of Yeaning.¹
(Spring,
Lot.
Lot I.
Shropshires,
P. S. C.,
P. S. C.;
Shaffer,
Average,
No. of ewe.
1914).
Wt.
of ewe.
Loss or
gain in wt.
No. of
lamb.
Wt.
lamb.
Gain
in wt.
Sex.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
23
163
2
148
13.50
6.75
Ewe.
154
14.50
6.50
Ram.
61
125
-44
79
19.50
9.50
Dwe.
581
150
+-20
81
20.00
13.00
Ram.
83
25.00
17.00
Ram.
Shaffer,
598
130
-201
146
22.00
13.50
Ram.
P. S. C.,
15
127
-16
152
15.00
11.00
Ewe.
P. S. C..
44
145
-42.5
78
20.00
11.00
Ram
80
18.25
9.25
Ewe.
P. S. C.,
56
132
-18
147
17.00
9.25
Ram.
138.87
-17.43
18.475
10.675
Lot II.
Shropshires,
P. S. C.,
Shaffer,
613
P. S. C..
25
19
135
-10.50
148
-10.00
55
110
9.00
P. S. C..
43
139
6.00
149
098998
12.00
5.75
Ewe.
19.00
11.75
Ewe.
22.00
13.00
Bwe.
14.00
8.00
Ewe.
150
11.50
3.75
Ewe.
133.00
8.87
15.70
8.45

Average,
1Wts. of fleeces included-Shorn April 21.
23
Table XII shows the weight of the ewes and the lambs at four
weeks, following yeaning in the Shropshire lots. The ewes averaged
138.87 pounds in Lot I, fed alfalfa hay with one pound of a grain mix-
ture in addition; the average loss in weight was 17.43 pounds per ewe
during the four weeks interval. The lambs averaged 18.475 pounds
each and gained 10.675 pounds during the first four weeks. In Lot II
the ewes averaged 133 pounds and the lambs 15.70 pounds. The loss
in weight per ewe was 8.87 pounds and the gain per lamb was 8.45
during the four weeks interval. The ewes in this lot were fed corn
silage and alfalfa hay in accordance with appetite and one-half pound
per head of the grain mixture. The ewes lost less in weight in Lot II
than in Lot I, but the lambs gained 2.225 pounds more per head in
Lot I.
1
24
་
Table XIII. Showing Weights of Delaine-Merino Ewes and Lambs at Four Weeks After Time of Yeaning. (Spring,
Lot.
Lot III.
Delaine-Merinos,
Average,
Lot IV.
Delaine-Merinos,
Average,
Scott,
Scott,
P. S. C..
Patterson,
P. S. C..
Scott,
P. S. C..
P. S. C..
P. S. C..
No. of ewe.
1914).
Wt.
of ewe.
Loss or
gain in wt.
No. of
lamb.
wt.
lamb.
Gain
in wt.
Sex.
625
623
Lbs.
115
117.5
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
- 1.00
6.75
88
49
115
+ 2.00
205580
93
22.00
11.50
Ram.
13.00
6.50
Ewe.
91
11.50
5.75
Ram.
87
22.75
13.75
Ram.
115.63
1.91
17.31
9.37
40
108.75
+1.25
25
100.50
1.00
623
123.00
+ 3.00
100
57
108.00
- 1.00
6
71
110.00
119.00
2.00
137
K8855
97
14.75
7.00
Ram.
92
14.50
8.25
Ram.
16.00
7.50
Ram..
86
16.00
7.00
Ewe.
90
20.00
12.00
Ram.
18.00
11.00
Ewe.
111.56
.71
16.56
8.79

25
Table XIII shows the weight of the Delaine-Merino ewes and lambs
at four weeks after yeaning. In Lot III where alfalfa hay was the
sole roughage the ewes averaged 115.63 pounds with a loss of 1.91
pounds per head. The lambs averaged 17.31 pounds and gained 9.37
pounds per lamb. In Lot IV where corn silage and alfalfa hay were
fed as roughage, the ewes averaged 115.56 pounds and lost .71 pounds.
The lambs weighed 16.56 pounds and gained 8.79 pounds per head.
There was practically no difference in the loss of weight in the ewes
of both lots. The lambs in Lot III gained .58 pounds more per head
than did the lambs in Lot IV.
A comparison of Tables XIII and XII indicates that the Shrop-
shires showed marked loss in weight during the first four weeks fol-
lowing lambing, while the Delaine-Merinos lost practically nothing.
In Lots I and III, in which alfalfa hay was the sole roughage fed, the
gains of lambs were greater than in Lots II and IV, respectively,
where corn silage and alfalfa hay were the roughages consumed.
26
}
Table XIV. Showing Weights of Shropshire Ewes and Lambs at Eight Weeks from Time of Yeaning. (Spring,
1914).
Lot.
Lot I.
Shropshires,
P. S. C.,
P. S. C..
Shaffer,
Average,
Lot II.
Shropshires,
Shaffer,
P. S. C.
P. S. C.,
P. S. C..
P. S. C.,
Shaffer,
P. S. C.,
Average,
¹Includes weight of fleeces of ewes.
'Lamb died.
P. S. C.,
No. of ewe.
Wt.
of ewe.
Loss or
gain in wt.
No. of
lamb.
Wt.
lamb.
Gain
in wt.
Sex.
23
Lbs.
158
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
5
148
25.00
11.50
Ewe.
154
35.00
20.50
Ram.
581
598
TO BE
61
109
-19
79
31.00
10.50
Ewe.
135
-15
281
Ram.
83
43.50
18.50
Ram,
133
""" + 3
146
35.00
13.00
Ram.
15
136
9
152
25.00
10.00
Ewe.
44
152
+7
78
36.00
16.00
Ram.
80
27.00
8.75
Ewe.
56
134
+ 2
147
35.00
15.00
Ram.
136.71
5.14
32.50
13.75
19
122
-17
85
22.75
10.75
Ewe.
•
613
142.5
5.5
86
25.00
6.00
Dwe.
55
105
5
84
30.00
8.00
Ewe.
43
136
3
149
22.00
8.00
Dwe.
150
17.00
5.50
Ewe.
126.37
7.62
23.35
7.65
27
Table XIV shows the weights of the Shropshires and lambs at eight
weeks following lambing. The ewes in Lot I averaged 136.75 pounds
and lost 5.14 pounds during the last four weeks. The lambs averaged
32.5 pounds and each lamb gained 13.75 pounds during the last four
weeks. In Lot II the ewes averaged 126.37 pounds and lost 7.62
pounds per head. The average weight of the lambs per head was 23.35
pounds with a gain of 7.65 pounds.
During the eight weeks period the lambs in Lot I made a gain of
24.425 pounds, while the lambs in Lot II gained 16.10 pounds. This
difference in favor of Lot I was probably due to a greater milk flow
of the ewes in Lot I.
Table XV. Showing Weights of Delaine-Merino Ewes and Lambs at Eight Weeks from Time of Yeaning. (Spring.
}
Lot.
Lot III.
Delaine-Merinos,
Average,
Lot IV.
Delaine-Merinos,
Average,
¹Weight of fleeces included.
Scott,
Scott,
P. S. C.,
Patterson,
P. S. C.,
Scott,
P. S. C..
P. S. C..
P. S. C..
i
No. of ewe.
1914).
Wt.
of ewe.
Loss or
gain in wt.
No. of
lamb.
Wt.
lamb.
Gain
in wt.
Sex.
625
Lbs.
10€
Lbs.
I.bs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
-10.0
93
623
106
-11.5
88
91
••
49
108
7.0
2015
36.50
14.50
Ram.
21.25
8.25
Ewe.
18.50
7.00
Ram.
87
42.00
19.25
Ram.
106.33
-.9.5
29.56
12.25
40
100
8.75
97
21.50
6.75
Ram.
25
93
7.50
32
23.50
9.00
Ram.
623
115
8.00
1.00
27.00
11.00
Ram.
57
102
6.00
86
23.00
7.00
Ewe.
9
95
-15.00
25
25.00
5.00
Ram.
71
111
8.00
137
28.00
10.00
Ewe.
102.66
8.87
24.66
8.13
it
29
*
Table XV shows the weights of the Delaine-Merino ewes and lambs
at eight weeks after yeaning. Lot III, Delaine-Merino ewes, averaged
106.33 pounds with a loss of 9.5 pounds during the last four weeks of
this period. The lambs averaged 29.56 pounds and gained 12.25
pounds in Lot IV the average weight per ewe was 102.66 pounds, and
they lost 8.87 pounds in weight during the last four weeks. The
lambs in this lot averaged 24.66 pounds and gained 8.13 pounds.
During the eight-week period the lambs in Lot III gained 21.62
pounds and those in Lot IV gained 16.92 pounds. This correlates
with results obtained in the Shropshire Lots I and II, respectively.
The Delaine-Merino ewes lost more weight during the second four
weeks after lambing, while the Shropshire ewes lost more weight dur
ing the first four weeks after lambing. The loss in weight of the
Shropshire ewes at lambing was greater than that of the Delaine-
Merinos. The lambs in both the Shropshire and Delaine-Merino lots,
namely Lots I and III, made greater gains than those in Lots II and
IV. Alfalfa hay was the sole roughage fed to Lots I and III, and
alfalfa hay and corn silage formed the roughage fed to Lots II and IV.
!
FEEDING OF LAMBS.
Creeps were built for the lambs, and a grain mixture of five parts
corn meal, three parts oats, two parts wheat bran and one part oil
meal was fed. Before the creeps were provided the lambs learned to
eat grain from the troughs with the ewes; they also consumed alfalfa
hay and corn silage as provided for their mothers. The grain mixture
was fed from April 13 to May 8. Nine lambs in Lot I consumed 18
pounds of the grain mixture, five lambs in Lot II consumed 10 pounds,
four lambs in Lot III consumed 8 pounds, and six lambs in Lot IV
consumed 12 pounds.
When they were placed on pasture with the ewes on May 8, 1914,
the average weight per lamb in the various lots was 27.63 pounds in
Lot I; 24.15 pounds in Lot II; 31.88 pounds in Lot III; and 26.33
pounds in Lot IV.
PRODUCTION OF WOOL (1914).
All ewes were shorn between April 15 and 20, 1914. A wool shear-
ing machine was used in shearing the ewes. Tags were removed from
the fleeces, which were tied, flesh side out, and shipped to J. Bateman
& Co., Wool Commission Merchants, Philadelphia. This company
graded and yalued the fleeces and made their report on June 6, 1914.
30
Table XVI. Showing Report on Wool of Shropshire Ewes. Spring
1914).
Lot I. Shropshires.
No. of Sheep.
Weight
of fleece.
Market Grade.
Condition
of fleece.
Value
per lb.
Value
of fleece.
Lbs.
Cents.
P. S. C. 23,
8.75
Shaffer 599,
7.25
Blood combing (long),
Blood clothing (light),
Good,
26
Good,
Shaffer 581,
P. S. C. 61,.
Shaffer 598,..
P. S. C. 15,
P. S. C. 44.
P. S. C. 56,
Total,
Average,
...
9.75
Blood combing (long),
Good,
8.75
Blood combing,
Good,...
9.75
11.50
Blood combing (long),
Blood combing (long),
Good,...
Good,...
7.00
8.75
High Blood clothing,
Blood combing,
..
Good,...
Good,
********
$2 27
23
1 67
26
2 53
26
2 27
26
2 53
26
2.99
23
1 61
26
2 27
71.50
8.94
25.2
18.14
2.27
*
Lot II. Shropshires.
26
•
*******
$2 27
26
2 21
23
1 49
26
1 88
23
1 90
26
1 62
26
1.90
$13 27
25.1
1 90
Shaffer 614,
8.75
Blood combing,
•
P. S. C. 19,.
8.50
High Blood combing,
Shaffer 613,
6.50
Blood clothing,
Good,
Good,..
Good,..
Shaffer 584,
7.25
Blood combing,
Shaffer 570,.
8.25
Blood clothing,
P. S. C. 55,
6.25
Blood clothing,
•
Good,..
Good,...
Good,.....
P. S. C. 43,
8.25
Blood combing,
Good,..
Total,
53.75
Average,
7.69
Table XVI shows the weight, market grade, condition, value per
pound and value of each fleece for the wool produced by Shropshire
ewes in Lots I and II. The average weight per fleece was 8.94 pounds
in Lot I and 7.69 pounds in Lot II. Most of the fleeces in both lots
were of "Blood Combing Grade."* Two fleeces in Lot I were "
Blood Clothing,"* and one in Lot II was of the same grade. The av-
erage value per pound was 25.2 cents in Lot I and 25.1 cents in Lot II.
The total value of each fleece was $2.27 in Lot I and $1.90 in Lot II.
*Market grades defined under "Wool Production" (1915).
Table XVII. Showing Report on Wool of Individual Delaine-Merino
Ewes. (Spring, 1914).
Lot III. Delaine-Merinos.
No. of Sheep.
Weight
of fleece.
Market Grade.
Condition
of fleece.
Value
per lb.
Value
of fleece.
Lbs.
Scott 653,.
Scott 625,.
Scott 656,
12.87
XX Delaine,
10.00
•
XX Delaine (short),
10.50
•
X Delaine,
P. S. C. 3.
14.00
XX Delaine,
P. S. C. 49,
13.75
XX Delaine,
P. S. C. 50,
13.75
XX Delaine,
Total,
74.87
Average,
12.48
Cents,
Heavy,
Greasy,..
Good,
24
.....
$3 09
24
2 40
25
2 62
Greasy,.
Heavy,
24
3.36
24
3.30
....
Greasy,
24
3 30
$18 07
24.1
3.01
31
!
Lot IV. Delaine-Merinos.
Good,
Patterson 40,...
8.25 XX Clothing,
P. S. C. 25,
12.50
XX Delaine,
Scott 623,
10.00
X Delaine,
P. S. C. 57,
11.50 XX Delaine,
P. S. C. 9,
10.00
XX Delaine,
P. S. C. 71,
14.75
XX Delaine,
Total,
Average,
67.00
11.14
22
$1 81
...
Heavy,.
24
3 00
Greasy,....
24
2 40
Greasy
24
2 76
Good,.
25
2 50
Heavy,
24
3 34
$15 81
23.8
2 63
Table XVII shows the weight, market grade, condition, value per
pound and total value of each fleece from the Delaine-Merino ewes in
Lots III and IV. The average weight of each fleece was 12.48 pounds
in Lot III and 11.14 pounds in Lot IV. Most of the fleeces were
graded as "XX Delaine"* in both lots with one exception in each lot;
these were graded as "X Delaine."* The condition of the wool indi-
cated the fleeces in Lots III and IV were heavy in yolk. The average
price per pound of wool was 24.1 cents in Lot III and 23.8 cents in
Lot IV. The average value per fleeces was $3.01 in Lot III and $2.63
in Lot IV.
In Lots I and II where alfalfa hay was the sole roughage fed, the
fleeces were heavier and more valuable than in Lots II and IV where
corn silage and alfalfa hay were the roughages consumed.
*Market grades defined under "Wool Production" (1915).
Table XVIII. Summary Dec. 5, 1914 to May 8, 1915. 154 Days.
154 Days.
Lot I.
Shropshires.
Grain and
Alfalfa Hay.
Lot II.
Shropshires.
Grain.
Alfalfa Hay
and Silage.
Lot III.
Delaine-
Merinos.
Grain and
Alfalfa Hay,
Lot IV.
Delaine-
Merinos.
Grain,
Alfalfa Hay
and Silage.
Average weight per ewe, Dec. 5th, 1913,.
Average weight per ewe, May 8th, 1914,.
Loss in weight per ewe,
...
159.9 lbs.
131.52
-28.39
164.20 lbs.
142.34
-21.86
122.77 lbs.
115.63
113.74 lbs.
113.05
-7.14
69
Average daily feed fed per ewe:
Grain mixture,
.283
.283
.273
.286
•
Alfalfa hay,
4.120
2.15
3.88
2.00
Corn silage,
2.05
2.01
Average daily consumption of dry matter in
feeds consumed,
3.532
2.672
3.324
2.423
Average daily consumption of dry matter in
feeds consumed per 100 lbs. live weight,..
¹Cost of feeds per ewe (154 days),
2.289
1.707
2.580
2.143
$5.47
$3.61
$5 11
$3 48
•
2 Amount of bedding per ewe (154 days)
"Cost of bedding per ewe (154 days),
*Amount of manure per ewe (154 days),
"Value of manure per ewe (154 days),
•
Average weight of fleece,
73.15 lbs.
$0.29
781.58 lbs.
$0 97
8.94 lbs.
78.93 lbs.
"Average value per fleece,
$2 27
Average weight per lamb‍at birth,
7.46 lbs.
$0 32
676.66 lbs.
$0 86
7.69 lbs.
$1 90
7.31 lbs.
Average weight per lamb 4 weeks after
birth,
18.475 lbs.
15.70 lbs.
84.70 lbs.
$0 34
789.92 lbs.
$0.99
12.48 lbs.
$3 01
7.37 lbs.
17.31 lbs.
87.59 lbs.
$0 35
752.66 lbs
$0.94
11.14 lbs.
$2 63
7.43 lbs.
16.56 lbs.
Average weight per lamb 8 weeks after
birth,
32.50 lbs.
23.35 lbs.
29.56 lbs.
24.66 lbs.
Average cost of maintaining ewe including
value of manure,
$4.79
$3 10
$4 46
$2 89
1Feed costs:
Shelled corn-70c per bushel.
Oats-35c per bushel.
Wheat bran-$28 per ton.
Oil meal-$36 per ton.
Alfalfa hay-$15 per ton.
Corn silage-$3.50 per ton.
2Bedding based on data, winter 1915-16.
"Oat straw valued at $8 per ton..
*Based on data obtained, winter 1915-16.
"Sheep manure valued at $2.50 per ton.
"See Tables XVI and XVII.
32
SUMMARY-DEC. 5, 1913, TO MAY 8, 1914. 154 DAYS.
Table XVIII gives a summary of the winter period of 1914-15 in the
maintenance of Shropshire ewes representing mutton type and of De-
laine-Merino ewes representing wool type. Lots I and II were com-
posed of eight purebred Shropshires in each lot. Delaine-Merinos
composed Lots III and IV with six ewes in each lot. Lots I and Ill
were fed alfalfa hay and a grain mixture. Lots II and IV were fed
alfalfa hay, corn silage and a grain mixture. The grain mixture fed
was composed of five parts corn, three parts oats, two parts wheat
bran and one part oil meal, and was offered in the same amounts to
the ewes in all lots.
A comparison of the two Shropshire lots shows that each ewe in Lot
I lost 28.93 pounds in weight, while in Lot II the loss was 21.86
pounds. The air-dry matter consumed per ewe daily in Lot I was
3.532 pounds, and in Lot II 2.672 pounds. Based on 100 pounds live
weight, the consumption in Lot I was 2.289 pounds daily, and in Lot
II, 1.707 pounds.
The total cost of feed during the winter was $5.47 in Lot I and $3.64
in Lot II, a difference of $1.83 in greater cost for each ewe in Lot I.
The amount of oat straw for bedding was 73.15 pounds per ewe in
Lot I, and 78.93 pounds in Lot. II; the cost being 29 cents per ewe in
Lot I and 32 cents in Lot II.
The amount of manure produced was 781.55 pounds per ewe in Lo
I and 676.66 pounds in Lot II, with a valuation, respectively, of $.97
in Lot I and $.86 in Lot II for the manure produced during a winter
period of 154 days. The valuation of $2.50 per ton was the estimated
value of the manure produced which is 30% lower than most authori-
ties estimate the value of sheep manure after allowing market prices
for its ingredients.
The average weight per fleece in Lot I was 8.94 pounds with a value
of $2.27, and in Lot II each fleece averaged 7.69 pounds with a valua-
tion of $1.90, a difference of 37 cents in favor of Lot I.
The lambs weighed in Lots I and II, respectively, at birth, 7.46
pounds and 7.36 pounds; at four weeks of age 18.475 pounds in Lot I
and 15.70 pounds in Lot II; at eight weeks of age 32.50 pounds in Lot
I and 23.25 pounds in Lot II.
The cost of feeding and bedding per ewe, when credit is given for
manure produced, was $4.79 in Lot I and $3.10 in Lot II, a difference
of $1.69 or 35% less for the ewes fed silage and alfalfa hay as rough-
age.
A comparison of the two Delaine-Merino lots shows that each ewe
in Lot III lost 7.19 pounds and in Lot IV .69 pounds during the win-
ter. In air-dry matter consumed daily per ewe, Lot III had 3.324 and
Lot IV 2.423 pounds, while in consumption per 100 pounds live weight
daily, Lot III averaged 2.580 pounds and Lot IV 2.143 pounds.
The total feed cost per ewe was $5.11 in Lot III and $3.48 in Lot IV,
a difference of $1.63.
The bedding used per ewe was 84.70 pounds in Lot III and 87.59
pounds in Lot IV.
The weight of the manure from each ewe in Lot III was 789.92
pounds, in Lot IV, 752.66 pounds.
The fleece averaged 12.48 nounds in Lot III and 11.14 pounds in Lot
IV with a valuation, respectively, of $3.01 and $2.63.
1
1

Fig. 9. Delaine-Merino ram, S. M. Cleaver 2412, used during the seasons of 1912,
1913 and 1914.

Fig. 10. Shropshire ram,
Gibson 143, Association No. 381563, used during mating season of 1914 and 1915.

Fig. 11. Shropshire ewes on pasture, summer of 1914.

Fig. 12. Showing lambs on blue-grass after weaning, summer of 1914.
33
The average weight of the lambs at birth was 7.37 pounds in Lot
III and 7.43 pounds in Lot IV, while at four weeks the lambs in Lot
III averaged 17.31 pounds and in Lot IV 16.56 pounds; at eight weeks
the lambs in Lot III averaged 4.90 pounds more than the lambs in Lot
IV.
The cost of maintaining a Delaine-Merino in Lot III was $4.46 and
in Lọt IV $2.89 when credit is given for feeds fed, bedding used and
manure produced. The ewes in Lot IV, fed corn silage and alfalfa hay
as roughage, were maintained at less cost of $1.57 per ewe or 35%
less than the ewes in Lot III, receiving alfalfa hay alone as a rough-
age.
There was very similar correlation in the behavior of the ewes in
both the Shropshire and Delaine-Merino lots fed the same feeds. The
Shropshires lost more in weight during the period than did the Me
rinos. The Shropshires in Lot I consumed 3.532 pounds of air-dry
matter per ewe, while the Merinos in Lot III consumed 3.324 pounds,
a difference of .208 pounds. The consumption on the live weight basis
shows that the Delaine-Merino ewes in Lot III consumed .291 pound
more daily than did the Shropshires in Lot I. Likewise, the Shrop-
shires in Lot II consumed daily .249 pound more per ewe, but .436
pound less per 100 pounds than did the ewes of Lot IV. It cost $.36
more for the feeds fed the Shropshire ewes of Lot I than the Merinos
of Lot III, and $.16 more for a Shropshire ewe of Lot II than a Merino
of Lot IV.
The cost of bedding and value of manure were slightly greater for
the Merinos than for the Shropshires. This was largely due to bed-
ding used, since a greater amount was placed in the Merino lots in
proportion to the number of ewes.
The fleeces of the Merino ewes in Lot III averaged 39.5% more
weight and 32.5% more in value than did the Shropshire fleeces in Lot
I, both lots being fed the same feeds. In a comparison of Lots II and
IV, in which alfalfa hay and corn silage were the roughages fed, the
Merinos in Lot IV had 44.9% heavier fleeces, and they were 38.4%
more valuable than the fleeces of the Shropshires in Lot II.
The weights of the lambs at birth in all lots were practically the
same. This was due to the fact that the Shropshire lambs were largely
twins, while the Merinos were singles. The good showing of the
Merino lambs as compared with the Shropshires, at four weeks and
eight weeks of age, can be explained on the same grounds.
The cost of maintaining the Shropshires in Lot I was 6.9% greater
than that of the Merino ewes in Lot III, while the cost of maintenance
of the Shropshire ewes in Lot II was 6.7% greater than that of the
Delaine-Merinos in Lot IV.
Summer.
May 8-Nov. 25, 201 Days.
Management of the Flock.
On May 8 all ewes and lambs were placed on blue grass pasture.
The ewes and lambs were dipped in a 3% solution of a standard coal
tar disinfectant on April 28 and May 7. The Shropshire ewes and
lambs in Lot I and the Delaine-Merino ewes and lambs of Lot III were
placed in a pasture separate from the Shropshires in Lot II and the
34
Merinos in Lot IV. The flocks were placed in an enclosure at night,
and a grain mixture of five parts corn, three parts oats, two parts
wheat bran and 1 part oil meal was fed to the lambs of Lots I and III
in accordance with appetite until weaning time. The lambs in Lots II
and IV received no grain. It was found necessary to feed grain in the
morning to the lambs before weaning them. They refused to eat grain
in the evening because they were "filled" with grass. After weaning,
the lambs consumed the grain fed in the evening. All lambs were
weaned on July 4. At weaning time the ewes were milked out every
other day until thoroughly "dried up." Two milkings were sufficient
for the majority, but the heaviest milkers had to be milked out four
or five times. This precaution is necessary to avoid "caking of ud-
ders,” which makes a ewe useless as a breeder. During May, due to
excessive rains, several ewes became afflicted with sore feet. All the
ewes were treated on June 10 and July 1 by thorough washing of the
feet in a 10% solution of a standard coal-tar disinfectant, and in
severe cases the feet were cleaned out and scraped with a knife, fol-
lowed by the application of ointment consisting of powdered copper
sulphate and a coal-tar disinfectant. On August 6, 7 and 8 all the
lambs were given the gasoline treatment for worms, which consisted
of a dose of one tablespoonful of gasoline, a half tablespoonful of raw
linseed oil mixed thoroughly in half a pint of skimmilk. This dose
was repeated on three consecutive days after keeping the lambs off
feed and water for twelve hours.
During July and August owing to drought, the pasture was not as
good as during the earlier portion of the pasturing season. The ewes
were kept on a separate pasture from the weaned lambs. The ewes
were "flushed" for breeding by being fed a grain mixture of five parts
shelled corn, three parts oats, two parts wheat and one part oil meal.
This grain mixture was fed at the rate of one-quarter pound per ewe
daily. The Shropshires were fed grain from August 29 to September
12. These ewes were in a high condition of flesh. The feed caused
them to be less active and was, therefore, discontinued. The Delaine-
Merinos were fed grain from August 29 to September 23. The breed-
ing season began September 13. The Shropshire ram, Gibson 143, was
in too high a condition of flesh, and was purchased just prior to the
mating season. The Merino ram, S. M. Cleaver 2412, was used on the
Merino ewes. He was in good breeding condition. The rams were
allowed to run with the ewes. Lamp black was placed on their breasts
every morning and all newly marked ewes were noted each evening.
The rams remained with their respective flocks for eight weeks.
35
Table XIX. Showing Individual, Initial and Concluding Weights of Breeding Ewes. (Summer, 1914).
No. of Sheep.
Lot I. Shropshires.
Average
initial
Average
concluding
weight.
weight.
May 6, 7
and 8.
Nov. 24, 25
Gain
In weight.
No. of Sheep.
and 26.
Lot III. Delaine-Merinos.
Average
initial
weight.
May 6, 7
Average
concluding
weight.
Nov. 24, 25
Gain
in weight.
and S.
and 26.
P. S. C. 23,
Shaffer 599, 1
Shaffer 581,
P. S. C. 61,
Shaffer 598,
P. S. C. 15,
P. S. C. 44,
P. S. C. 56,
'Total,
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
143.33
195.00
51.67
Scott 653,
143.33
Scott 625.
125.00
186.66
61.66
Scott 656,
98.33
163.33
65.00
P. S C. 34,2
116.66
155.00
38.34
P. S. C. 49,
115.00
143.33
28.33
P. S. C. 50,
126.66
191.66
65.00
115.00
158.33
43.33
983.31
1,193.31
353.33
Lot II. Shropshires.
Shaffer 614,
P. S. C. 19,
Shaffer 613,
Shaffer 584,
Shaffer 570,
P. S. C. 55,
P. S. C. 43,
188.33
215.00
26.67
Patterson 40,
110.00
170.00
60.00
P. S. C. 25,
123.33
156.66
33.33
Scott 623,
153.33
188.33
35.00
P. S. C. 57,
150.00
183.33
33.33
P. S. C. 9,
95.00
146.66
51.66
P. S. C. 71,
123.33
168.33
45.00
Total,
943.32
1,228.31
284.99
¹Ewe sold.
*Ewe sold.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
91.66
135.00
43.34
90.00
125.66
36.66
115.00
126.66
11.66
118.66
101.66
135.00
33.34
101.66
133.33
31.67
618.64
656.65
156.67
Lot IV. Delaine-Merinos.
78.33
130.00
51.67
80.00
115.00
35.00
95.00
130.00
35.00
91.66
131.66
40.00
85.00
126.66
41.66
95.00
121.66
26.66
524.99
754.98
229.95
•
36
Weights of Ewes.
Table XIX shows the individual, initial and concluding weights of
the breeding ewes during the summer period of 1914. Two ewes were
dropped from the experiment: Shaffer 499 in Lot I, and P. S. C. 3 in
Lot III, both being non-breeders. The weights indicate that all ewes
made marked increases in weight during the summer period. All ewes
were in good condition of flesh when they were placed in winter quar-
ters on November 25, 1914.
Table XX. Showing Average Weights per Head of Breeding Ewes
by Four-Week Periods. (Summer, 1914).
Lot I.
Lot II.
May 8 November 25, 1914.
8
Shropshires.
7
Shropshires.
Lot III.
& Delaine-
Merinos.
.Lot IV.
6 Delaine-
Merinos.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
May 7.8-9,
122.91
14.16
103.
X 23
1June 5,
134.282
137.14
111.008
90.83
July 3,
146.712
152.14
103.003
101.35
July 31,
133.142
150.14
106.003
102.50
August 28,
142.852
153.57
113.008
111.66
September
25,
154.282
169.28
119.008
120.00
October 23,
163.572
172.85
128.003
127.50
November 20,
164.422
174.71
124.403
121.83
November 24, 25, 26, 1914,
170.492
175.47
131.338
125.83
Average weight per ewe,
147.96
157.78
115.42
109.88
¹One ewe sold in Lot I and another in Lot III.
2Average of 7 Shropshire Ewes
"Average of 5 Delaine-Merino Ewes.
Table XX shows the average weight per ewe by four-week periods
during the pasturing period of 1914. In all lots the lowest weight was
on the date when they were placed on pasture; the greatest weight in
all lots was on the date of removal to winter quarters. In Lot I the
ewes averaged 147.96 pounds for the summer months; in Lot II 157.72
pounds; in Lot III 115.42 pounds; and in Lot IV 109.88 pounds.
Table XXI. Showing Average Gains and Losses per Head of Breeding
Ewes by Four-Week Periods. (Summer, 1914).
Lot I.
Lot II.
May 8-November 25, 1914.
8
Shropshires.
7
Shropshires.
Lot III.
6 Delaine
Merius.
Lot IV.
6 Delaine
Merinos.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
First four weeks, June 5,
11.37
2.38
7.89
3.34
¹Second four weeks, July 3,
12.43
15.00
-8.00
10.50
Third four weeks, July 31,
-13.57
-2.00
3.00
1.17
Fourth four weeks, August
10.71
3.43
7.00
9.16
Fifth four weeks, September 25,
11.43
15.71
6.00
8.34
Sixth fur wecks, October 23,
9.29
3.57
9.00
7.50
Seventh four weeks, November 20,
.£5
1.86
-3.60
-5.67
Five days, November 25,
6.07
.76
6.93
4.00
May 8-November 25, 1914,
52.56
40.71
28.22
38.34
¹One ewe sold in Lot I and one in Lot III.
37
#
Table XXI shows the gains and losses per ewe during the summer
of 1914 by four-week periods. The ewes in each lot made gains during
the first four weeks and only the ewes of Lot III showed a loss during
the second four weeks. During this time the lambs were with the
flock. The ewes in Lot I and Lot II lost weight immediately after
lambing. A distinct increase in weight took place while the ewes were
being "flushed" from August 28 to September 23. Although the ewes
made gains during the latter portion of the summer, these gains were
not as great as those made during the first part of the summer. The
average gain in weight per ewe in Lot I was 52.56 pounds; in Lot II
48.71 pounds; in Lot III 28.22 pounds; and in Lot IV 38.34 pounds.
Table XXII. Cost of Summering Ewes. Cost of Maintaining Breed-
ing Ewes. 201 days-May 8-Nov. 25, 1914.
1Cost of pasture,
2Labor cost at 15c per hour,
"Grain mixture,
...
•
Equipment, $100 at 6% (201 days),
*Service of ram,
Total cost,
Average cost per ewe,
¹Estimated
•
Lots I and II.
Shropshires.
14 ewes.
Lots III and IV.
Delaine-Merinos.
12 ewes.
•
$12 85
4 06
$8.40
3.45
78
1 19
1 89
1 61
6 06
5 19
25 63
19 84
1 82
1 65
acre per Shropshire ewe and acre per Delaine-Merino ewe, land valued at $56
per acre at 5% interest.
2Average labor fifteen minutes per day for flock.
"Grain mixture:
5 parts shelled corn at $0.70 per bu.
3 parts oats at $0.50 per bu.
2 parts wheat bran at $28 per ton.
1 part linseed meal at $36 per ton.
*Service of one ram taken for 26 ewes, valued at $25.00 cost of keeping, $6.00 per year. De-
preciation, 25%.
*
The cost of maintaining a Shropshire ewe during the summer of
1914 averaged $1.83 after allowing for cost of pasture, labor, equip-
ment, grain and service of sire. In the Delaine-Merino lots the cost
per ewe averaged $1.65. The estimate on pasture was based on results
of beef breeding cows requiring two acres per grazing season per cow."
A comparison of Shropshire ewes and Delaine-Merino ewes, fed a ra-
tion very similar to the beef cows during the winter, showed that the
cows consumed more than eight times as much per head as did the
Shropshire ewes and 10 times as much as was consumed by one De-
laine-Merino ewe.† On this basis it was thought safe to assume that
the Shropshire ewes would require one-third of an acre for pasture
and the Delaine-Merino ewes one-quarter of an acre per ewe.
The annual cost of maintenance per ewe is reported in the summary
of the three winters and two summers of which the report makes
record.
PRODUCTION OF LAMBS FOR MARKET.
Tables X to XV inclusive give the records of the behavior of the
lambs prior to being placed on pasture. The lambs were fed gain in
creeps during the last month in winter quarters, and those of Lots I
*Annual Report, The Pennsylvania State College, 1911-12, 1912-13, 1914-15, "Maintenance of Beef
Breeding Cows.
†Annual Report The Pennsylvania State College, 1911-12 and 1913-14, "Maintaining Breeding
Ewes."
38
and III were fed grain in accordance with appetite when placed on
pasture. The lambs are quoted as being sold when weaned on July
3, 1914. The purpose of this was that normally the demand for lambs
prior to July 1 is greater than later in the season; also the fact that
if internal parasites are present in the flock, lambs sold early do not
become infested and, therefore, are in better condition than later in
the season, and the higher price received usually overbalances the
greater weight possessed by lambs later in the summer.
Table XXIII. Showing Average Weight of Lambs to Weaning Time-
May 7-July 3, 1914.
May 7, 1914,
June 5, 1914,
July 3, 1914,
Gain in weight (56 Jays),
Lot I.
Shropshires.
Lot II.
Shropshires.
9 lambs.
5 lambs.
Lot III.
Delaine-
Merinos.
4 lambs.
Lot IV.
Delaine-
Merinos.
6 lambs.
lbs.
lbs.
lbs.
lbs.
27.43
24.13
31.66
26.33
45.66
43.50
41.25
40.33
57.00
52.20
56.50
50.50
29.57
28.07
24.84
24.17
Table XXIII shows the average weight of the lambs in all lots on
May 7, June 5 and July 3, 1914. The lambs of Lot I averaged 27.43
pounds when placed on pasture, of Lot II 24.13 pounds, Lot III 31.66
pounds and Lot IV 26.33 pounds. The greater weight of the Merinos
when placed on pasture was due to their being on the average older
lambs and single rather than twin. The gains in weight were slightly
greater for the Shropshire lambs than for the Delaine-Merino lambs.
Even though the lambs in Lot I and III received grain, their gains
were practically the same as those of their respective breeds in Lots
II and IV that received no grain.
Table XXIV. Grain Consumed, Cost of Grain, Value of Lambs (Sum-
mer of 1914).
Lot I.
9
Shropshires.
Lot II.
5
Shropshires.
Lot III.
4 Delaine
Merinos.
.Lot IV.
6 Delaine
Merinos.
Grain consumed per lamb prior to May 8,
Grain¹ consumed per lamb May S to July 4,
2Cost of grain consumed per lamb,
8 Value of lamb per 100 lbs., July 3, 1914,
Value of lamb, July 3, 1914,
2.0 lbs.
6.8 lbs.
2.0 lbs.
2.0 lbs.
6.8 lbs.
2.0 lbs.
$0 12
8 75
4 99
$0.03
8 25
4 31
$0 12
8 00
$0.03
7 75
4 52
3 91
Average weight per lamb, July 3, 1914,
Average gain per lamb (56 days),
57.00 lbs.
....
29.07 lbs.
52.20 lbs.
28.07 lbs.
56.50 lbs.
24.84 lbs.
50.50 lbs.
24.17 lbs.
¹Grain mixture:
5 parts corn.
3 parts oats.
2 parts wheat bran.
1 part oil meal.
2See Table XVIII for feed costs.
'Pittsburgh market quotations. July 2, 1914.
39
Table XXIV shows the grain consumed, its cost, and the value of
each lamb at weaning time. Two pounds of grain were consumed
per lamb in winter quarters. The lambs fed grain after being placed
on pasture consumed an average of 6.8 pounds per lamb in 56 days.
The grain was fed in creeps before the lambs went on pasture in the
morning; although the respective gains of each lamb were practi-
cally the same in the Shropshire lots fed grain and those not receiv-
ing grain, there was a distinction between them with reference to
condition of flesh. This is indicated by the valuation of $8.75 per
hundred pounds in Lot I and $8.25 in Lot II. A comparison of the
two Delaine-Merino lots showed less marked distinction in the con-
dition of the lambs receiving grain than was evident in the Shrop-
shire lambs. The Merino lambs were valued at $8.00 in Lot III and
$7.75 in Lot IV. Shropshire lambs, due to their thick flesh covering,
demanded a higher market price than Delaine-Merino lambs. The
weight of all the lambs was about 10 pounds less than the weight
at which spring lambs demand the best market price.
Winter Period November 25, 1914-May 5, 1915. 161 days.
Method of Experimentation.
The ewes were divided into four lots, the same ewes being retained
in each lot as during the previous year. P. S. C. 58, P. S. C. 68 and
P. S. C. 113 were added to Lot I; P. S. C. 67, P. S. C. 107 and
P. S. C. 116 were added to Lot II; and P. S. C. 114 was added to
Lot III.
Lot 1. Ten Shropshire ewes, averaging 170.024 pounds, were fed
alfalfa hay in accordance with appetite. A grain mixture of five parts
shelled corn, three parts oats, two parts wheat bran and one part
oil meal was fed in limited quantities to the ewes that yeaned after
lambing.
Lot II. Ten Shropshire ewes, averaging 177.30 pounds, were fed
alfalfa hay and corn silage in amounts controlled by appetite. The
grain mixture fed and method of feeding was the same in Lot I.
Lot III. Six Delaine-Merinos, averaging 137.30 pounds, were fed
a ration similar to Lot I.
Lot IV. Six Delaine-Merinos, averaging 138.38 pounds, were fed
in the manner indicated for the ewes in Lot II.
CHANGES IN THE EXPERIMENT.
The feeds used during the winter of 1914-15 were the same as
those of the winter of 1913-14. One change in method of feeding
was that the ewes were allowed to consume corn silage in amounts
to satisfy appetite, while in the winter of 1913-14, it was limited to
two pounds per ewe daily; another change was in the method of
feeding the grain mixture. During the previous winter the grain
was fed prior to lambing to all ewes, while during 1914-15 the grain
mixture was limited to those ewes that lambed. No grain was fed
prior to lambing.
40
Equipment, Feeding and Weighing.
The open sheds used during the winter of 1913-14 were used dur-
ing the winter of 1914-15. The feed racks and troughs were the
same. Salt and water were provided. The method of feeding and
weighing was similar to that of the previous winter. Oat straw was
used as bedding.
Feed Used.
The feeds used during the winter of 1914-15 were tested at monthly
intervals for air-dry moisture content as shown in Table XXV.
41
1
Table XXV. Showing Percentage of Air-Dry-Moisture in Feeds Fed and Refused.¹
No 25, 1914-May 5, 1915.
Dec. 9.
Jan. 6.
Feb. 3.
March 4.
April 1.
Av. air-dry
moisture.
Av. air-dry
matter.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Oats,
Shelled corn,
....
Wheat bran,
10.93
14.89
15.25
13.71
13.33
13.622
86.378
13.86
13.65
12.22
11.33
6.00
11.412
88.588
12.02
12.33
11.61
13.30
11.59
12.170
87.830
Oil meal,
9.43
15.29
9.83
10.33
4.93
9.962
90.038
Alfalfa hay,
26.06
25.00
11.83
11.76
11.66
15.262
84.738
Corn silage,
73.00
72.87
70.30
75.33
74.00
73.100
26,900
Refused alfalfa hay,
24.05
28.88
28.88
16.31
7.69
21.162
78.838
Refused corn silage,
74.41
75.46
70.00
78.75
68.29
73.382
26.618
1 Report by Dept. of Expt. Agric. Chem., Chas. Kern, analyst.
}
42
Table XXV shows the percentage of air-dry moisture in feeds fed
and refused by monthly periods and the average air-dry moisture and
average air-dry matter content of all feeds.
The shelled corn, oats and wheat bran were very uniform in mois-
ture content throughout the winter and were all of good quality.
The shelled corn was largely from a "No. 2 Yellow" grade purchased
on the Buffalo market.
The oats were grown locally.
The oil meal was excellent but varied in moisture content.
The alfalfa hay was all grown locally. During the first two
months, excellent alfalfa hay of second and third croppings grown
on the college farm was fed. During the remainder of the winter
the alfalfa hay used was grown locally, but contained about 25%
of other grass and weeds. It was also stemmy and bleached.
The corn silage was made from a variety of silage corn known as
"100-day White Cap." The silage contained more moisture than
during the previous season, due largely to the fact that the corn was
not as well matured. The yield of ears on this corn was fifty bushels
to the acre and the amount of green corn per acre averaged ten tons.
The moisture content of the refused alfalfa hay was greater than
that of the alfalfa hay consumed because it was composed of stems
which absorbed the moisture from the breath of the ewes. Likewise,
the refused corn silage was largely composed of pieces of stalks which
absorb more moisture than the leafy portion of the silage.

Fig. 13. The Delaine-Merino ewes during the breeding season of 1914.

Fig. 14. Shropshire ewes in Lot I during winter of 1914-15.
43
4
Table XXVI. Showing Individual, Initial and Concluding Weights of Breeding Ewes. (Winter, 1914-15.)
Lot I Shropshires.
Lot III Delaine-Merinos.
No. of sheep.
Av. initial
wt. Nov. 24,
25 and 26.
1 Av. con-
cluding wt.
May 4, 5
and 6.
Gain in wt.
Loss in wt.
No. of sheep.
Av. initial
wt. Nov. 24,
25 and 26.
¹Av. con-
cluding wt.
May 4, 5
and 6.
Gain in wt.
Loss in wt.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
P. S. O. 23,
Shaffer 581,
P. S. C. 61,
195.00
194.40
.60
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
186.66
142.16
44.50
Scott 653,
135.00
122.20
12.80
163.33
135.26
28.07
Scott 625,
126.66
115.46
12.20
Shaffer 598,
155.00
154.40
.60
Scott 656,
126.66
126.20
.46
P. S. C. 15.
143.33
139.50
3.83
P. S. C. 49,
135.00
128.00
7.00
P. S. C. 44,
191.66
191.33
.33
P. S. C. 50,
133.33
133.96
.63
P. S. C. 56,
158.33
168.30
9.97
P. S. C. 114,
125.00
120.06
4.94
P. S. C. 58,
163.33
160.83
2.50
P. S. C. 68,
163.33
115.80
47.53
P. S. C. 113,
176.66
164.53
12.13
Total,
1,696.33
1,566.51
9.97
140.09
781.65
744.88
.63
37.40
No. of sheep.
Av. initial
wt. Nov. 24,
25 and 26.
Lot II Shropshires.
*Av. con-
cluding wt.
May 4, 5
and 6.
Gain in wt.
Loss in wt.
No. of sheep.
Av. initial
wt. Nov. 24,
25 and 26.
Lot IV. Delaine-Merinos.
1 Av. con-
luding wt.
May 4, 5
and 6.
Gain in wt.
Loss in wt.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Shafter 614,
215.00
212.53
2.47
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
P. S. C. 19,
170.00
127.43
42.57
Patterson 40,
130.00
127.26
2.74
Shaffer 613,
156.66
150.13
6.53
P. S. C. 25,
115.00
120.50
5.50
Shaffer 584,
188.33
189.16
.83
Scott 623,
130.00
125.20
4.80
Shaffer 570,
183.33
180.46
2.87
P. S. C. 57,
131.66
131.40
.26
P. S. C. 55,
146.66
118.86
27.80
P. S. C. 9.
126.66
142.43
15.77
P. S. C. 43.
168.33
186.53
18.20
P. S. C. 71,
121.66
146.83
25.17
P. S. C.
C. 67.
160.00
145.63
14.37
P. S. C. 107,
168.33
169.00
.67
P. S. C. 116,
178.33
150.96
27.37
Total.
1,734.97
1,630.69
19.70
123.98
754.98
793.62
46.44
7.80
'Weights of fleeces included.
44
Weight of Ewes.
Table XXVI shows the initial and concluding weights of the
Shropshire and Delaine-Merino ewes in all lots during the winter
of 1914-15. The ewes in Lot I were in relatively high condition of
fiesh when placed in winter quarters. P. S. C. 23, Shaffer 598, P. S.
C. 44 and P. S. C. 56 did not produce lambs in Lot I. These ewes
maintained their weight during the winter. The ewes that lambed
lost weight. In Lot II the following ewes did not lamb: Shaffer
570, P. S. C. 43, P. S. C. 107 and P. S. C. 116. These ewes retained
their initial weight with the exception of P. S C 116, a yearling,
which lost 27.37 pounds. The ewes dropping lambs lost weight with
the exception of Shaffer 584. The Delaine-Merinos in Lot III all
produced lambs. The average loss in weight per ewe in this lot was
slight as compared with the Shropshire ewes in Lot I, fed a similar
ration in which alfalfa was the sole roughage. In Lot IV the ewes
showed an average gain in weight. One ewe, P. S. C. 9, did not pro-
duce a lamb in this lot.
Table XXVII. Showing Average Weights per Head of Breeding Ewes
by Four-Week Periods.¹
1
Lot I-10.
Lot II-10.
Lot III-6.
Lot IV-6.
Nov. 25, 1914-May 5, 1915.
Shropshires.
Shropshires.
Delaine-
Merinos.
Delaine-
Merinos.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Initial wt. Nov. 24, 25, 26,
169.66
173.54
130.27
125.83
Dec. 22, 23, 24,
169.83
177.33
141.94
140.00
Jan. 19, 20, 21,
178.66
184.16
149.72
148.61
Feb. 16, 17, 18,
182.83
130.00
149.50
145.27
March 16, 17, 18,
173.33
182.03
134.44
140.00
April 13, 14, 15,
159.32
170.97
131.11
136.66
Concluding wt. May 4, 5, 6,
156.66
163.06
124.14
132.27
Average wt. per ewe,
170.04
177.30
137.30
138.38
1Wt. of fleeces included.
Table XXVII shows the average weight per sheep at four-week
intervals in all lots during the winter of 1914-15. Most of the
Shropshire ewes lambed in March while the Merinos lambed in Feb-
ruary. In all lots there was an increase in weight up to lambing
when the greatest weight throughout the winter was recorded. The
average weight for the winter per ewe in Lot I was 170.04 pounds;
in Lot II, 177.30 pounds; in Lot III, 137.30 pounds; and in Lot IV,
138.38 pounds.
1
45
Table XXVIII. Showing Average Gains and Losses per Head of
Breeding Ewes, by Four-Week Periods.
Lot I.
Lot II.
Lot III.
Lot IV.
Nov. 25, 1914-May 5, 1915.
10 Shropshires.
10 Shropshires.
6 Delaine-
Merinos.
6 Delaine-
Merinos.
•
First four weeks, Dec. 23,
Second four weeks, Jan. 20,
Third four weeks, Feb. 17,
Fourth four weeks, March 17,
Fifth four weeks, April 14,
Twenty-one days, May 5,
...
Nov. 25, 1914-May 5, 1915.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
.17
3.79
11.67
14.17
8.83
6.83
7.78
8.61
4.17
5.84
-.22
-3.34
-9.50
-7.97
-15.06
-5.27
-14.01
-11.06
-3.33
-3.34
-2.66
-7.91
-6.97
-4.39*
-13.00
-10.48
-6.13
6.44
Table XXVIII shows the average gains and losses per ewe by
four-week periods. A gradual increase in weight took place in both
the Shropshire lots up to Feb. 17. This was the lambing period
and losses occurred during each succeeding period of four weeks.
The total loss per ewe was 13.00 pounds in Lot I and 10.48 pounds
in Lot II during 161 days. In the Delaine-Merino lots a marked
increase in weight occurred during the first four weeks in winter
quarters. Losses resulted after lambing which took place during
the month of February. The final weight of the winter period re-
sulted in a loss of 6.13 pounds per ewe in Lot III and an increase
in weight of 6.44 pounds per ewe in Lot IV, as compared with the
initial weight.
Table XXIX. Showing Feeds Fed and Refused by Four-Week Period.
Feeds Fed.
Feeds Refused.
Nov. 25, 1914-May 5, 1915
Grain mix-
ture.2
Alfalfa hay. Corn silage.
Alfalfa hay. | Corn silage.
Lot I-10 Shropshires.
Nov. 25-Dec. 23,
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
1,430
Dec.
23-Jan. 20,
1,495
Jan. 20-Feb. 17.
5.00
1,670
Feb. 17-March 17.
18.00
1,400
March 17-April 14,
51.50
1,630
1April 14-May 5
42.00
1,050
Total,
116.50
8,675
Lbs.
Lbs.
59.35
10.20
61.10
23.20
1.00
157.85
Lot II-10 Shropshires.
Nov. 25-Dec. 23,
780
955
.60
11.20
Dec. 23-Jan. 20,
1,010
980
3.60
15.90
Jan. 20-Feb. 17,
5.00
980
995
19.60
1.70
Fel. 17-March 17,
26.75
870
980
8.10
9.10
March 17-April 14,
¹April 14-May 5,
Total,
66.00
980
980
8.70
•
52.50.
735
735
7.50
150.25
5,355
5,625
31.90
54.1)
Lot III-6 Delaine-Merinos.
Nov. 2-Dec. 23,
Dec. 23-Jan. 20,
Jan. 20-Feb. 17.
Feb. 17-March 17.
March 17-April 14,
1April 14-May 5,
Total,
•
D
880
-840
•
1.00
840
56.50
840
46.80
24.00
45.50
29.10
1
84.00 !
840
63.00
630
204.50
4,870
145.40
46
Nov. 25, 1914-May 5, 1915
Table XXIX.-Continued.
Feeds Fed.
Feeds Refused.
Grain mix-
ture.2
Alfalfa hay. | Corn silage.
Alfalfa hay. Corn silage.
Lot IV-6 Delaine-Merinos.
Nov. 25-Dec. 23,
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
500
410
12.00
18.20
Dec. 23-Jan. 20,
555
625
17.50
47.50
Jau. 20-Feb. 17,
1.00
475
700
47.50
84.90
Feb. 17-March 17,
58.50
525
700
10.10
53.50
March 17-April 14,
84.00
560
700
3.40
54.00
¹April 14-May 5,
63.00
420
525
14.20
16.00
Total,
206.50
3,035
3,660
104.70
274.10
1 21 days.
2 Grain mixture 5 parts shelled corn, 3 parts oats, 2 parts wheat bran and 1 part oil meal.
Feeds Consumed.
Table XXIX shows the feeds offered and refused by the breeding
ewes in the various lots by four-week periods during the winter of
1914-15. The grain mixture was composed of five parts shelled corn,
three parts oats, two parts wheat bran and one part oil meal by
weight. This grain mixture was fed at the rate of one-half pound
per ewe daily after lambing. Ewes that failed to lamb received no
grain throughout the winter.
The alfalfa hay and corn silage were fed to satisfy the appetite.
In Lot I the Shropshire ewes consumed the greatest amount of
alfalfa hay the four-week period prior to lambing and the four-
week period following lambing. Only 1400 pounds were consumed
between Feb. 17 and March 17, the interval in which the majority
of the ewes lambed. In Lot II the Shropshire ewes consumed a very
uniform amount of alfalfa hay and corn silage throughout the win-
ter. They consumed less alfalfa hay during the time of lambing
by 110 pounds than was consumed the four weeks previous and suc-
ceeding Feb. 17th to March 17th. The Merino ewes in Lot III
varied less in their consumption of alfalfa hay than did the Shrop-
shire ewes in Lot I fed a similar ration.
The feeds offered in Lot IV correlated with amounts fed in Lot II.
From Jan. 20 to Feb. 17, the lambing period, less alfalfa hay was
consumed than at any other time. The corn silage in this lot was
gradually increased up to Jan. 20, after which the amount offered
was constant. It was noticeable that the ewes in Lots I and III
drank more water and were more troubled by being "burnt" because
of excessive urination than the ewes in Lots II and IV.

AL ML
Fig. 15. Shropshire ewes, Lot III, during winter of 1914-15.

Fig. 16. Delaine-Merino ewes, Lot III, winter of 1914-15. Note the "burnt" wool caused by excessive urination.
47
1
Table XXX. Showing Air-Dry Matter in Feeds Fed and Refused.
Feeds Fed.
Feeds Refused.
Nov. 25, 1914-May 5, 1915
Grain mix-
ture. 2
Alfalfa hay. | Corn silage.
Alfalfa hay. | Corn silage.
Lot I-10 Shropshires.
Nov. 25-Dec. 23,
Lbs.
Lbs.
1,211.7
Dec.
23-Jan. 20,
1,266.7
Jan. 20-Feb. 17,
4.37
1,415.1
Feb. 17-March 17,
15.76
1,228.6
•
•
March 17-April 14,
45.09
1,381.2
¹April 14-May 5,
36.78
889.6
Total,
102.00
7,392.9
Lbs.
Lbs.
46.78
Lbs.
8.04
50.53
18.28
.78
124.41
Lot II-10 Shropshires.
Nov. 25-Dec. 23,
660.9
256.9
.47
2.93
Dec. 23-Jan. 20,
855.8
263.6
2.83
4.16
Jan. 20-Feb. 17,
4.37
830.4
266.9
15.45
.44
Feb. 17-March 17,
23.42
729.6
263.6
6.38
2.38
March 17-April 14,
57.79
830.4
263.6
2.27
¹April 14-Mary 5,
45.97
.622.8
197.7
1.96
Total,
131.55
4,529.90
1,511.3
25.13
14.14
Lot III-6 Delaine-Merinos.
Nov. 25-Dec. 23,
...
745.6
Dec. 23-Jan. 20,
Jan. 20-Feb. 17,
711.8
.87
711.8
Feb. 17-March 17,
March 17-April 14,
¹April 14-May 5,
49.47
711.8
73.56
711.8
55.16
533.8
Total,
179.06
4,126.6
Lot IV-6 Delaine-Merinos.
36.89
18.92
35.86
•
22.94
114.61
Nov. 25-Dec. 23,
423.7
110.3
9.46
4.76
Dec. 23-Jan. 20,
470.2
168.1
13.79
12.43
Jan. 20-Feb. 17,
.87
402.5
188.3
37.44
22.22
Feb. 17-March 17.
51.22
444.8
188.3
7.96
14.00
March 17-April 14,
73.56
474.5
188.3
2.68
14.13
¹April 14-May 5,
55.16
355.9
141.2
11.19
4.18
Total,
180.81
2,571.6
984.5
82.52
71.72
1 21 days.
5
- Grain mixture 5 part shelled corn, 3 parts oats, 2 parts wheat bran, 1 part oil meal.
Air-Dry Matter in Feeds Offered and Refused.
Table XXX shows the air-dry matter in feeds fed and refused
by ewes in Lots I, II, III and IV during the winter of 1914-15. The
total air-dry matter in feeds offered to the ten ewes in Lot I was
102 pounds in the grain mixture and 7392.9 pounds in the alfalfa
hay. The ten ewes of Lot II were fed 131.55 pounds of air-dry mat-
ter in the grain mixture, 4529.9 pounds in the alfalfa hay and 1511.3
pounds in the corn silage. In the Merino lots a greater amount of
air-dry matter was consumed in the grain mixture due to the fact
that the ewes consumed more grain, the lambs being born earlier.
Six ewes in Lot III were offered 179.06 pounds of air-dry matter in
the grain mixture and 4126.6 pounds in the alfalfa hay. Lot IV con-
sumed 180.81 pounds of air-dry matter in the grain mixture, and
were offered 2571.6 pounds of air-dry matter in the form of alfalfa
hay and 984.5 pounds in the corn silage.
48

Table XXXI Showing Air-Dry Matter Consumed Daily per Ewe and per 100 Pounds Live Weight.
Lot I.
Shropshires.
Lot II.
Shropshires.
Lot III.
Delaine-Merinos.
Lot IV.
Delaine-Merinos.
Nov. 25, 1914-May 5, 1915.
Nov. 25-Dec. 23,
Dec. 23-Jan. 20,
Jan. 20-Feb. 17,
Feb. 17-March 17,
March 17-April 14,
April 14-May 5,
Average,
•
•
Per ewe.
Per 100
lbs. live
weight.
Per ewe.
Per 100
lbs. live
weight.
Per ewe.
Per 100
lbs. live
weight.
Per ewe.
Per 100
lbs. live
weight.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
4.160
2.4509
3.263
1.859
4.218
3.099
3.093
2.327
4.492
2.577
3.972
2.197
4.123
2.827
3.643
2.524
4.888
2.699
2.877
1.537
· 4.029
2.693
3.166
2.154
4.380
2.459
3.599
1.934
3.799
2.675
3.942
2.763
5.091
3.060
4.105
2.325
4.674
3.520
4.282
3.095
4.399
2.778
4.116
2.464
4.674
3.662
4.261
3.168
4.568
2.686
3.822
2.189
4.253
3.097
3.731
2.696
49
Table XXXI shows the air-dry matter consumed per ewe and per
100 pounds live weight by the ewes in all lots in periods of four
weeks during the winter of 1914-15. In Lot I the air-dry matter in
feeds consumed per ewe, and per 100 pounds live weight daily, was
greatest the four weeks following lambing and least during the time
of lambing, which occurred largely between Feb. 17 and March 17.
This lot was fed alfalfa as the sole roughage.
The average consumption per ewe was 4.568 pounds of air-dry
matter in feeds consumed daily, and 2.686 pounds per 100 pounds
live weight. The ewes in Lot II, fed corn silage and alfalfa hay as
roughage, averaged 3.822 pounds of air-dry matter in feeds con-
sumed per ewe daily, and 2.189 pounds per 100 pounds live weight.
A comparison of the two Shropshire lots shows that ewes in Lot I
consumed .746 pounds or 16.1% more in the air-dry matter consumed
daily per ewe than the ewes in Lot II. On a live weight basis the
ewes of Lot I consumed 18.5% more air-dry matter in feeds con-
sumed than the ewes of Lot II.
The same correlation existed between the Delaine-Merinos in Lots
III and IV as in the Shropshire Lots I and II. The average daily
consumption per ewe in Lot III was 4.253 pounds and in Lot IV
3.731 pounds, a difference of .512 pounds or 12%. In air-dry matter
consumed per 100 pounds live weight daily, the ewes averaged in
Lot III 3.097 pounds and in Lot IV 2.696 pounds. The ewes, there-
fore, in Lot IV consumed .401 pounds of 12.3% less than the ewes of
Lot III, per 100 pounds live weight.
A comparison of both breeds indicates that the Shropshire and
Delaine-Merino lots, in which silage was fed as a sole roughage, con-
sumed more, air-dry matter per ewe and per hundred pounds live
weight than the lots of their respective breeds where silage and
alfalfa hay were both fed as roughage. A Shropshire ewe in Lot I
consumed .315 pounds or 6.8% more air-dry matter than did the aver-
age ewe of Lot III fed the same feeds. In air-dry matter per 100
pounds live weight daily, the average Merino ewe of Lot III consumed
.411 pounds of 13% more than the average Shropshire ewe in Lot I.
Likewise, a comparison of the Shropshires in Lot II and the Delaine-
Merinos in Lot IV shows that the average ewe of Lot II consumed
.091 pounds of 2.3% more per ewe, but..507 pounds or 18% less per
100 pounds live weight than was consumed by the Merinos in Lot IV.
Lambing Records.
Symptoms of lambing as indicated by the udder, teats and vulva
were noted. Ewes due to lamb were removed to warmer quarters
twenty hours before lambing so far as possible. After lambing, the
ewes were fed one-half pound of grain daily and placed in the open
shed with their lambs four to six days following yeaning.
50
!
Table XXXII.
Lot.
i
Showing Shropshire Ewes that Yeaned, Weight of Ewe, Weight and Sex of Lambs. (Spring, 1915).
No. of ewe.
Date of birth.
Wt. of ewe.
No. of lamb.
Wt. of lamb
at birth.
| Sex of lamb.
Sire.
Condition of lamb.
Lot I.
Shropshires,
Lbs.
Lbs.
Shaffer 581,
March
4,
168
212
242
8.25 Dwe,
9.75 Ram,
•
P. S. C. 61,
March 20,
143
244
9.75 Ewe,
Good.
P. S. C. 15,
March 24,
140
243
7.50 Ram,
4.00 Ewe,
4.00 Ram, 3
Cheviot Ram,
Fair.
Cheviot Ram,
P. S. C. 58,
Feb.
16,
181
209
2.50
Ewe,
381563
211
4.00
Ewe,
'P. S. C.
68,
Feb.
20,
142
8.00 Ewe, 3
!
9.00
P. S. C. 113,
March 30,
170
8.50
Ewe,s
Ram, 3
381563 Good ewe gave little milk.
381563
Lincoln Ram,
Lincoln Ram, Weak lamb.
Lamb weak.
Weak lamb.
381563 Fair.
381563 Fair ewe gave no milk.
381563 Fair ewe gave no milk.
381563 | Fair ewe gave little milk.
157
6.84
Average,
I ot II.
Shropshires,
Shaffer 614,
March 25,
225
241
9.00 Ewe,
P. S. C. 17,
March 17,
207
230
7.50 Ram,
7.00 Ram,
Shaffer 613,
March 14,
156
231
6.50 | Ewe,
232
7.50 | Ram,
Shaffer 584,
March 22,
189
9.00 Ram,
1
P. S. C. 55,
Feb.
23,
131
206
9.00 Ewe,
207
8.50 Ram,
P. S. C. 67,
Feb.
26,
150
208
9.25 Ram,
176.33
8.14
Average,
1 Lamb killed by getting head caught in manger.
2 Assisted in lambing.
• Lamb died.
Merino Ram, Good.
381563 | Good.
381563 Good (This lamb suffocated.
381563
Good.
381563 | Good.
381563 | Good.
381563 Good,
381563 Good,
381563 Good.

51
Table XXXII shows the Shropshire ewes that yeaned; the weight
of each ewe and lamb; the sex, condition and sire of lambs. Six ewes
yeaned eleven lambs in Lot I. The ewes averaged 157 pounds im-
mediately after lambing; the average weight of the eleven lambs
was 6.84 pounds. Four crossbred lambs were born in this lot. This
was due to rams of other breeds accidentally getting into the flock.
It was very noticeable that the ewes of this lot did not yield as much
milk as those in Lot II at the time of lambing. This condition was
reversed in 1913-14, when ewes in Lot I seemed to have a greater
milk flow than the ewes of Lot II. This may be explained by the fact
that during the winter of 1914-15 no grain was fed prior to lambing,
while during the winter of 1913-14 grain was fed six weeks prior to
lambing. On the whole the lambs were not vigorous at birth in this
lot. Two lambs died because of weakness and three lambs died due
to lack of nourishment from their mothers.
In Lot II six Shropshire ewes yeaned nine lambs, all of which
were strong and vigorous at birth. The ewes averaged 176.33 pounds
at yeaning and the lambs averaged 8.14 pounds. One crossbred
lamb was dropped in this lot. The ram lamb belonging to P. S. C.
19 was suffocated in the placenta at birth, and the ram lamb be-
longing to Shaffer 584 was killed by getting its head fast in a man-
ger when three weeks of age. A sharp contrast in the vigor of the
ewes and lambs was observed between the Shropshire ewes in Lot I
and Lot II.
52
Table XXXIII. Showing Delaine-Merino Ewes that Yeaned, Weight of Ewe, and Sex of Lambs. (Spring, 1915).
Lot.
No. of ewe.
Date of birth.
Wt. of ewe. No. of lamb
Wt. of lamb
at birth.
Sex of lamb.
Sire.
Condition of lamb.
Lamb fair.
Ewe gave little milk.
Fair.
Lot III.
Delaine-Merinos,
Lbs.
Lbs.
Scott 653,
Feb.
19,
135
219
Scott 625,
March 10,
123
233
7.25 ❘ Ram,
6.00 Ewe,
8.00 Ram,
S. M. C. 2412,
S. M. C. 2412,
S. M. C. 2412,
Scott 656,
Feb. 8,
147
221
8.50 Ram,
S. M: O. 2412,
Good.
P. S. C. 49,
Feb.
22,
136
220
7.75 Ewe,
S. M. C. 2412,
Good.
'P. S. C. 50,
Feb. 11,
140
225
8.50
Ewe,
S. M. O. 2412,
Fair.
P. S. C. 114,
Feb.
24,
120
218
9.00 | Ewe,
3. M. C. 2412,
Fair.
Average,
...
133.50
7.71
Lot IV.
Delaine-Merinos,
Patterson 40,
'P. S. C. 25,
Feb. 23,
Feb.
136
223
•
17,
116
222
8.50 Ram,
7.50 Ram,
S. M. C. 2412,
Good.
S. M. C. 2412,
Good.
7.25 Ewe,
S. M. O. 2412,
Good.
"Scott 623,
Feb. 12,
132.5
26.00 Ewe,
S. M. O. 2412,
Dead.
216
4.75 Ewe,
S. M. C. 2412,
Fair.
P. S. C. 57,
Feb.
25,
130
224
10.00 Ram
S. M. C. 2412,
Good.
•
P. S. C.
71.
Feb.
12,
127
227
10.00
Ram,
S. M. C. 2412,
Good.
7.50 | Ewe,
S. M. C. 2412,
Good.
128.30
7.68
Average,
...
¹ Assisted in lambing.
2 Lamb froze to death.
53
1
Table XXXIII shows the Delaine-Merino ewes that yeaned, their
weight, and the weight, sex, sire and condition of lambs produced.
All ewes with the exception of Scott 625 lambed during February.
All six ewes in Lot III produced lambs. The average weight per
ewe at yeaning in this lot was 133.5 pounds and the lambs averaged
7.71 pounds. The ewes in this lot did not give as much milk imme-
diately after lambing as the ewes in Lot IV. In Lot IV five of the
six ewes lambed. The average weight per ewe was 128.3 pounds,
and per lamb 7.68 pounds at lambing time. On the whole the lambs
from the ewes of Lot IV were stronger at birth than those of Lot III.
This condition was not evident during the previous winter. The
fact that no grain was fed prior to lambing during the winter of
1914-15 was the probable cause, since the same correlation existed
in the two Shropshire lots. One lamb was lost in each lot. The
loss of one twin lamb from Scott 653 was due to the lack of milk
sufficient to nourish both lambs. The twin lamb of Scott 623 was
frozen to death.
A comparison of the Shropshire ewes in Lot I with the Merinos
in Lot III, fed alfalfa hay as sole roughage, indicates that the Shrop-
shires were not able to produce lambs, without the addition of grain
to the ration, as well as the Merino ewes. This is a fact held by
Merino breeders as one of the advantages of the breed as compared
with mutton breeds. However, in the case of Lots II and IV, the
Shropshires in Lot II produced lambs equally as strong and vigorous
as the Merinos in Lot IV, a fact which indicates that the use of corn
silage with alfalfa hay as roughage, with no grain fed prior to lamb-
ing, will produce strong and vigorous lambs from Shropshire as well
as from Delaine-Merino ewes.
售
​54
Table XXXIV. Showing Weight of Shropshire Ewes and Lambs at Four Weeks from Time of Yeaning. (Spring,
1915).
Lot.
Lot I.
Shropshires,
.....
Average,
Shaffer 581,
61,
S. C.
P. S. C.
15
P S. C.
58,
No. of ewe.
¹Wt. of ewe.
Gain o
loss in wt.
No. of lamb.
Wt. of lamb.
Gain in wt.
Sex.
Lot II.
Shropshires,
Shaffer 614,
P. S. C. 19,
Shaffer 613,
P. S. C.
55,
P. S. C. 67,
A verage,
...
Wt. of fleece included.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lhs
160
8
212
23.0
14.75
Ewe.
242
23.0
13.23
Ram.
142
1
244
19.75
10.06
140
243
19.50
15.50
Ewe
135
-46
209
18.75
16.25 Ewe.
211
19.75
15.75 Ewe.
144.25
-13.75
20.62
14.35
208
-17
241
30.50
21.50 Ewe.
141
-66
230
30.50
23.00
Ram.
138
-18
231
14.50
8.00 Ewe.
·
232
19.50
12.00
Ram.
125
6
206
18.25
9.25 Ewe.
207
18.00
9.50 Ram.
145
5
208
20.00
10.75 Ram.
151.40
-20.40
21.75
13.43
55
•
Table XXXIV shows the weights of the Shropshire ewes and lambs
four weeks following yeaning. The ewes in Lot I averaged a loss of
13.75 pounds per head, and their lambs weighed 20.62 pounds with
a gain of 14.35 pounds. The ewes in Lot II lost 20.4 pounds in four
weeks; their lambs averaging 21.75 pounds and the gain being 13.43
pounds.
56
Table XXXV. Showing Weight of Delaine-Merino Ewes and Lambs at Four Weeks from Time of Yeaning. (Spring,
1915).
Lot.
Lot III.
Delaine-Merinos,
Scott 653,
Scott 625.
No. of ewe.
Wt. of ewe.
Gain or
loss in wt.
No. of lamb.
Wt. of lamb.
Gain in wt.
Sex.
Scott 656,
P. S. C. 49,
P. S. C.
C. 50,
P. S. C. 114,
•
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
120
-15
219
17.50
10.25 Ram.
127
4
233
21.50
13.50 Rani.
125
-22
221
24.00
17.50 Rain.
145
+9
220
21.25
13.50 Ewe.
140
225
23.25
14.75 Ewe.
125
+ 5
218
22.00
13.00 Ewe.
130.33
4.50
21.58
13.75
Lot IV.
Delaine-Merinos,
Patterson 40,
P. S. C.
Scott 623,
25,
140
+ 4
223
23.25
14.75
Ram.
120
4
222
18.00
10.50 | Ramn .
135
+ 2.5
216
22.50
17.75
Ewe.
P. S. C.
57.
130
217
23.00
13.00 Ram.
P. S. C.
71,
140
+13
224
20.75
10.75 Ram.
2:27
26.00
18.50 Ewe.
Average,
...
133.00
+ 3.10
22.50
14.25
Average,
...
}
57
Table XXXV shows the weight of the Delaine-Merino ewes and
lambs four weeks after lambing. The ewes in Lot III averaged a
loss of 4.5 pounds per head in four weeks, their lambs averaging
21.58 pounds or a gain of 13.75 pounds. In Lot IV the loss per ewe
was 3.10 pounds, the lambs averaging 22.5 pounds or a gain of 14.25
pounds.
The Merino ewes lost less weight than the Shropshires after lamb-
ing and their lambs made practically the same gains. The fact that
there was a large number of twin lambs in the Shropshire lot ex-
plains the reason for the good showing of the Merino lambs, which
were single lambs with the exception of one ewe.
7
1
58
Table XXXVI. Showing Weight of Shropshire Ewes and Lambs at Eight Weeks from Time of Yeaning. (Spring,
1915).
Lot.
Lot I.
Shropshires,
Shaffer 581,
P. S. C.
P. S. C.
P. S, C.
61.
15.
58,
Average,
...
No. of ewe.
1Wt. of ewe.
Gain or
loss in wt.
No. of lamb.
Wt. of lamb.
Gain in wt.
Sex.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
152
212
34
11.00 Ewe.
242
41
18.00 Ram.
148
+ 6
244
45
139
1
243
42
25.25 Ewe.
22.50 Dwe.
152
+17
209
31
12.25
Ewe.
211
30
10.25 | Ewe.
147 75
+ 3.50
37.16
16.54
Lot II.
Shropshires,
Shaffer 614,
200
P. S. C. 19,
137
Shaffer 613,
153
P. S. C.
55.
117
815
117 1
241
40
9.50❘ Ewe.
230
48
17.50
Ram.
+15
231
22
17.50
Ewe.
232
32
12.50
Ram.
6
206
28.5
9.75
Ewe.
207
30.5
12.50
Ram.
P. S, C. 67,
148
+ 3
208
43.0
23.00 Ram.
Average,
151
+.60
$4.86
14.71
1 Wt. of fleece included.
59
Table XXXVI shows the weight of the Shropshire ewes and lambs
at eight weeks after lambing. The Shropshires in Lot I averaged
147.75 pounds and gained on the average 3.5 pounds per ewe. The
lambs averaged 37.17 pounds at eight weeks and gained 16.54 pounds
in four weeks. The ewes in Lot II averaged 151 pounds at eight weeks
after lambing and gained .6 pounds during the last four weeks. The
lambs averaged 34.86 pounds in Lot II of eight weeks and showed a
gain of 14.71 pounds per head.
After grain was added to the ration, the ewes receiving alfalfa
as a sole roughage in Lots I and III increased in milk flow. The
lambs made slightly greater gains in Lot I than in Lot II. This cor-
relation existed during the winter of 1913-14, but was more marked.
60
Table XXXVII. Showing Weight of Delaine-Merinos and Lambs at Eight Weeks from Time of Yeaning. (Spring,
1915).
Lot.
Lot III.
Delaine-Merinos,
Scott 653,
Scott 625,
Scott 656,
Average,
P. S. O. 49,
P. S. O. 50.
P. S. C. 114,
No. of ewe.
¹Wt. of ewe.
Gain or
loss in wt.
No. of lamb.
Wt. of lamb.
Gain in wt.
Sex.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
115
5
219
29
11.50
Ram.
113
14
233
35
13.50 | Ram.
130
+ 5
221
45
122
23
220
36.5
139
1
225
39
21.00 Ram.
14.25 Ewe.
15.75 Ewe.
116
9
218
38
16.00 Ewe.
122.5
7.83
37.08
15.33
11+11
+10
4602-
223
40.5
17.25
Ram.
222
27.5
9.50 | Ram.
216
28.0
5.50 Ewe.
21
217
37.5
14.50
Ram.
224
35
14.25
Ram.
227
31
5.00
Ewe.
131.60
- 1.40
33.25
11.00
Lot IV.
Delaine-Merinos
Patterson 40,
131
P. S. C. 25,
115
Scott 623,
145
P. S. C. 57,
128
P. S. C.
71,
139
Average,
...
1 Wt. of fleece included.
6 1
Table XXXVII shows the weight of the ewes and lambs in the
Delaine-Merino lots eight weeks aiter lambing. The ewes in Lot III
averaged 122.5 pounds eight weeks after lambing, a decrease of 7.83
pounds during the last four weeks. The lambs in this lot averaged
37.03 pounds at eight weeks and 15.33 pounds during the last four
weeks. In Lot IV, in which silage and alfalfa hay were the rough-
ages fed, the ewes averaged 131.6 pounds at eight weeks following
lambing with an average loss per ewe of 1.40 pounds in the last four
weeks. The lambs averaged 33.25 pounds at eight weeks in Lot IV
and gained 11 pounds during the last four weeks. The same corre-
lating results as indicated in the Shropshire lots occurred in the
Merino lots with respect to the gains of lamb. The lambs from the
ewes fed alfalfa as a sole roughage made greater gains than those
of the Delaine-Merino ewes fed alfalfa hay and corn silage as rough-
age. These same results were also obtained during the winter of
1913-14.
FEEDING THE LAMBS.
A creep was constructed so that the lambs when three weeks of
age could be fed a grain mixture of five parts shelled corn, three
parts oats, two parts wheat bran and one part oil meal. The lambs
first began eating grain and roughage in the feed troughs with their
mothers. The following amounts of grain were fed to the lambs of
the various lots before being placed on pasture: Lot I, 18 pounds;
Lot II, 21 pounds; Lot III, 12 pounds; and Lot IV, 10 pounds.
When placed on pasture with the ewes on May 5, 1915, the Shrop-
shire lambs in Lot I averaged 34.73 pounds; Shropshires in Lot II,
32.61 pounds; Delaine-Merinos in Lot III, 43.05 pounds; and the
Delaine-Merinos in Lot IV, 41.99 pounds. The greater weight of
the Delaine-Merinos was due to their being older than the Shrop-
shires.
PRODUCTION OF WOOL (1915).
The ewes were shorn with a wool shearing machine. The Shrop-
shires were shorn on April 14 and the Merinos on April 20, 1915.
Tags were removed from the fleeces and the fleeces were tied, flesh
side out, with a hard, glazed twine. The wool was packed in wool
sacks and shipped to J. Bateman & Co., Commission Merchants,
Philadelphia. This company graded and valued the fleeces and
made their report on May 3, 1915.
62
Table XXXVIII. Showing Report on Wool of Individual Shropshire
Ewes. (1915).
Lot I. Shropshires.
No. of Sheep.
Weight
of fleece.
Market Grade.¹
Condition
of fleece.¹
Value
per lb.1
Value
of fleece.
Cents.
Lbs.
P S. C. 23,
9.4
High blood combing,
Fair,
31
$2 91
Shaffer 581,
10.5
Blood combing,
Fair,...
28
2 94
P. S. C. 61,
8.6
Blood combing,
Fair,...
28
2 41
Shaffer 598,
9.4
Blood combing,
Fair,...
31
2 91
P. 8. C. 15,
9.5
Blood combing,
Good,..
29
2 75
•
P. S. C. 44,
8.0
High
Blood clothing,
Fair,..
28
P. S. C. 56,
8.0
High
Blood clothing,
Fair,...
P. S. C. 58,
7.5
High
Blood clothing,
Fair,
P. S. C. 68.
5.8 High
Blood clothing,
Fair,…….
P. S. C. 113,
11.2
High
Blood combing,
Good,
*****
2 24
2 24
2 10
28
1 62
32
3.58
•
Total,
87.9
20.1
25.70
2.57
Average,
8.79
Lot II. Shropshires.
Shaffer 614,
P. S. C. 19,
Shaffer 613,
0.8
Shaffer 584,
Shaffer 570.
P. S. C. 55,
P. S. C. 43,
7.5
•
8.8
6.2
8.2
9.2 High Blood clothing,
9.1 High Blood clothing,
High Blood clothing,
High Blood clothing,
High Blood clothing,
High Blood clothing,
High
•
Fair,
Fair,...
Seedy,...
28
$2.58
2.55
1 70
•
•
Fair,....
2 10
Seedy,..
2 20
Good,
1 80
Blood combing,
Fair,...
2 54
P. S. C. 67,
7.3
High Blood clothing,
Fair,.
2 04
•
P. S. C. 107.
9.0
High Blood combing,
Seedy,
2 43
P. S. C. 116,
9.3
High Blood clothing,
Fair,
28
2 00
$22 54
81.4
8.14
27.7
2 25
Total,
Average,
¹Reported by J. Bateman and Co., Wool Commission Merchants, Philadelphia, Pa., May 3, 1915.
Table XXXVIII shows the data on individual fleeces of Shrop-
shire ewes in Lots I and II. The average weight per fleece was 8.79
pounds in Lot I and 8.14 pounds in Lot II. The market grade of
fleeces shows that five ewes in Lot I had "combing" wool and five
had "clothing" wool, a fact which means that ewes having "comb-
ing" grade had a fiber more than 2 inches in length, while the "cloth-
ing" grade indicated fiber length of less than 2 inches. The thick-
ness of the fiber is indicated by "blood" and "3/8 blood.” Origi-
nally these terms meant " blood," the quality of wool possessed in
a crossbred mutton sheep having Merino blood. The term "3/8
blood" meant a mutton crossbred sheep having 3/8 Merino breeding.
Seven ewes had " blood” wool in this lot and three had a finer grade
of "3/8 blood" wool.
4
The fleeces were graded "fair" in condition, due to some chaff and
dirt in the fleece about the neck and back. This was caused by the
type of hayracks used. The ewes were able to get their heads into
the hay and shake it, thus causing dirt and hayseeds to get into the
wool. During the winter of 1915-16 a different type of rack which
prevented shaking the hay was used, as shown in Fig. 5. The aver-
age price per pound of wool in Lot I was 29.1 cents, and the average
price per fleece was 2.57 on May 3, 1915.
In the Shropshire Lot II, eight of the ten fleeces were graded as
" blood clothing" and two as " blood combing." This would indi-
cate that wool from the ewes in Lot I showed greater fiber length
63
than wool from the Shropshire ewes in Lot II. Because the fleeces
contained more dirt and seed in Lot II, and owing to the shorter
wool fiber, the price per pound was 27.7 cents or 1.4 cents less on
the average than for the fleeces of Lot I. The average valuation of
fleeces in Lot II was 2.25 or 32 cents less than that of Lot II.
The results show that the Shropshires, fed alfalfa hay as a sole
roughage, produced on the average a longer fiber than the ewes of
the same breed that were fed alfalfa hay and silage as a roughage.
Also that a higher price for the wool was realized when of "combing"
grade and freer from foreign material than when of "clothing" grade
and containing dirt and hayseeds. Two of the four ewes of Lot I
that did not produce lambs produced a "combing" grade of wool,
and the only two ewes that showed "combing" grade in Lot II did
not raise lambs.
Table XXXIX. Showing Report on Wool of Individual Delaine-
Merino Ewes. (Spring, 1915).
Lot III. Delaine-Merinos.
No. of Sheep.
Weight
of fleece. ¡
Market Grade.¹
Condition
of fleece.'
Value
per lb.1
Value
of fleece.
Lbs.
Scott 653,
12.2
XX Delaine,
Scott 625,
10.8
XX Clothing,
Scott 656,
11.2
XX Delaine,
.
P. S. C. 49,
13.0
XX Delaine,
P. S. C. 50,
15.3
XX Delaine,
P. S. C. 114,
13.4
X Delaine,
Total,
75.9
Average,
12.65
Lot IV. Delaine-Merinos.
7
Patterson 40,
10.6
XX Clothing,
P. S. C. 25,
10.5
XX Clothing,
Scott 623,
10.2
X Delaine,
P. S. C. 57,
11.4
XX Clothing,
P. S. C. 71,
14.1
XX Delaine,
P. S. C. 9,
13.5
X Delaine,
70.30
11.71
• D
Cents.
Good,.
Fair.
26
23
Good,..
Good,..
26
Good,
Good,
•
នននននន
$3 72
2 48
26
2 91
3 38
26
26
3 98
3 48
25.5
$18 95.
'3 16
Good,.
24
$2 54
Heavy,....
22
2 31
Good,
26
2 65
Good,..
24
2 74
·
Good,..
26
3 67
Good,...
26
3 51
$17 42
24.66
2 90
Total,
Average,
'Reported by J. Bateman and Co., Wool Commission Merchants, Philadelphia, Pa., May 3, 1915.
Table XXXIX shows the report on the individual 'fleeces produced
by ewes of the Merino lots. All ewes in these lots yeaned, with the
exception of P. S. C. 9. The average weight of the fleeces in Lot III
was 12.65 pounds and in Lot IV, 11.71 pounds, a difference of .94
pounds in favor of the Merinos in Lot III. The terms used in the
market grade of Merino sheep, as shown in this report, are "XX De-
laine," "X Delaine" and "XX Clothing." By "XX" is meant a quality
of wool characteristic of the original purebred American Merino.
"X" grade indicates the same quality as shown by a " blood," or a
cross between a mutton sheep and a Merino sheep. "Delaine" signi-
fies Merino wool more than 2 inches in length, while "clothing"
means a fiber length of less than 24 inches.
64
The condition of the wool in both Merino lots was better than the
condition of the wool in the Shropshire Lots, even though the same
kind of hayracks was used. This was due to the fact that the wool of
the Merino sheep is denser, thus dirt and chaff do not so readily get
into the fleece. P. S. C. 25 in Lot IV was "heavy" in condition due
to high yolk or oil content in the wool. Due to the greater number
of short fleeces in Lot IV the price per pound was 24.66 cents as
compared with 25.5 cents per pound in Lot III. The total value of
each fleece in Lot III averaged 3.16 or 26 cents more than the average
fleeces of Lot IV.
A comparison of the results for the year previous indicates that
the ewes of Lot III produced a heavier and more valuable fleece than
the ewes in Lot IV. The results obtained in both the Shropshire
and Merino lots, with alfalfa as the sole roughage, show greater
weight and value than do those of the lots in which corn silage and
alfalfa hay were fed as roughage. The Shropshires in Lot I produced.
a fleece weighing 8.79 pounds and valued at 2.57, while the Merino
ewes of Lot III, fed a similar ration, produced a fleece weighing
12.65 pounds and valued at $3.16. In Lots II the Shropshires pro-
duced a fleece averaging 8.14 pounds and valued at $2.25, while the
Merino ewes in Lot IV produced a fleece averaging 11.71 pounds and
valued at $2.90, both lots being fed the same feeds.
SUMMARY-NOV. 25, 1914, TO MAY 5, 1915. 161 DAYS.
A summary of the winter of 1914-15, as shown in Table XL, gives
the average weight per ewe, the feed and air-dry matter in feeds
consumed, the feed cost, the amount and value of bedding and
manure, the weight of lambs at birth and at two-week intervals fol-
lowing, the amount and value of wool produced and the cost of
maintaining the average ewe in each lot. This table does not account
for labor cost, equipment and depreciation. These items are dis-
cussed in the final summary of the investigation as herein reported.
65
Table XL. Summary. Nov. 25, 1914, to May 5, 1915-161 Days.
161 Days.
Lot I.
Shropshires.
Grain and
Alfalfa Hay.
Lot II.
Shropshires.
Grain,
Alfalfa Hay
and Corn
Silage.
Lot III.
Delaine-
Merinos.
Grain and
Alfalfa Hay.
Lot IV.
Delaine-
Merinos.
Grain,
Alfalfa Hay
and Corn
Silage.
Average weight per ewe, Nov. 25, 1914,
Average weight per ewe, May 5, 1915,
Gain or loss in weight per ewe,
Average daily feed fed per ewe:
169.66 lbs.
156.66 lbs.
-13.00 lbs.
173.54 lbs.
163.06 lbs.
-10.48 lbs.
130.27 lbs.
124.14 lbs.
-6.13 lbs.
125.83 lbs.
132.27 lbs.
6.44 lbs.
Grain mixture,
•
Alfalfa hay,
.072 lbs.
5.383 lbs.
.093 lbs.
3.325 lbs.
.211 lbs.
5.041 lbs.
.213 lbs.
4.141 lbs.
Corn silage,
3.493 lbs.
3.788 lbs.
Average daily consumption of d.
m.* in
feeds consumed per ewe,
4.568 lbs.
3.822 lbs.
4.253 lbs.
3.731 lbs.
Average daily consumption of d.
m.* in
feeds consumed per 100 lbs. live weight,
1Cost of feed per ewe (161 days),
2.686 lbs.
2.189 lbs.
3.097 lbs.
2.696 lbs.
2 Amount of bedding per ewe (161 days),..
Cost of bedding per ewe (161 days),
* Amount of manure per ewe (161 days),..
"Value of manure per ewe (161 days),
Average weight per fleece,
$6 66
76.5 lbs.
$0 31
817.07 lbs.
$1 02
8.79 lbs.
"Average value per fleece,
$2.57
$5 21
82.5 lbs.
$0 33
707.39 lbs.
$0 88
8.14 lbs.
$2.25
$6 57
88.5 lbs.
$0 35
834.18 lbs.
$1 04
12.65 lbs.
$3 16
$5.35
91.5 lbs.
$0 37
786.89 lbs.
$0.98
11.71 lbs.
$2.90
Average weight per lamb at birth,
6.84 lbs.
8.14 lbs.
7.71 lbs.
7.68 lbs.
...
Average weight per lamb 4 weeks after
birth,
20.62 lbs.
21.75 lbs.
21.58 lbs.
22.50 lbs.
Average weight per lamb 8 weeks after
birth,
37.16 lbs.
34.86 lbs.
37.08 lbs.
33.25 lbs.
Average cost of maintaining ewe, including
$5 95
$4 66
$5 86
$4 74
value of manure,
1Feed Costs:
Shelled corn, 70c per bushel.
Oats, 50c per bushel.
Wheat bran, $28 per ton.
Oil meal, $36 per ton.
Alfalfa hay, $15 per ton.
Corn silage, $3.50 per ton.
"Bedding based on data, winter of 1915-16.
Oat straw, value at $8 per ton.
*Based on data obtained, winter 1915-16.
"Sheep manure, valued at $2.50 per ton.
"See tables.
*d. m. designates air-dry matter.
The ewes in Shropshire Lots I and II averaged, respectively, 169.66
pounds and 173.5 pounds when the winter period began on Nov. 25,
1914. The ewes in Lot I lost 13.00 pounds, and the ewes in Lot II
lost 10.48 pounds during the winter. The grain mixture was fed at
the rate of pound per ewe daily after lambing, which explains the
variation in the grain mixture fed.
Alfalfa hay fed daily was 5.308 pounds in Lot I and 3.325 pounds
in Lot II with 3.493 pounds of corn silage additional. The average
consumption of air-dry matter in feeds consumed daily per ewe was
4,568 pounds in Lot I and 3.822 pounds in Lot II, a difference of
.746 pounds. Based on live weight the ewes of Lot I consumed 2.686
pounds of air-dry matter per hundred pounds daily and in Lot II,
2.189 pounds. Therefore, the ewes of Lot I consumeed .497 pounds
more per hundred pounds live weight daily, or 17% more than the
ewes of Lot II. The total cost of feeds in
The total cost of feeds in Lot I was 6.66 per ewe,
and $5.21 in Lot II, a difference of $1.45 per ewe.
The amount of bedding used was 76.5 pounds per ewe in Lot I,
and 82.5 pounds per ewe in Lot II, as obtained from the results of
the winter of 1915-16. A greater amount of manure was obtained
from the lot in which alfalfa hay was the sole roughage. This would
naturally be expected, since the air-dry matter consumed by the
ewes of this lot was greater than that of Lot II.
66
The weight and value of the fleeces from the Shropshire ewes, fed
alfalfa hay alone as roughage, was greater than that from the ewes
fed silage and alfalfa hay as roughage, due to the longer fiber of
wool obtained from the Shropshires in Lot I.
The weight of the lambs at birth was 8.14 pounds in Lot II and
6.84 pounds in Lot I. The lambs in Lot II were more vigorous than
those in Lot I, at birth. After grain was added to the ration, the
lambs in Lot I made greater gains, as shown in the weight of the
lambs at eight weeks of age, when they averaged 37.16 pounds in
Lot I and 34.86 pounds in Lot II. This evidence seems to warrant
the conclusion that grain feeding to Shropshire ewes, fed silage as
a sole roughage, is more necessary than when corn silage and alfalfa
hay are fed as roughage. The cost per ewe after giving a value of
$2.50 per ton for manure produced was $5.95 in Lot I and $4.66 in
Lot II, a difference of $1.29 per ewe.
The comparison as shown in Lots I and II correlated very closely
to the results obtained from the Delaine-Merino ewes in Lots III
and IV fed, respectively, the same rations.
The grain mixture was fed in the same manner as indicated for
Lots I and II. The ewes in Lot III averaged 5.041 pounds of alfalfa
hay fed daily. The ewes in Lot IV were fed 3.141 pounds of alfalfa
and 3.788 of corn silage daily per ewe. The air-dry matter in feed
consumed per ewe daily in Lot III was 4.253 pounds, and in Lot IV
3.731 pounds, while the air-dry matter per hundred pounds live
weight daily was 3.097 pounds in Lot III and 2.696 pounds in Lot IV.
The cost of feeds consumed during the winter was $6.57 in Lot
III and $5.35 in Lot IV, a difference of $1.22.
The bedding used in Lots III and IV was 88.5 and 91.5 pounds,
respectively.
The manure produced was heavier in the lot fed alfalfa hay as a
sole roughage.
The weight and value of the wool produced was .84 pounds heavier
and 26 cents more value per ewe in Lot III than in Lot IV.
The weights of the lambs at birth were 7.71 pounds in Lot III
and 7.68 pounds in Lot IV. At eight weeks the lambs in Lot III
weighed 3.73 pounds more than the lambs in Lot IV. The lambs
were not so vigorous at birth, but when grain was added to the
ration for the ewes of Lot III, the lambs of that lot made greater
gains than those of Lot IV.
The total cost of maintenance per ewe, after giving credit for the
manure produced, was $5.86 in Lot III and $4.74 in Lot IV, a differ-
ence of $1.12 per ewe.
In noticing the relationship of the Shropshires and Merinos, in
the lots in which the same rations were fed, namely, Lots I and III,
The
and Lots II and IV, the following conclusions were reached:
Merino ewes maintained their original weight better than the Shrop-
shire ewes.
The Merinos consumed less air-dry matter in feeds consumed per
ewe, but more than the Shropshire ewes on a live weight basis.
The wool per ewe was heavier and more valuable in the Merino
lots than in the Shropshire lots.

6
16" 2 26" 3
36 4
46"
5
3'
26
16"
6"
Fig. 17. Shropshire ram, Rumsey 13-1, Association No. 392965, used during portion of season of 1915.

61
26" 31 36 4
6
5
3'
6
16"
6"
Fig. 18. Delaine-Merino ram, Corothers 384, used during season of 1915.
67
The weight of the lambs at birth was less in Lot III than that of
the Shropshires in Lot I, but the Merino lambs in Lot IV were
heavier than the Shropshires of Lot II.
The Merino ewes fed alfalfa hay alone before lambing produced
stronger lambs than the Shropshires fed a similar ration. But in
the lots where corn silage and alfalfa hay were both fed prior to
lambing with no grain, there was no distinction in the comparative
vigor of the lambs.
The weight of the lambs in the Merino lots was relatively larger
than the Shropshire lambs, due to the Shropshires being largely twin
and the Merino single lambs. At eight weeks of age the weight of
the Shropshire lambs was slightly heavier than that of the Merino
lambs.
The total cost of maintenance per ewe indicates that in both breeds
the greatest cost existed where alfalfa was the sole roughage fed.
A comparison of the two breeds shows that the cost of maintaining
a Shropshire ewe during the winter of 1914-15 in Lot I was 9 cents
greater than that of maintaining a Merino ewe in Lot III.
II and IV the Shropshires averaged $1.12 more than the Merinos in
cost of maintenance.
Summer-1915.
May 5 to Dec. 1, 209 days.
The sheep used in this investigation were placed on pasture May
5. Although they had no ticks, they were all dipped, including the
lambs, on May 3, in a three per cent. solution of a standard coal-tar
disinfectant. The ewes and lambs of Lots I and III were separated
from those of Lots II and IV. A grain mixture was fed to all the
lambs in creeps, separate from the ewes, from May 5 to June 7. From
June 7 to June 30 the lambs of Lots II and IV were fed grain, while
those of Lots III and IV received no grain. The grain mixture was
composed of five parts shelled corn, three parts oats, two parts wheat
bran and one part oil meal. It was found necessary to feed grain
to the lambs in the morning prior to being placed on pasture, as
they refused to eat grain in the evening. The blue grass pasture
was excellent during this period.
A sheep corral was constructed and used as a night enclosure for
protection from the ravages of dogs. This corral was surrounded
by a woven wire fence, five feet high, with one barb wire at the
bottom and two at the top of the fence. Rotation of pastures was
not practiced, due to the fact that, in separating the ewes into groups,
the two pastures available were used.
All lambs were weaned on June 30, at which time the gasoline
treatment for worms was given, as previously described in the man-
agement of the flock for the summer of 1914. The ewes were milked
out on alternate days until they were "dried up." This required
from two to five milkings for each ewe, the number depending upon
their milking qualities. Some of the lambs were placed on rape
pasture and some on blue grass pasture, after weaning. Due to the
rainy summer, some cases of sore feet resulted. These were treated
by cleansing and applying an ointment of powdered copper sulphate
and "Kreso Dip."
68
The ewes were not "flushed" prior to the mating season, because
of their high physical condition. They had access to a potato field
and consumed weeds during several days in September. Since some
of the ewes failed to breed, the standard grain mixture was fed at the
rate of one-quarter pound per ewe from Oct. 5 to 20. The mating
season began on Sept. 13. The Shropshire ram used was Gibson
143 and the Merino ram was Charles E. Carothers 384. The Shrop-
shire ram weighed 196 pounds but lacked vigor. The Merino ram
weighed 141 pounds and had previously bred 25 Merino ewes. On
Oct. 11 he weighed 166 pounds. On Oct. 6 the Shropshire ram,
Gibson 143, was removed from the Shropshire flock and Rumsey 13-1
introduced on Oct. 11. Rumsey 13-1 had previously bred 50 Merino
ewes for crossbred lambs and was rested two weeks prior to being
placed in the Shropshire flock. All ewes were placed in winter quar-
ters on Dec. 1, 1915.
69
Table XLI.
Showing Individual, Initial and Concluding Weights of Breeding Ewes. (Summer, 1915).
Lot I. Shropshires.
Lot III. Delaine-Merinos.
Average
Average
initial
concluding
No. of Sheep.
weight,
weight,
May 4, 5
and 6.
Nov. 30,
Gain
in
weight.
Loss
in
weight.
No. of Sheep.
Dec. 1 and 2.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
P. S. C. 23,
185.00
203.33
8.33
Scott 653,
Shaffer 581,
131.66
181.33
49.67
Scott 625,
P. S. C. 61,
126.66
162.33
35.67
Shaffer 598,
145.00
161.66
16.66
Scott 656,
P. S. C. 49.
P. S. C. 15,
130.00
151.33
21.33
P. S. C. 44,
183.33
164.00
I'. S. C. 50,
19.33 I. S. C 114
114,
P. S. C. 56,
160.00
188.00
28.00
P. S. C. 58,
153.33
196.00
42.67
P. S. C. 68,
110.00
148.66
38.66
P. S. C. 113,
Total,
153.33
190.00
36.67
1,478.31
1,746.64
277.66
19.33
Lot II. Shropshires.
Shaffer 614,
P. S. C. 19,
203.33
217.66
14.33
Patterson 40,
118.33
164.33
46.00
P. S. C. 25,
Shaffer 613,
143.33
173.00
29.67
Scott 623,
Shaffer 584,
181.66
192.00
10.34
P. S. C. 57,
Shaffer 570,
171.66
183.33
11.67
P. S. C.
C. 9,
P. S. C. 55,
111.66
146.00
34.34
P.
71,
P. S. C. 43,
178.33
179.00
.67
P. S. C. 67,
138.33
180.00
41.67
P S. C. 107,
160.00
190.33
30.33
P. S. C. 116,
141.66
186.00
44.34
Total,
1,548.29
1,811.65
263.36
+
Average
initial
weight,
Average
concluding
weight,
Gain
in
May 4, 5
Nov. 30,
weight.
and 6.
Dec. 1 and 2.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
110.00
123.33
13.33
103.66
112.33
8.67
115.00
115.33
.33
115.00
132.00
17.00
118.66
136.33
17.67
106.66
119.32
12.67
668.98
738.65
69.67
Lot IV. Delaine-Merinos.
116.66
145.00
28.34
110.00
112.33
2.33
115.00
132.00
17.00
120.00
126.66
5.66
128.33
140.33
12.00
123.83
145.33
22.00
713.32
800.65
87.33
70
Showing Weights of Ewes.
Table XLI shows the individual, initial and concluding weights
of the breeding ewes during the summer of 1915. In Lot I, P. S. C.
44 lost weight. This was caused by a dog bite in the shoulder re
sulting in lameness from which she suffered throughout the summer.
P. S. Č. 68 in Lot I was in relatively low condition and showed symp-
toms of internal parasites. All ewes in Lot II made gains during
the summer period. The Merino ewes in Lots III and IV made gains
during the pasturing season.
Table XLII. Showing Average Weight per Head of Breeding Ewes
by Four-Week Periods. (Summer, 1915).
May 5-December 1, 1915.
Lot I.
10
Lot II.
10
Shropshires. Shropshires.
Lot III.
6 Delaine-
Merinos.
Lot IV.
6 Delaine-
Merinos.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
May 4, 5, 6,
147.83
154.82
111.49
118.88
June 2,
157.80
161.40
108.16
117.16
June 30,
162.00
166.50
109.16
122.50
July 28,
167.20
171.50
113.83
122.50
August 25,
167.70
169.60
114.83
122.00
September 22,
172.40
178.20
119.33
126.83
October 20,
180.50
182.80
122.83
129.66
November 17,
167.80
174.70
120.66
123.50
November 30, December 1, 2,
174.66
181.16
123.10
133.44
•
Average weight per ewe,
164.21
171.18
115.90
124.05
Table XLII shows the average weight of the breeding ewes by four-
week periods during the summer of 1915. The ewes in Lot I averaged
147.83 pounds when placed on pasture May 5; Lot II averaged 154.82
pounds; Lot III averaged 111.49 pounds; and Lot IV averaged 118.88
pounds. A gradual increase in weight occurred in all lots from
May 5 to October 20. The pasture at that time was quite short,
due to the heavy grazing by cattle, and also the grain mixture for
"flushing" the ewes was discontinued on October 20. These are
the probable causes for the slight decrease in weight as shown on
Nov. 17 in all lots. The average weight for the summer period was
164.21 pounds in Lot I; 171.18 pounds in Lot II; 115.90 pounds in Lot
III; and 124.05 pounds in Lot IV.
Table XLIII. Showing Average Gains and Losses per Head of Breed-
ing Ewes by Four-Week Periods. (Summer, 1915).
May 5-December 1, 1915.
First four weeks, June 2,
Second four weeks, June 30,
Third four weeks, July 28,
Fourth four weeks, August 25,
Fifth four weeks, September 22,
Sixth four weeks, October 20,
Seventh four weeks, November 17,
Two weeks, December 1,
May 5-December 1, 1915,
Lot I.
10
Lot II.
10
Shropshires. Shropshires.
Lot III.
6 Delaine-
Merinos.
Lot IV.
6 Delaine-
Merinos.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
9.97
6.58
-3.33
Lbs.
-1.72
4.20
5.10
1.00
5.34
5.20
5.00
4.67
.50
-1.90
1.00
-.50
4.70
8.60
4.50
4.83
8.10
4.60
3.50
2.83
-12.70
-8.10
-2.17
6.16
6.86
6.46
2.44
9.94
26.83
26.34
11.61
14.56
71
Table XLIII shows the average gains and losses per sheep in the
Shropshire and Merino lots during the summer of 1915 by four-week
periods. The average ewe in Lot I gained 26.83 pounds; in Lot II,
the gain per ewe was 26.34 pounds; in Lot III, the gain was 11.61
pounds per ewe; and in Lot IV there was an average gain per ewe
of 14.56 pounds during the summer of 209 days.
PRODUCTION OF LAMBS FOR MARKET.
Tables XXXII to XXXVII, inclusive, show the behavior of the
ewes and lambs prior to being placed on pasture May 5, 1915. The
lambs were fed grain separate from the ewes in winter quarters six
weeks prior to being placed on pasture. The lambs in all lots were
fed grain from May 5 to June 7 and those of Lots II and IV were
fed grain from June 7 to June 30, at which time they were weaned.
Table XLIV. Showing Average Weight of Lambs Up to Weaning
Time. May 5 to June 30.
56 Days.
May 5, 1915,
June 2, 1915,
June 30, 1915,
Gain in weight,
Lot I.
Shropshires.
Lot II.
Shropshires.
6 lambs.
7 lambs.
Lot III.
Delaine-
Merinos.
6 lambs.
Lot IV.
Delaine-
Merinos.
5 lambs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
34.73
32.61
43.05
41.99
53.50
49.28
51.83
51.80
63.33
65.00
62.50
62.50
28.60
32.39
19.45
20.51
Table XLIV shows the average weight of the lambs when placed
on pasture, and weights on June 2 and 30, with the average gain per
lamb during the 56 days. The initial weight shows the Delaine-
Merino lambs as being heavier than the Shropshire lambs due to
their greater age. The Shropshire lambs made greater gains during
the first four weeks on pasture than the Merino lambs. When
weaned on June 30 the Shropshires were heavier than the Merino
lambs. Grain was fed to the lambs in Lots II and IV during the
last four weeks, while no grain was fed to the lambs of Lots I and
III during this interval. The average gain per lamb in Lot I was
28.60 pounds; 32.39 pounds in Lot II; 19.45 pounds in Lot III; and
20.51 pounds in Lot IV.
Table XLV. Showing Amount of Grain Mixture Fed per Lamb.
(Spring, 1915).
Lot I.
Shropshires,
Lot II.
Shropshires.
Lot III.
Delaine-
Merinos.
Lot IV.
Delaine-
Merinos.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Before being placed on pasture,
3
3
On pasture, May 5-June 7,
3
3
es co
3
3
3
On pasture, June 7-June 30,
8.5
8.5
Total grain consumed per lamb,
6
14.5
6
14.5
72
Table XLV shows that the lambs in Lot I consumed an average
of six pounds per head; Lot II averaged 14.5 pounds; Lot III, six
pounds; and Lot IV, 14.5 pounds. The lambs consumed their grain
more readily the last four weeks before being weaned than the first
four weeks on pasture. The grain mixture was composed of five
parts of corn, three parts oats, two parts wheat bran and one part
oil meal. Corn in the form of meal composed part of the grain mix-
ture in winter quarters and shelled corn, a part of it on pasture.
Table XLVI. Summary on Lambs. (Spring, 1915).
Lot I.
Shropshires
Lot II.
Shropshires
7
Lot III.
Delaine-
Lot IV.
Delaine-
Merinos.
Merinos.
lambo
6
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Weight per lamb at birth,
6.84
8.14
7.71
7.68
Weight per lamb at eight weeks,
37.16
34.86
37.08
33.25
•
Weight when weaned,
63.33
65.00
62.50
62.50
¹Gain per lamb on pasture,
28.60
32.29
19.45
20.51
Cost of grain,
8.5c
20.4c
8.5c
20.4c
2Market value per 100 lbs. live weight,
$9 50
$9 75
$8 75
$9 00
Value per lamb when weaned,
6 01
6 32
5 31
5 63
1See Table XL.
2Pittsburgh market quotations, July 3, 1915.
A summary of the records of lambs produced in the spring of 1915
is shown in Table XLVI. The average weight of the Shropshires was
6.84 pounds at birth in Lot I and 8.14 pounds in Lot II. The ewes in
Lots I and III received alfalfa hay as a sole roughage with no grain
prior to lambing, while the ewes of Lot II and IV received alfalfa
hay and corn silage with no grain prior to lambing. The lambs pro-
duced in Lots I and III were less vigorous than those of Lots II and
IV at birth.
Following the introduction of grain to the ration the lambs in
Lots I and III made greater gains than those of Lots II and IV,
as indicated by the weights at eight weeks after lambing.
The Shropshire lambs in both lots made greater gains than the De-
laine-Merino lambs during the 56 days before weaning. The Merino
lambs averaged about two weeks greater age than the Shropshire
lambs at weaning time. All lambs had access to grain up to June
7, when it was discontinued in Lots I and III. Although there was
little difference in weight in the lambs at weaning time, there was a
distinction in flesh covering, as indicated by the market prices per
100 pounds live weight. The Merino lambs averaged $.75 less per
100 pounds live weight than the Shropshire lambs, from ewes re-
ceiving the same feeds and care.
Rape vs. Bluegrass Pasture for Fattening Lambs.
Twenty-four of the lambs from the ewes on this investigation
after weaning were separated into two groups of twelve each, and
placed with several other lambs on a comparative test of bluegrass
and rape pasture. The blue grass pasture was excellent and had
previously been grazed by mature sheep. The rape was of rank
growth due to the excessive rains during the summer of 1915.
The lambs were accustomed to the rape pasture by placing them
on blue grass until the dew was off in the morning, and then placing
73
them on the rape pasture for an hour the first day and two hours
the second; the time was increased by one hour each day until at
the end of five days they were allowed to stay on rape for a half
day and on blue grass for the remainder of the day. There was no
trouble from bloat. Due to the rankness of the rape, the lambs
scoured throughout the test which lasted from July 5 to August 16.
Considerable trouble was experienced with maggots, as a result of
scouring, which attracted the "blow fly." The lambs on rape sup-
plemented with blue grass were weighed at intervals of two weeks.
On August 16 they averaged two pounds less per lamb than
when placed on the rape pasture. The lambs placed on blue grass
pasture gained at the rate of .35 pounds per head daily and were
likewise weighed every two weeks.
A trial was also made of placing lambs on blue grass previously
grazed by sheep known to be infested with parasites. The pasture
area was not alternated. These were the lambs that were compared
with those on rape pasture. The lambs made satisfactory gains
until about the middle of August when they began decreasing in
weight and continued to do so until about the middle of September.
At this time some of them were slaughtered, and they showed marked
infestation of internal parasites.
In the use of rape pasture it was found that some of the lambs
were infested with internal parasites in a severe form when they
were slaughtered in the autumn. This instance, therefore, shows
that a forage crop is not immune from parasitic infestation unless
the sheep grazed on it are entirely free from internal parasites. The
practice of alternating forage crops would be necessary, as it is with
grass, to control internal parasites in sheep.
No trouble was experienced with internal parasites in lambs under
this investigation, when the lambs were weaned prior to the middle
of July, and then placed on pasture on which the mature sheep had
not grazed previously that season. All lambs received the gasoline
treatment for worms, as previously described, at weaning time.
COST OF SUMMERING EWES.
Table XLVII Cost of Maintaining Breeding Ewes During Summer.
(209 days, May 5 to December 1, 1915).
1Cost of pasture,
2Labor cost at 15c per hour,
"Grain mixture,
•
Equipment ($100 at 6% interest, 209 days),
*Service of ram,
Total cost,
•
Average cost per ewe,
Lots I and III.
20 ewes.
Lots III and IV.
12 ewes.
$18 65
4; 90
$8.40
2 94
1 13
68
2 14
1 28
7 03
4 22
33 85
17 52
1 69
1 46
¹Estimated acre per Shropshire ewe, acre per Merino ewe, on land valued at $56 per acre at
5% interest.
"Average amount of labor involved, 15 minutes daily.
"Grain mixture, 80 lbs. to Shropshires and 48 lbs. to Delaine-Merinos.
5 parts shelled corn at 70c per bushel.
3 parts oats at 50c per bushel.
2 parts wheat bran at $28.00 per ton.
1 part oil meal at $36.00 per ton.
*Service of ram taken for 32 ewes, valued at $25.00; cost of maintenance, $6.00 per year; de-
preciation, 25%.
74
Table XLVII shows the cost of maintaining breeding ewes in the
Shropshire and Delaine-Merino lots during the summer of 1915. The
following items of cost are included: pasture, labor, grain for “flush-
ing" the ewes, equipment, and service of sire. The value of the
manure produced by the sheep was not considered. In the final sum-
mary of the investigation other items of costs are included. The
average ewe in the Shropshire lots was maintained at a cost of $1.69
for the 209 days and the average cost of the Merino ewes was $1.46.
The cost of maintaining the ewes of both breeds during the summer
of 1914 was greater than during the summer of 1915. This was be-
cause of a lesser number of breeding ewes on the investigation dur-
ing the preceding year. Since the equipment necessary to maintain
25 or 40 sheep is practically the same, the cost of maintenance is
greater per animal when small flocks are kept. The labor and service
of ram are also affected in the same way.
Winter, 1915-16.*
Dec. 1, 1915, to May 9, 1916-160 days.
METHOD OF EXPERIMENTATION.
P. S. C. 44 in Lot I and Shaffer 570 in Lot II were dropped from
the investigation because of their non-breeding tendencies. The fol-
lowing ewes were added to the investigation: P. S. C. 85, Lot I;
P. S. C. 148, Lot II; P. S. C. 137 and P. S. C. 118 in Lot III; and
P. S C 248 and Scott 704 in Lot IV The same general method of
experimentation described for the winters of 1913-14 and 1914-15
was used during the winter of 1915-16.
The following changes were observed: the alfalfa hay was limited
in amount, while the corn silage was fed to satisfy appetite. The
standard grain mixture was fed at the rate of one-quarter of a pound
per ewe six weeks after being placed in winter quarters and in-
creased to one-half pound per head after lambing.
The ewes were kept in the same open sheds as described for the
winter of 1914-15. The only change in equipment was the feed rack
used. This feed rack, as shown in Fig. 5, prevented the ewes from
wasting hay and also kept the wool free from dirt and seed.
Feeds Used.
Samples were secured of all feeds fed during each month and im-
mediately taken to the Department of Experimental Agricultural
Chemistry where air-dry moisture determinations were made as
shown in Table XLVIII.
*The author acknowledges the services of Mr. D. W. Duck and G. H. Grabe in keeping records
during the winter of 1915-16, both of whom were assistants in the Department of Animal Hus-
bandry.

Fig. 19. Lambs on rape pasture summer of 1915. Rape is good for "flushing" ewes, but should not be used for pasture
for lambs during wet seasons.

Fig. 20. Shropshire ewes, Lot I, winter of 1915-16.

Fig. 21. Shropshire ewes, Lot II, winter of 1915-16.

Fig. 22. Delaine-Merino ewes, Lot III, winter of 1915-16.
75
1
Table XLVIII. Showing Air-Dry Moisture in Feeds.¹

Dec. 1, 1915-May 9, 1916 Dec. 8.
Jan. 5.
Feb. 16. March 9,
Average Average
April 26. Air-dry Air-dry
moisture. matter.
Shelled corn,
Wheat bran,
Oil meal,
..
Oats.
Alfalfa hay,
Corn silage,
·
•
11.92
10.50
14.25
12.225
87.775
13.63
15.06
22.00
16.898
83.102
5.33
5.28
8.00
6.203
93.797
11.00
6.03
17.00
11.343
88.657
28.95
76.00
19.47
15.00
12.84
12.03
17.658
82.342
71.48
68.50
73.67
74.33
72.796
27.204
¹Reported by the Dept. of Expt. Agric. Chem., Chas. Kern, Analyst.
The alfalfa hay used during the first six weeks was Colorado alfalfa
hay of excellent quality. The alfalfa hay used during the remainder
of the winter was purchased in New York State. The amount fed
from March 30 to May 9 was coarse, although possessing good color
and a normal proportion of leaves.
The corn silage was obtained from an ensilage variety of corn known
as "100 Day White Cap." Due to the excessive rains during the sum-
mer of 1915, the corn was of rank growth and not as fully matured as
desirable for the best silage. It is estimated that the yield of corn was
50 bushels per acre.
The silage, however, was not sour and was consumed with relish by
the sheep throughout the winter. The shelled corn and oats were
grown locally.
The wheat bran and oil meal were of good quality. The average
moisture content of feeds fed was as follows: shelled corn 12.225%,
wheat bran 16.898%, oil meal 6.203%, oats 11.343%, alfalfa hay
17.658%, and corn silage 72.796%.
76
Table XLIX. Showing Individual, Initial and Concluding Weights of Breeding Ewes. (Winter, 1915-16).
Lot I. Shropshires.
Lot III. Delaine-Merinos.
Average
Average
initial
concluding
No. of Sheep.
weight,
Nov. 30,
Dec. 1 and 2.
weight,
May 8, 9
and 10.
Gain
in
weight.
Loss
Average
initial
Average
concluding
in
No. of Sheep.
weight.
weight,
Nov. 30,
Dec. 1 and 2
weight,
May 8, 9
and 10.
Gain
in
Loss
weight.
in
weight.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
P. S. C. 23,
203.33
210.30
6.97
Shaffer 581,
181.33
132.30
Scott 653,
49.03 Scott 625,
123.33
93.30
30.03
112.33
107.90
4.43
P. S. C. 61,
162.33
125.90
36.43
Scott 656,
115.33
104.30
11.03
•
Shaffer 598,
161.66
163.00
1.34
P. S. C. 49,
132.00
122.60
9.40
P. S. C. 15,
151.33
137.85
13.48 P. S. C. 50,
136.33
116.60
19.73
P. S. C. 56,
188.00
161.70
26.30 P. S. C. 114,
119.33
106.50
12.83
P. S. C. 58,
196.00
146.40
49.60 P. S. C. 137,
102.00
87.40
14.60
P. S. C. 68,
148.66
100.20
48.46 P. S. C. 118,
126.33
10.92
17.13
P. S. C. 113,
190.00
165.00
35.00
P. S. C. 85,
141.66
94.10
47.56
Total,
1,724.30
1,426.75
8.31
305.86
966.98
847.80
119.18
Lot II. Shropshires.
Lot IV. Delaine-Merinos.
Shaffer 614,
P. S. C. 19,
217.66
Patterson 40,
140.00
106.90
38.10
164.33
134.00
30.33 P. S. C. 25,
112.33
96.80
15.53
Shaffer 613,
173.00
147.30
25.70
Scott 623,
132.00
101.20
30.80
Shaffer 584,
192.33
163.30
29.03 P. S. C. 57,
125.66
115.70
9.96
P. S. C. 55,
146.00
116.90
29.10 P. S. C. 71,
145.33
116.70
28.63
P. S. C. 43,
179.00
191.90
12.90
Scott 704,
121.66
102.40
19.26
P. S. O. 67,
179.00
145.30
33.70 P. S. C. 248,
99.00
75.80
23.20
P. S. O. 107,
190.33
187.80
2.53 P. S. C. 9,
140.33
108.00
32.33
P. S. C. 116,
186.00
147.60
38.40
P. S. C. 148,
157.00
126.60
30.40
Total,
1,784.65
1,360.70
12.90
219.19
1,021.31
823.50
197.81
77
$
Table XLIX shows the individual, initial and concluding weights
of breeding ewes during the winter of 1915-16. P. S. C. 23 and Shaffer
598 did not yean in Lot I. These were the only ewes that did not lose
weight in this lot. In Lot II of Shropshires, Shaffer 614 died on Feb.
15 from the effects of carrying still born lambs. P. S. C. 43 and P. S.
C. 107 did not lamb in Lot II. All the ewes in both the Delaine-Merino
lots lost weight. These ewes all yeaned.
Table L. Showing Average Weights per Head of Breeding Ewes by
Four-Week Periods.¹
Dec. 1, 1915-May 9, 1916.
Lot I.
10
Lot II.
Lot III.
Lot IV.
10
&
8
Shropshires.
Shropshires.
Delaine-
Merinos.
Delaine-
Merinos.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Initial weight, Nov. 30-Dec. 1, 2,
172.43
178.46
120.87
127.66
December 28, 29, 30,
180.53
184.30
131.95
133.16
January 25, 26, 27,
185.16
189.00
141.75
138.91
February 22, 23, 24,
166.26
178.00
124.08
123.87
March 21, 22, 23,
164.06
8166.74
115.58
112.12
April 18, 19, 20,
158.09
8157.11
106.58
108.58
2Concluding weight, May 8, 9, 10,
142.67
8151.18
105.97
102.93
Average weight per ewe,
167.03
172.11
120.97
121.03
¹Weights of fleeces included.
220 days.
"Nine ewes.
Table L shows the average weight of the breeding ewes in the Shrop-
shire and Delaine-Merino lots by four-week periods. The average
weight per ewe when placed in winter quarters on Dec. 1, 1915, was
172.43 pounds in Lot I, 178.46 pounds in Lot II, 120.81 pounds in Lot
III, and 127.66 pounds in Lot IV. In all lots the greatest average
weight was obtained on Jan. 26; this was the weight prior to lamb-
ing. The average weight for the winter was 167.03 pounds in Lot I,
172.11 pounds in Lot II, 120.97 pounds in Lot III and 121.03 pounds
in Lot IV.
Table LI. Showing Average Gains and Losses per Head of Breeding
Ewes by Four-Week Periods.1
Dec. 1, 1915-May 9, 1916.
Lot I.
10
Shropshires.
Lot II.
Lot III.
Lot IV.
10
Shropshires.
8
Delaine-
Merinos.
8
Delaine
Merinos.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
First four weeks, December 29,
Second four weeks, January 26,
Third four weeks, February 23,
Fourth four weeks, March 22,
Fifth four weeks, April 19,
2Twenty days, May 9, 1916,
8.10
5.84
11.08
5.50
4.63
4.70
9.80
2.76
-18.90
-11.00
--17.67
-15.04
-2.20
8-11.26
-8.50
-11.75
--5.97
8-9.63
-9.00
-0.64
-15.42
8-5.93
.61
-5.65
December 1, 1915-May 9, 1916,
-29.76
-27.28
—14.90
-24.73
¹Weights of fleeces included.
"Twenty days.
Nine ewes.
Table LI shows the average gains and losses per ewe in the Shrop
shire and Merino lots, by four-week periods. The Shropshires in Lot
I and the Delaine-Merinos in Lot II were fed alfalfa as a sole roughage
78
with the standard grain mixture. In Lots II and IV the Shropshires
and Delaine-Merinos were fed alfalfa hay and corn silage as roughage
with the same grain mixture as was fed to Lots I and III. A gain in
weight was made in all four lots during the first 56 days. From Jan.
26 to Feb. 23 the greatest losses resulted, due to the yeaning of most
of the ewes during the period. The average loss per ewe during the
winter was 29.76 pounds in Lot I, 27.28 pounds in Lot II, 14.90 pounds
in Lot III, and 24.73 pounds in Lot IV.
Table LII. Showing Feeds Fed and Refused by Four-Week Periods.
(Winter, 1915-16).
Lot I. 10 Shropshires.
Feeds Fed.
Feeds Refused.
Dec. 1, 1915-May 9, 1916.
Grain
Mixture2
Alfalfa.
Corn
silage.
Alfalfa.
Corn
silage.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
December 1-29,
1.120
61.45
December 29-January 26,
35.00
1.129
31.50
January 26-February 23,
75.75
1,120
30.15
February 23—March 22,
136.00
1,120
44.85
March 22-April 19,
154.00
1.120
32.45
•
¹April 19-May 9,
100.00
800
57.55
Total,
500.75
6,400
257.95
December 1-29,
December 29-January 26,
January 26-February 23,
'February 23-March 22,
March 22-April 19,
1.8 April 19-May 9,
Total,
December 1-29,
December 29 January 26,
January 26-February 23,
February 23-March 22,
March, 22-April 19,
¹April 19-May 9,
Total,
December 1-29,
December 29-January 26,
January 26-February 23,
February 23-March 22,
March 22-April 19,
¹April 19-May 9,
Total,
120 days.
Nine ewes.
Lot II. 10 Shropshires.
560
980
25.65
40.25
35.00
560
980
14.25
50.00
70.00
560
980
32.75
89.25
136.00
522
931
76.25
80.00
137.00
504
882
60.00
83.75
87.00
360
630
86.05
48.05
465.00
3,066
5,383
294.95
391.30
Lot III. 8 Delaine-Merinos.
784
40.60
28.00
784
18.25
65.75
784
33.75
109.50
784
48.05
112.00
784
24.40
80.00
560
41.00
395.25
4,480
206.05
Lot IV. & Delaine-Merinos.
392
686
25.95
17.35
28.00
$92
686
11.45
8.25
63.50
392
686
23.00
27.50
109.50
392
686
31.00
16.75
112.00
392
686
32.00
9.00
87.00
280
490
35.00
6.45
400.00
2,240
3,920
158.40
85.30
'Grain mixture, 5 parts corn, 3 parts oats, 2 parts wheat bran and 1 part oil meal.

Fig. 23. Delaine-Merino ewes, Lot IV, winter of 1915-16.

Fig. 24. Delaine-Merino ewe, Scott 704. A typical C-typed Merino, adapted to wool and mutton production.
79
Feeds Consumed.
Table LII shows the feeds offered and refused by four-week periods
during the winter of 1915-16. The standard grain mixture of 5 parts
shelled corn, three parts oats, two parts wheat bran and one part oil
meal was fed to the ewes of all lots. Grain at the rate of one-quarter
pound daily per ewe was fed from Jan. 12 to Feb. 16, after which it
was gradually increased to one-half pound daily per ewe. The follow-
ing Shropshire ewes were fed one pound of grain due to their lack of
milk sufficient for lambs or low condition after lambing: P. S. C. 58
and 68 in Lot I, P. S. C. 148 in Lot II.
A uniform feed allowance of four pounds of alfalfa hay daily per
ewe was offered to the Shropshire ewes in Lot I throughout the winter.
The Delaine-Merinos in Lot III received a uniform allowance of 3.50
pounds per ewe daily. The Shropshire ewes in Lot I were fed alfalfa
hay at the rate of two pounds per ewe daily and corn silage to the
limit of appetite. The Delaine-Merinos in Lot IV were offered hay at
the rate of 1.75 pounds per head daily and corn silage to the limit of
appetite.
The ewes in Lots I and III drank more water than the ewes of Lots
II and IV. Many of these ewes were "burnt" by excessive urination,
especially in Lot III.
Table LIII. Showing Air-Dry Matter in Feeds Fed and Refused.
(Winter, 1915-16).
Lot I. 10 Shropshires.
Feeds Fed.
Feeds Refused.
Dec. 1, 1915-May 9, 1916.
Grain
Mixture'
Alfalfa.
Corn
silage.
Alfalfa.
Corn
silage.
December 1-December 29,
December 29 January 26,
January 26-February 23,
February 33-March 22,
March 22-April 19,
¹April 19-May 9,
,
Total,
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
922.20
50.59
30.70
922.20
25.93
66.44
922.20
24.82
119.29
922.20
36.92
135.08
922.20
26.72
87.71
658.70
47.38
439.22
5,269.70
212.36
461.20
266.55
21.12
10.94
30.70
461.20
266.55
11.73
13.60
61.40
461.20
266.55
26.96
24.27
119.29
430.60
253.22
62.78
21.76
120.16
414.99
239.90
49.40
22.78
76.30
407.85
296.40
171.35
70.8
13.07
2,524.59
1,464.12
242.84
106.42
December 1-December 29,
December 29 January 2,
January 26 February 23,
"February 23-March 22,
March 22-April 19,
-April 19-May 9,
Total,
Lot II. 10 Shropshires.
1
80
1
Table LIII. Showing Air-Dry Matter in Feeds Fed and Refused.
(Winter, 1915-1916).-Continued.
Lot III. 8 Delaine-Merinos.
Feeds Fed.
Feeds Refused.
Dec. 1, 1915-May 9, 1916.
Grain
Mixture2
Alfalfa.
Corn
silage.
Alfalfa.
Corn
silage.
December 1-December 29,
December 29-January 26,
January 26-February 23,
February 23-March 22,
March 22-April 19,
¹April 19-May 9,
Total,
Lbs.
Lbs.
645.55
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
33.42'
24.55
645.55
15.02
57.66
645.55
27.78
•
96.04
645.55
39.56
98.24
645.55
20.09
70.16
461.20
33.76
346.65
3,688.95
169.63
December 1-December 29,
December 29-January 26,
January 26-February 23,
February 23-March 22,.
March 22-April 19,
¹April 19-May 9,
Total,
Lot IV. 8 Delaine-Merinos.
120 days.
2Grain mixture:
5 parts shelled corn.
3 parts oats.
2 parts wheat bran.
1 part oil meal.
322.75
186.58
21.36
4.71
24.55
322.75
186.58
9.42
2.24
55.73
322.75
186.58
18.93
7.48
96.04
322.75
186.58
25.52
4.55
98.24
322.75
186.58
26.35
2.44
76.36
230.55
133.28
28.82
1.75
350.92
1,844.30
1,066.18
130.40
23.17
Nine ewes.
Table LIII shows the air-dry matter in feeds fed and refused by
four-week periods in all lots during the winter of 1915-16. There was
greater uniformity in the air-dry matter of feeds consumed during the
winter of 1915-16 than during the winters of 1913-14 and 1914-15, due
to the uniformity in allowance of alfalfa hy.
1
81
Table LIV. Showing Air-Dry Matter Consumed Daily per Ewe and per 100 Pounds Live Weight.
Lot I.
Shropshires.
Lot II.
Shropshires.
སྒྱུ་ན་
Lot III.
Delaine-Merinos.
Lot IV.
Delaine-Merinos.
December 1st, 1915-May 9th, 1916.
Per ewe.
Per 100 lbs.
live weight.
Per ewe.
Per 100 lbs.
live weight.
Per ewe.
Per 100 lbs.
live weight.
Per ewe.
December 1-December 29,
December 29-January 26,
January 26-February 23,
February 23-March 22,
March 22-April 19,
¹April 19-May 9, ....
Average,
120 days.
Per 100 lbs.
live weight.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
3.469
1.965
2.484
1.369
2.732
2.161
2.157
1.653
3.301
1.805
2.615
1.401
2.924
2.136
2.332
1.714
3.442
1.958
2.635
1.435
3.015
2.268
2.404
1.829
3.587
2.171
2.852
1.654
3.099
2.585
2.568
2.176
3.680
2.284
2.789
1.722
3.231
2.916
2.583
2.340
3.495
2.324
2.556
1.658
3.110
2.926
2.560
2.420
3.495
2.092
2.655
1.542
3.020
2.496
2.434
2.011
82
Table LIV shows the amount of air-dry matter consumed daily per
ewe and per 100 pounds live weight, by four-week periods, during the
winter of 1915-16. A comparison of the two Shropshire lots shows
that the average ewe in Lot I, fed alfalfa hay as a sole roughage, con-
sumed 3.495 pounds of air-dry matter in feeds fed, while the average
ewe of Lot II, fed corn silage and alfalfa hay as roughage, consumed
2.655 pounds per ewe daily. The consumption per ewe in Lot I was,
therefore, .84 pounds or 24% greater than in Lot II. On a 100-pound
live weight basis the average daily consumption of air-dry matter in
feeds consumed was 2.092 pounds in Lot I and 1.542 pounds in Lot II.
This is a difference of .55 pounds daily, or 26% greater consumption
per 100 pounds live weight by the ewes of Lot I, fed alfalfa as a sole
roughage.
In Lot III, Delaine-Merinos, fed alfalfa as a sole roughage, the
daily consumption of air-dry matter was 3.020 pounds per ewe, while
in Lot IV the Delaine-Merino ewes averaged 2.434 pounds. The ewes
of Lot III consumed .586 pounds or 19% more per head than the ewes
of Lot IV. On a live weight basis per 100 pounds daily, the consump-
tion was .485 pounds, of 19% greater by the ewes of Lot III.
The results in the two breeds correlated, with reference to the
amount of air-dry matter consumed per ewe and per 100 pounds live
weight, respectively, to the similar rations offered to the representa-
tive lots. The Shropshires in Lot I were fed the same ration as the
Delaine-Merinos in Lot III, and they consumed 13% more air-dry mat-
ter in feeds per ewe, but 16% less per 100 pounds live weight than
the Delaine-Merinos in Lot III. A comparison of Shropshire ewes in
Lot II and Delaine-Merino ewes in Lot IV, fed similarly, shows that
the average ewe in Lot II consumed 8.3% more than the Delaine-
Merino ewes in Lot IV. Per 100 pounds live weight daily, the ewes of
Lot IV consumed 23% more than the ewes of Lot II.
Lambing Records (Spring 1916).
The method of management for the ewes at lambing time was the
same as previously described for the winters of 1913-14 and 1914-15.
883
}
Table LV. Showing Shropshire Ewes that Yeaned, Weight of Ewe, Weight and Sex of Lambs. (Spring, 1916).
Lot I.
Lot.
Shropshires.
Shaffer 581,
P. S. C. 61,
P. S. C. 85,
P. S. C. 56,
P. S. C. 58,
P. S. C. 68,
P. S. C. 113,
Average,
No. of Ewe.
Date of
birth.
Weight of
ewe.
No. of
lamb.
Weight of
lamb at
birth.
Sex of
lamb..
Sire.
Condition of lambs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Feb. 13,.
155
254
7.00 Ewe,.
381563,
Good.
255
6.75 Ewe,.
381563,
Good.
5.25 Ewe,
381563,
March 10,
152
304
12.00
Ram,..
39-2965
Feb.
19,
126
270
6.25 Ewe,.
381563,
271
5.50 Ewe,.
381563,
•
5.50 Ewe,.
581563,
Died (chilled),
Good.
Fair.
Fair.
Still born (dead).
April 21,
165
3.07
8.00 Ram,
39.2965
Good.
308
7.00 Ram,.
392965,
Good.
Feb. 21
180
267
6.50 Ram,
381563,
Fair.
•
•
•
268
7.50 Ewe, 2.
381563,
Good.
289
7.25 Ram,……….
381563,
Fair.
Feb.
11,.
128
252
8.75 Ewe,
381563,
Good.
253
9.00 Ewe,.
381563,
Good.
•
April 20,.
158
309
6.75 Ram,..
392965,
Good.
310
...
....
7.75 Ram,…………….
392965,
Good.
152
7.29
Lot II.
Shaffer 614,
Feb.
17,.
158
6.00
Ram,
381563,
Shropshires.
6.00 Ewe,....
381563,
•
5.50
Ram
P. S. C. 19,
Feb.
20,
174
256
6.75 Ram
381563,.
381563,
Lambs all stillborn.
Ewe died March 1.
Good.
•
>
1
Shaffer 613,
Feb.
13,.
159
287
7.50 Ram,
381563,
Good.
288
7.25 Ewe,?
381563,
Shaffer 584,
Feb.
26,
170
8.00 Ram,
381563
•
•
6.75 Ewe,
B
381563
5.75 Ewe,.
381563,
P. S. C. 55,
Feb.
14,.
115
7.50 Ram,
381563,.
Good.
Good. Ewe gave no milk.
Good. Ewe gave no milk.
Dead.
Lambs chilled and died.
5.75 Ewe,.
381563,
P. S. C. 67,
Feb. 20,
171
257
11.00 Ewe,
381563,
Good.
P. S. C. 116,
April 20,
138
311
6.50 Ewe,
392965,
Good.
6.50 Ram, 6
392965
Good.
P. S. C. 148,
Feb. 26,
151
289
6.25 Ewe,
381563,
•
290
7.75 Ewe,.
381563
Good. Ewe gave little milk.
Good.
6.00 Ewe,.
381563,
Born dead,
154.5
6.86
Average,
¹Lamb 'died February 15.
"Placed on another ewe (died).
'Died from effects of still born lambs.
*Intestine came out at naval (died).
"Fed cow's milk but died February 21.
"Died from exposure.
"Died (wool ball).

84
Table LV shows the Shropshire ewes that yeaned, the weight of ewe
and lamb at yeaning, the number, sex, sire and condition of lamb at
birth. Seven ewes in Lot I yeaned sixteen lambs, of which three were
triplets, three twins, and one produced a single lamb. None of the
ewes producing triplets raised more than two lambs. The ewes in this
lot averaged 152 pounds and the lambs 7.29 pounds. On the average,
the lambs were vigorous at birth in this lot.
Eight ewes in Lot II yeaned lambs, of which three had triplets,
three twins, and two single lambs. Shaffer 614 had three dead lambs
removed; she died from the effects of carrying these still-born lambs.
Shaffer 584 produced triplets two of which were vigorous at birth,
but died later because the ewe gave no milk. This ewe was seven years
old. P. S. C. 55 yeaned two lambs, but they were yeaned in the snow
and were chilled before the shepherd found them. One triplet from
P. S. C. 148 was dead at birth. This ewe, a yearling, gave little milk,
due to the severe drain in producing triplets. The lambs, even though
the ewes lost many of them from causes above described, were vigorous
at birth. The ewes, however, in Lot II did not give as much milk at
yeaning time as did those in Lot I.
5

Fig. 25. Part of college flock on experiment, summer of 1915.
85
Table LVI.
Condition of lambs.
Showing Delaine-Merino Ewes that Yeaned, Weight of Ewe, Weight and Sex of Lamb. (Spring, 1916).
Lot III.
Delaine-Merinos.
No. of Ewe.
Date of
birth.
Weight of
ewe.
No. of
lamb.
Weight of
lamb at
birth.
Sex of
lamb.
Sire.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Scott 653,
Feb.
16,.
121
274
7.0
Ewe,.
C. E. C. 384,
275
6.5
Ewe,
Scott 625,
March 8,
122
10.5
Ram
C. E. C. 384,
C. E. C. 384,
....
Good.
Good.
Lamb weak.¹
Scott 656
Feb. 12,.
123
259
11.0
Ram
C. E. C. 384,
Good.
P. S. C. 49.
Feb.
19,
142
272
10.5 Ewe,
C. E. C. 384,
Good.
•
S. C. 50.
Feb.
15,.
139
261
10.25 Ram,.
S. O. 114,
Feb.
S. C. 137,
Feb.
P. S. C. 118,
Feb.
2223
12,
123
260
10.50 Ram,.
C. E. C. 384,
C. E. C. 384,
Good.
-
Good.
13,
92
258
7.75 Ewe,
C. C. C. 384,
Good.
29,
128
273
8.00 Ram,
C. E. C. 384,
Good
Average,
123.75
9.05
Lot IV.
Delaine-Merinos.
P. S. C. 57
Patterson 40,
Feb.
14,
129
263
8.50 Ram,.
C. E. C. 384,
Good.
P. S. C. 25,
Feb.
23,
110
286
10.50 Ewe,.
C. E. C. 384,
Good.
Scott
623,
Dec.
20,
119.5
264
10.00 Ram,.
Cheviot Ram,
Good.
Feb. 22,
116
284
10.00 Ewe,.
C. C. C. 384,
Good.
P. S. C. 71,
Feb.
15,.
130
265
10.00 Ewe,.
C. E. C. 384,
Good.
266
8.50 Ewe,.
C. E. C. 384,
Good.
Scott 704,
Feb. 19,.
109
286
7.25 Ewe,.
C. E. C. 384,
Good.
6.50 Ewe,.
C. E. C. 384,
Still born.
P. S. C. 248,
P. S. C. 9,
Feb.
Feb. 14,
27,
92
8.25 Ram,
2
C. E. C. 384,
Good.
129
262
11.00 Ram,.
C. E. C. 384
Good.
•
Average,
116.81
9.05
*Lamb died of exposure. Ewe lamb 305 from Merino ewe 227 was adopted.
1Lamb died.
;
86 P
Table LVI shows the ewes in Lots III and IV that yeaned, the
weights of the ewes and lambs and the number, sex, sire and condi-
tion of lamb. All ewes in Lots III and IV yeaned. In Lot III the
lamb from Scott 625 was weak and it died; the ewe gave little milk.
The ewes averaged 123.75 pounds and the lambs 9.05 pounds at yean-
ing time. One ewe in this lot produced twins. Eight out of nine
lambs were vigorous at birth in this lot.
.
Two out of eight ewes in Lot IV produced twins. One lamb from
Scott 704 was dead at birth. P. S. C. 248 had a vigorous lamb, but it
was exposed to severe weather when 24 hours old, and died. A Merino
lamb 305 from a ewe not on the experiment was adopted by this ewe.
With the exception of one still-born lamb all the lambs were vigorous
at birth. The average weight of the ewes was 116.81 pounds and the
lambs averaged 9.05 pounds at yeaning. ⠀e
87
Table LVII. Showing Weights of Shropshire Ewes and Lambs Four Weeks from Time of Yeaning. (Spring, 1916).
Lot.
No. of Ewe.
Weight of ewe.¹
1
Gain or loss
in weight.
No. of lamb.
Weight of lamb.
Gain in weight.
Sex.
Lot I.
Shropshires,..
Shaffer 581,
P. S. C. 61,
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
144
-11
25-4
15.5
255
15.5
140
-12
304
33.0
P. S. C. 85,
114
--12
270
14.00
8.50
Ewe.
8.75 | Ewe.
21.00 Ram.
7.15 | Ewe.
271
14.0
8.50 Bwe.
P. S. C. 56,
149
-16
307
15.0
7.00 Ram.
308
. 14.0
7.00 Ram.
P. S. C. 58,
166
-14
267
13.0
6.50 Ram.
269
15.0
7.50 Ram.
P. S. C. 68,
114
-14
252
16.75
8.00 Ewe.
2:53
16.75
7.75 Ewe.
P. S. C. 113,
151
-7
309
12.00
5.25 Ram.
310
15.00
7.25 Ram.
Average,
139.7
-12.28
16.11
8.52
Lot II.
Shropshires,...
P. S. C. 19,
151
-23
256
23.00
16.26 Ram.
Shaffer 613,
158
-1
287
18.00
10.50 Ram.
P. S. C. 67,
158.5
-12.5
257
29.50
18.00❘ Ewe.
P. S. C. 116,
145
+7
311
29.50
7.50❘ Ewe.
P. S. C. 148,
138
-13
289
11.25
5.00 Ewe.
290
9.50
1.25 ❘ Ewe.
150.10
--8.50
17.54
9.75
Average,
¹Weight of fleeces included.
88
#
Table LVII shows the weight of the Shopshire ewes and lambs at
four weeks after yeaning. The Shropshire ewes in Lot I lost 12.28
pounds and the lambs gained 8.52 pounds. In Lot II the Shropshire
ewes lost 8.50 pounds, and the lambs gained 9.75 pounds.
:
89
Lot.
Table LVIII. Showing Weight of Delaine-Merino Lambs Four Weeks after Yeaning. (Spring, 1916).
No. of Ewe.
Weight of ewe.¹
Gain or loss
in weight.
No. of lamb.
Weight of lamb.
Gain in weight.
Sex.
Lot III.
Delaine-Merinos,. Scott 653,
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
102
-19
274
15
275
17
Scott 656,
111
-12
259
P. S. C. 49,
116
26
272
21
P. S. C. 50,
132
261
29
P. S. C. 109,
109
260
21
P. S. C. 137,
89
P. S. C. 118,
119
199
258
273
Average,
111.14
-12.85
2525252 2
8.00 £we.
11.00 Ewe.
29
10.50 Ram.
10.50 | Ewe.
18.75 Ram.
10.50 Ram.
13.5
5.75 Ewe.
20.0
12.00 Ram.
20.68
11.81
Lot IV.
Delaine-Merinos, ·
Patterson 40,
P. S. C. 25,
Scott 623,
P. S. C. 57,
P. S. C. 71,
Scott 704,
P. S. C. 248,
P. S. C. 9,
Average,
¹Weight of fleeces included.
*Lamb adopted. Weight at birth, 7 lbs. Born Feb. 27.
121
-8
263
212
108
-2
285
18
123
+3.5
264
28
13.50 Ram.
7.50 Ewe.
18.00 Ram.
117
+1
284
17.5
7.50 Bwe.
133
+3
265
14
4.00❘ Ewe.
266
19
10.50
Ewe.
101.5
-7.5
286
15.5
7.25 Ewe.
88
-4
3052
9.5
2.50 Ewe.
129
262
22
115.06
-1.75
18.39
11.00 Ram.
7.08
1
90
Table LVIII shows the weight of the Delaine Merino ewes and
lambs four weeks following yeaning. The ewes in Lot III averaged
111.4 pounds and lost 12.85 pounds; the lambs averaged 20.68 pounds
and gained 11.81 pounds. In Lot IV the ewes averaged 115.06 pounds
and lost 1.75 pounds, and their lambs averaged 18.39 pounds and
gained 7.08 pounds.
E
16
Lot.
Table LIX. Showing Weights of Shropshire Ewes and Lambs Eight Weeks from Time of Yeaning. (Spring, 1916).
No. of Ewe,
Weight of ewe.¹
Gain or loss
in weight.
No, of lamb.
Weight of lamb.
Gain in weight.
Sex.
Lot I.
Shropshires,..
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Shaffer 581,
140
-15
254
255
S. C. 61,
126
-14
304
'S. C. 85,
97
-17
270
19
271
22
P. S. C. 56,
148
--1
307
26
308
27
P. S. C. 58,
158
-8
267
269
s. o.
P. S. C. 118,
118
+4
25.2
253
P. S. C. 113,
158
+7
309
310
********85582
38.5
26
Lbs.
10.50 Ewe.
12.25 Ewe.
5.50 Ram.
.5.00 Ewe.
8.00 Ewe.
11.00 Ram.
13.00 | Ram.
12.00 Ram.
26
11.00 Ram.
27
10.25
we.
24
10.25 Ewe.
14.00 Ram.
9.00 Ram.
Average,
135
-6.28
25.50
10.12
Lot II.
Shropshires,..
P. S. C. 19,
Shaffer 153,
P. S. C. 67,
P. S. C. 116,
F. S. C. 148,
HA
Average,
..
'Weight of fleeces included.
144
-7
256
153
-5
287
148
-10.5
257
141
311
127
-11
289
290
13
- 142.6
-7.50
884852 8
16.00 Ram.
10.00 Ram.
16.50 Bwe.
11.00 | Ewe.
17.5
-6.25 Ewe.
3.50❘ Ewe.
29.75
8.46
92
Table LIX shows the weight of the Shropshire ewes and lambs eight
weeks after lambing. In Lot I each ewe averaged 135 pounds, having
lost 6.28 pounds during the last four weeks. Their lambs averaged
25.50 pounds and gained 10.12 pounds during the last four weeks.
The Shropshire ewes in Lot II averaged 142.6 pounds at eight weeks
after lambing, having lost 7.50 pounds during the last four weeks.
The lambs in this lot averaged 29.75 pounds, gaining 8.46 pounds dur-
ing the last four weeks.
93

Weight of ewe."
Gain or loss
in weight.
No. of lamb.
Weight of lam)).
Gain in weight.
Sex.
Table LX. Showing Weight of Delaine-Merino Lambs Eight Weeks after Yeaning. (Spring, 1916).
Lot.
No. of Ewe.
Lot III.
Delaine-Merinos,
Scott 653,
Scott 656,
P. S. C. 49,
P. S. C. 50,
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
105
+3
274
23
8.00
Ewe.
275
25
8.00 Ewe.
111
259
30.5
125
272
35
127
5
261
41
P. S. C. 114,
108
260
33
1.50 Ram.
14.00 Ewe.
12.00 Ram.
12.00 Ram.
P. S. C. 137,
30
+1
258
20.5
7.00 Ewe.
P. S. C. 118,
101
-18
273
32.5
12.50 Ram.
Average,
109.T
-1.57
30.06
9.37
Lot IV.
Delaine-Merinos, -
Patterson 40,
P. S, C. 25,
115
-8
263
30
102
-6
285
25
Scott 623,
114.5
-8.5
264
P. S. C. 57,
121
+4
284
26
P. S. C. 71,
119
-14
2265
266
Scott 704,
96
-5.5
286
**** :**
35.5
7.50
29
8.00 Ram.
7.00 Ewe.
Ram.
8.50 Ewe.
Ewe.
10.00 | we.
23
7.50❘ 10we.
P. S. C. 248,
80
-8
305
18.5
P. S. C. 9,
118
-11
262
32
9.00 Hwe.
10.00 Ram.
109.06
-7.12
27.37
8.43
Average,
¹Weight of fleeces included.
*Lamb died (weak).
-
94
Table LX shows the weight of the Delaine-Merino ewes and lambs
eight weeks after yeaning. In Lot III the ewes averaged 109.57
pounds and lost 1.57 pounds during the last four weeks. Their lambs
averaged 30.06 pounds and gained 9.37 pounds in four weeks. The
ewes in Lot IV averaged 109.06 pounds and their lambs 27.37 pounds.
During the last four weeks the ewes lost 7.12 pounds and the lambs
gained 8.43 pounds.
The Delaine-Merino ewes lost less weight than did the Shropshires
after lambing. The greater weights and gains of the Merino lambs
was that most of the lambs in this breed were singles, while the ma-
jority of the Shropshire lambs were either twins or triplets. A corre-
lation exists between the results of the two previous winters with
reference to greater gains of lambs in Lots I and III. The ewes in
Lots I and III produced a greater amount of milk than the ewes of
Lots II and IV. The method of feeding grain to the ewes prior to
lambing during the winter of 1913-14 was the same as in 1915-16.
The difference in 1914-15 was that no grain was fed prior to lambing.
The greater weight of the Shropshire lambs in Lot II than in Lot I at
eight weeks of age can probably be accounted for by the greater num-
ber of single lambs in Lot II.
FEEDING THE LAMBS.
The lambs were fed separate from the ewes after learning to eat
grain in the feed troughs with their mothers. The grain mixture was
composed of 5 parts corn meal, 3 parts oats, 2 parts wheat bran and 1
part oil meal. This grain mixture was fed from April 10 to May 8.
The thirteen lambs in Lot I received 58.5 pounds of grain; six lambs
in Lot II received 27 pounds; 8 lambs in Lot III 36 pounds; and 8
lambs in Lot IV received 36 pounds.
PRODUCTION OF WOOL.
All ewes were shorn on April 19 and 20, 1916, with a wool shearing
machine. The wool was tied in a wool box, 14 inches square, with a
hard, glazed twine (3-ply India) with three strands each side of the
bundle. The tags were carefully separated and weighed for each
fleece. The wool was shipped in wool sacks to J. Bateman & Co.,
Wool Commission Merchants, Philadelphia, who made their report on
individual fleeces May 16, 1916.
95
Table LXI. Showing Report on Wool of Individual Shropshire Ewes. (Spring, 1916).
Lot I. Shropshires.
No. of sheep.
Wt, of fleece.
Wt. of tags.
Total wt.
Condition.
Market grade.³
Price per lb.
Value
of fleece.2
P. S. C. 23,
Shaffer 581,
P. S. C. 61,
Shaffer 598,
P. S. C. 15,
S. C.
56,
9.0
9.3
Good,
Blood combing,
37
8.0
8.3
Fair,
Blood combing,
37
7.7
.2
7.9
Good,
Blood combing,
37
9.2
.2
9.4
Fair
10.05
.2
10.25
Good,
8.2
.2
8.4
Fair,
58
6.8
.6
7.4
Good,
Blood combing,
Blood combing,
Blood combing,
Blood combing,
37
37
•
37
37
S. C. 68,
5.4
5.9
F'air,
Blood combing,
S. C. 113,
8.8
.2
9.0
Good,
Blood combing,
37
S. C. 85,
6.8
3
7.1
Fair,
Blood combing,
MEMMMMMMM
$3 37
3.00
2 77
3 43
3 82
3 06
2 60
34
1 90
3 28
37
2 55
•
29.78
Total,
Average,
79.95
3.00
82.95
36.7
2.97
7.995
.30
8.295
Lot II. Shropshires.
P. S. C. 19,
Shaffer 613,
8.5
5.5
Shaffer 584,
5.5
►
•
5.4
8.4
7.4
8.9
8.4
6:4
64.40
7.155
P. S. C. 55,
P. S. C. 43,
P. S. C. 67,
P. S. C. 107,
S. C. 116,
S. C. 148,
Total,
Average,
1 Tags valued at 14 cts. a pound.
2 Include value of tags.
• Reported by J. Bateman and Co., Wool Commission Merchants, Philadelphia, Pa., May 16, 1916.
.6
262223662
8.70
Fair,
Blood combing,
37
6.00
Fair,
Blood combing (short),
36
5.70
Poor,
Blood combing (short)
36
5.6
Good,
Blood combing (short),
36
8.6
Good,
Blood combing,
7.7
Good,
Blood combing,
37
9.5
Good,
Blood combing,
37
9.0
Fair,
Blood combing,
37
6.6
Poor,
Blood combing,
37
MOOOMMMMM
$3 16
2 06
2.00
1 97
37
3 13
2 89
3 37
3 19
2 39
3.00
67.40
24 15
.333
7.488
36.6
2.68

96
Table LXI showed the weight, market grade, value per pound and
per fleece of Shropshire ewes in the spring of 1916. The average
weight of the wool per ewe in Lot I was 8.295 pounds and in Lot II
7.488 pounds. The average weight of tags per fleece was .3 pounds in
Lot I and .333 pounds in Lot II. The middle-aged ewes produced wool
of better condition than the older ewes. P. S. C. 148 had poor condi-
tion of wool due to being ragged; this probably resulted from the great
drain on a yearling ewe by producing triplets. The average price per
pound in Lot I was 36.7 cents and in Lot II 36.6 cents. The value per
fleece was $2.97 in Lot I and $2.68 in Lot II, a difference of 29 cents in
favor of the lot in which alfalfa hay was the sole roughage fed.
97
Table LXII. Showing Report on Wool of Individual Delaine-Merino Ewes. (Spring, 1916).
Lot III. Del aine-Merinos.
No. of sheep.
Wt. of fleece.
¹Wt. of tags.
Total wt.
Condition
of fleece.
Market grade."
Price per lb.❜
Value
of fleece.²
Lbs.
Lbs.
Lbs.
Scott 653,
Scott 625,
Scott 656,
P. S. C. 49
P. S. C, 50,
11.2
.1
11.3
Fair,
Fine Delaine,
32
$3.60
10.2
.1
10.3
Fair,
Fine Delaine,
32
3 28
9.8
.2
10.00
Good,
Fine Delaine,
3 16
12.0
12.3
Good,
Fine Delaine,
3.88
12.9
13.6
Good,
Fine Delaine,
3 22
P. S. C. 114,
11.3
11.5
Fair,
Fine Delaine,
3 64
P. S. C. 137,
14.0
.1
14.1
Fair,
Fine Delaine,
32
4 49
S. C. 118,
12.8
.1
12.9
Good,
Fine Delaine,
32
4 11
29 38
Total,
94.20
1.80
96.00
32
3 67
Average,
117.75
.225
12.00
Lot IV. Del aine-Merinos.
Cents.
Patterson 40,
8.8
P. S. C. 25,
10.5
Scott 623,
8.8
P. S. C.
57,
10.1
P. S, C. 71,
13.0
Scott 704,
10.8
P. S. C. 248,
10.1
P. S. C.
9,
12.2
KHOBOHWH
8.9
Fair,
Fine combing,
29
2 56
10.8
Good,
Finc Delaine (short)
31
3 30
8.9
Fair,
Fine Delaine,
32
2 83
10.1
Fair,
Fine clothing,
29
2 93
13.2
Good,
Fine Delaine,
4 19
10.8
Good,
Fine clothing,
3 13
10.2
Fair,
Fine Delaine (short),
31
3 14
12.4
Good,
Fine Delaine,
32
3 93
26 01
Total,
84.30
1.0
85.30
30.62
3 25
Average,
10.535
.125
10.661
1 Tags valued at 14 cents a pound.
2 Includes value of tags.
Reported by J. Bateman and Co., Wool Commission Merchants, Philadelphia, Pa., May 16, 1916.
98
,༔
Table LXII shows the individual records of fleeces from the Delaine-
Merinos in Lots III and IV for the year ending April 20, 1916. The
average per fleece including tags was 12 pounds in Lot III and 10.662
pounds in Lot IV. The fleeces in Lot III were in better condition con-
sidering color and yolk than those of Lot IV. All fleeces in Lot III
were "Fine Delaine" market grade. In Lot IV the fiber was shorter
than in Lot III, as indicated in this report. The average price per
pound was 32 cents in Lot III and 30.62 cents in Lot IV. The value
for each fleece was $3.67 in Lot III and $3.25 in Lot IV, a difference of
42 cents in favor of Lot III in which alfalfa hay was the sole roughage
fed.
A comparison of both the Shropshire and Delaine-Merino lots shows
that results obtained for the preceding two years were again obtained,
namely, that the weight and value of the fleeces received from the
Shropshire and Merino lots, fed alfalfa hay as a sole roughage, were
greater than those of the same breeds, fed corn silage and alfalfa hay
as roughage.
66
Table LXIII. Summary. Dec. 1, 1915, to May 9, 1916-160 Days.
160 Days.
Lot I.
Shropshires.
Grain and
alfalfa hay.
Lot II.
Shropshires.
Grain, alfalfa
hay and silage.
Lot III,
Delaine-
Merinos.
Grain and
alfalfa hay.
Lot IV..
Delaine-
Merinos.
Grain, alfalfa
nay and silage.
Average weight per ewe, Dec. 1, 1915,
Average weight per ewe, May 9, 1916,
Loss in weight per ewe,
Average daily feed fed per ewe:
Grain mixture,
Alfalfa hay,
Corn silage,
...
Average daily comsumption of d. m.* in feeds consumed daily per ewe,
Average daily consumption of d. m.* in feeds consumed per 100 lbs. live weight,
¹Cost of feeds per ewe (160 days),
2 Amount of bedding per ewe (160 days),
Cost of bedding per ewe (160 days),
•Amount of manure per ewe (160 days)
"Value of manure per ewe (160 days)
'Average weight per fleece,
• U
•
•
"Average value per fleece,
Average weight per lamb at birth,
Average weight per lamb 4 weeks after birth,
Average weight per lamb 8 weeks after birth,
Average cost of maintaining ewe including value of manure,
•
172.45 lbs.
142.67 lbs.
-29.76 lbs.
178.46 lbs.
120.87 lbs.
127.66 lbs.
151.18 lbs.
-27.28 lbs.
105.97 lbs.
102.03 lbs.
-14.90 lbs.
-25.63 lbs.
.313 lbs.
.290 lbs.
.308 lbs.
.312 lbs.
4.000 lbs.
2.012 lbs.
3.500 lbs.
1.750 lbs.
3.675 lbs.
3.060 lbs.
3.495 lbs.
2.655 lbs.
3.020 lbs.
2.434 lbs.
2.092 lbs.
1.542 lbs.
2.496 lbs.
2.011 lbs.
$5.51
$4 11
$4.90
$3 67
76.000 lbs.
82.000 lbs.
88.000 lbs.
$ .30
812.000 lbs.
$1.02
$ .33
$ .35
703.000 lbs.
$ .86
$29.000 lbs.
$1.04
91.000 lbs.
$ .36
782.000 lbs.
$ .98
7.95 lbs.
7.15 lbs.
11.77 lbs.
10.53 lbs.
$2 97
7.29
16.11 lbs.
25.50 lbs.
$4.79
$2.68
lbs.
6.86 lbs.
17.54 lbs.
29.75 lbs.
$3.58
$3 67
9.05
20.68 lbs.
30.06 lbs.
$4.21
$3 25
lbs.
9.05 lbs.
18.39 lbs.
27.37 lbs.
$3.05
1 Feed costs:-Shelled corn, $.70 per bushel; oats, $.50 per bushel; wheat bran, $28 per ton; oil meal, $36 per ton; alfalfa hay, $15 per ton; corn silage,
$3.50 per ton.
2 Bedding based on data, winter 1915–16.
8 Oat straw valued at $8 per ton.
Based on data obtained, winter 1915-16.
Sheep manure valued at $2.50 per ton.
See tables.
7 Does not include weight of tags.
* D. M. designates air-dry matter.
1
100
SUMMARY OF MAINTAINING BREEDING EWES.
Dec. 1, 1915, to May, 1916-160 days.
Table LXIII shows the summary of results obtained on the mainte-
nance of breeding ewes of the Shropshire and Delaine-Merino breeds
during the winter of 1915-16. The Shropshire and Delaine-Merino
breeds in Lots I and III, respectively, were fed alfalfa hay as a sole
roughage, supplemented with a grain mixture. The Shropshire ewes
in Lot II and the Delaine-Merino ewes in Lot IV were fed corn silage
and alfalfa hay as roughage, supplemented with the same grain mix-
ture as that fed to Lots I and III. All ewes were in high condition of
flesh when placed in winter quarters Dec. 1, 1915. The ewes of Lot I
lost 29.76 pounds and the ewes of Lot II lost 27.28 pounds. The aver-
age grain mixture consumed daily by each ewe in Lot I was .313
pounds with four pounds of alfalfa hay. The ewes in Lot II consumed
daily .29 pounds of grain, 2.012 pounds of alfalfa hay and 3.675
pounds of corn silage. The consumption of air-dry matter per ewe
daily was 24% greater and, on a live weight basis of 100 pounds, was
26% greater than the ewes of Lot II.
The cost of feeds fed was $1.40 greater in Lot I than in Lot II. The
value of manure produced per ewe was $1.02 in Lot I and $.86 in Lot
II. The wool produced by ewes in Lot I was heavier and more valu-
able than that produced by ewes of Lot II. The lambs in Lot I
weighed less than those of Lot II, when eight weeks of age. This is
contrary to the results of the two preceding years, due to the greater
percentage of twin lambs raised by the ewes of Lot I. The total cost
of maintaining a Shropshire ewe in Lot I during the winter of 1915-16
was $4.79, and in Lot II $3.58, a difference of $1.21.
A comparison of the two Delaine-Merino lots correlates closely with
the results obtained during the two previous winters. The ewes of Lot
III lost on the average 14.90 pounds and those of Lot IV averaged a
loss in weight of 25.63 pounds. A comparison of the air-dry matter in
feeds consumed shows that the Delaine-Merinos of Lot III, fed alfalfa
hay as a sole roughage, consumed 19% more per ewe and per unit
weight than did the ewes of Lot IV. The cost of feed consumed was
$4.90 per ewe in Lot III and $3.67 in Lot IV, a difference of $1.23.
The amount of manure produced by Lot III was greater than that of
Lot IV, due to the greater amount of air-dry matter in feeds fed. The
wool produced by the Merino ewes in Lot III was heavier and more
valuable than that from the ewes of Lot IV. The lambs from the ewes
of Lot III made greater gains than the lambs in Lot IV. The total
cost per ewe for winter maintenance in Lot III was $4.21 and $3.05
in Lot IV, a difference of $1.16.
A comparison of Lot I, Shropshires, and Lot III, Delaine-Merinos,
in which the same rations were fed, shows that the Merinos consumed
less air-dry matter per ewe but more per 100 pounds live weight than
the Shropshire ewes. The cost of feeds fed per ewe in Lot I was $.61
more than that for a Merino in Lot III. The manure produced per
ewe in Lot III was greater than in Lot I due to the proportionately
greater amount of bedding used. The average Merino fleece in Lot III
weighed 3.73 pounds more and was $.70 more valuable than the aver-
age fleece from the Shropshire ewes of Lot I. The greater weight of
101
I
lambs in Lot III was due to single lambs raised, while the majority in
Lot I were twins. The cost of maintenance, after giving credit for the
manure produced, was $.58 greater for the Shropshire ewes.
In Lot II (Shropshires) and Lot IV (Delaine-Merinos) the same ra-
tion of corn silage and alfalfa hay with grain was fed. A comparison
of the air-dry matter consumed shows that the Shropshires consumed
8.3% more per ewe but 23% less on a unit live weight basis than the
Merino ewes. The cost of feeds per ewe was $.44 more for the Shrop-
shires. The wool produced by the Merino ewes in Lot IV was 3.38
pounds heavier and $.57 more valuable than that produced by the
Shropshires of Lot II. The Merino lambs averaged 9.05 pounds and
the Shropshires averaged 6.86 pounds at birth. This difference was
due to the high proportion of twins and triplets in Lot II and the pro-
duction of single lambs in Lot III. The cost of maintaining a Shrop-
shire ewe in Lot II was $3.58 and a Merino ewe in Lot IV $3.05, a
difference of $.53 per ewe for the winter of 1915-16.
Summary of the Investigation.
Average of Three Winters and Two Summers. Dec. 5, 1913-May 9, 1916.
The maintenance of representative breeding ewes of Shropshire and
Delaine-Merino breeds with their products of wool and mutton are
given herewith. Lot I composed of Shropshire ewes and Lot III com-
posed of Delaine-Merino ewes were fed alfalfa hay as a sole roughage,
supplemented with a grain mixture of 5 parts shelled corn, 3 parts
oats, 2 parts wheat bran and I part oil meal. Lot II composed of
Shropshire ewes and Lot IV composed of Delaine Merino ewes were
fed the same ration, consisting of corn silage and alfalfa hay as rough-
age, and supplemented with the same grain mixture as above.
}
"
j
T
102
Table LXIV.
Summary of Three Winters (Average 158.3 Days).
158.3 days.
Average initial weight of ewe,
Average concluding weight per ewe,
Loss in weight per ewe,
Grain mixture,
Average daily feed fed per ewe:
Alfalfa hay,
Corn silage,
Average daily comsumption of d. m.* in feeds consumed daily per ewe,
Average daily consumption of d. m.* in feeds consumed per 100 lbs. live weight,
¹Cost of feeds per ewe (158.3 days)
*Amount of bedding per ewe (158.3 days),
"Cost of bedding per ewe (158.3 days),
*Amount of manure per ewe (158.3 days),
"Value of manure per ewe (158.3 days),
"Interest on $100 equipment (per ewe),
"Cost of labor per ewe @ $.15 per hour,
Average weight of fleece per ewe,
Average value of fleece per ewe,
Average weight per lamb at birth,
Average percentage of lambs by ewes that yeaned,
"Per cent. lambs raised per ewe,
Average weight of lamb at 8 weeks of age,
Total cost of maintenance per ewe including value of manure,
D. M. designates air-dry matter.
1 See tables XVIII, XL and LXIII.
2 Based on results of 1915-16.
& Oat straw valued at $8 per ton.
• Based on results of 1915-16.
5 Manure valued at $2.50 per ton.
• Interest at 6%.
7 On basis of of an hour daily for flock.
8 See tables XVI, XVIII, XXXVIII, XXXIX, LXI and LXII.
• Based on ewes that produced lambs.
Lot I.
Shropshires.
Grain and
alfalfa hay.
Lot II.
Shropshires.
Grain, alfalfa
hay and silage.
Lot III.
Delaine-
Merinos.
Grain and
alfalfa hay.
Lot IV..
Delaine-
Merinos.
Grain, alfalfa
hay and silage.
167.34 lbs.
172.06 lbs.
124.63 lbs.
122.41 lbs.
143.62 lbs.
152.19 lbs.
115.25 lbs.
115.78 lbs.
-23.72 lbs.
-19.87 lbs.
-9.38 lbs.
-6.63 lbs.
.223 lbs.
.222 lbs.
.264 lbs.
.270 lbs.
4.501 lbs.
2.495 lbs.
4.140 lbs.
2.297 lbs.
3.073 lbs.
2,953 lbs.
3.865 lbs.
3.049 lbs.
3.532 lbs.
2.862 lbs.
2.355 lbs.
1.812 lbs.
2.724 lbs.
2.285 lbs.
$5.88
$4 32
$5 52
$4.16
75.21 lbs.
$ .300
803.55 lbs
$1.00
81.14 lbs.
87.00 lbs.
90.03 lbs.
$ .326
$ .346
$ .360
695.68 lbs.
817.36 lbs.
773.51 lbs.
$ .87
$1.02
$ .97
18
.18
.18
.18
.56
.56
.56
.56
8.56 lbs.
$2.603
7.66 lbs.
12.30 lbs.
11.126 lbs.
$2.276
$3.280
$2.933
*8q1 890'8
*891 £40`8
*sat 98*2
*sqi 961*2
195%
1637%
115%
126%
110%
95%
95%
100%
31.72 lbs.
$5.92
29.32 lbs.
32.23 lbs.
28.42 lbs.
$4.516
$5.586
$4.280
103
The
Table LXIV shows the summary of results during an average of
three winters. The length of the winter period was 158.3 days.
average Shropshire ewe in Lot I, fed alfalfa hay as a sole roughage,
lost 23.72 pounds during the winter, while the average Shropshire in
Lot II lost 19.8 pounds. These ewes had silage in their ration. The
same relation existed in the Delaine-Merino lots; Lot III averaging a
loss of 9.38 pounds and Lot IV 6.63 pounds. The consumption of air-
dry matter in feed was .816 pounds more per ewe and .543 pounds
more per hundred pounds live weight in Lot I than in Lot II.
The average cost of winter feed was $1.56 more per ewe in Lot I
than in Lot II. The weight of the manure in Lot I was greater than
in Lot II due to a higher percentage of air-dry matter in feeds con-
sumed. The value of the manure per ton was based on $2.50 per ton,
which is about 30% less than the market value of fertilizer constitu-
ents contained in normal manure from sheep.
The $100 for equipment is the cost of shelter, racks and other facili-
ties used for all the ewes on the investigation. The labor was esti-
mated at three-quarters of an hour daily as an average during the
winter.
The average weight of wool was 8.56 pounds in Lot I and 7.66
pounds in Lot II. The value per fleece was $.327 greater for the
Shropshire ewes fed alfalfa as a sole roughage.
The average weight of lambs at birth was 7.196 pounds in Lot I and
7.436 pounds in Lot II. The percentage of lambs yeaned by the ewes
of Lot I was 195%, of which 110% were saved. In Lot II 1.63% lambs
were yeaned and 95% saved. This loss of lambs in both lots may be
accounted for to some extent by the relatively small exercise lots
available for the ewes. The lambs of Lot I weighed 31.72 pounds eight
weeks after yeaning, while those of Lot II weighed 29.32 pounds. The
greater weight of the lambs in Lot I was caused by a greater milk flow
from the ewes of this lot. The total cost of wintering a ewe, after giv-
ing credit for manure produced, was $5.92 in Lot I and $4.516 in Lot
II, a difference of $1.404 or 23% greater cost for the ewes of Lot I.
The correlation of results obtained in the two Delaine-Merino lots
was close to those from the Shropshire ewes. The daily air-dry mat-
ter in feed consumed per ewe was .67 pounds daily, while the con-
sumption per 100 pounds live weight was .441 pounds more in Lot III
than in Lot IV.
Cost of feeds fed was $1.36 greater for the ewes fed alfalfa hay as a
sole roughage in Lot III. The manure produced by the ewes of Lot III
was more than that of Lot IV because of the greater amount of air-
dry matter in feeds consumed.
The weight of the wool, as shown in the Shropshire lot in which
alfalfa was the sole roughage fed, was likewise greater in the Merino
lot fed the same ration. The value of the wool in Lot III was $.347
greater per fleece than in Lot IV.
The average weight of lambs at birth was 8.043 pounds in Lot III
and 8.053 pounds in Lot IV. The percentage of lambs yeaned by ewes
that produced lambs was 115% in Lot III, of which 95% were raised.
In Lot IV the ewes that yeaned raised 100% lambs and produced
126%. The weight of the lambs at eight weeks of age was 32.23
pounds in Lot III and 28.42 pounds in Lot IV. The Delaine-Merino
ewes, like the Shropshire ewes, fed alfalfa hay as a sole roughage,
104
produced more milk when suplemented with grain than the lot in
which corn silage and alfalfa hay and grain were fed. The average
cost of maintaining a Merino ewe in Lot III was $5.58 and in Lot IV
$4.29, a difference of $1.29 or 23% more per ewe in Lot III.
A comparison of the Shropshire and Delaine-Merino lots shows that
the Shropshires lost more weight during the winter and consumed
more feed than the Delaine-Merino ewes. The average Shropshire
ewe in Lot I consumed 8.6% more air-dry matter in feed consumed per
ewe, but 13.1% less per 100 pounds live weight than the Delaine-Me-
rinos of Lot III.
The cost of feed was $.36 or 6.1% greater for the Shropshire ewes.
The amount of wool in Lot III was 3.74 pounds or 30.4% heavier
than the Shropshire ewes in Lot I fed the same ration. The value of
the Merino fleece in Lot III was 17.6% greater than the average Shrop-
shire fleece of Lot I.
The weight of the lambs in Lot III was 8.043 pounds or .847 pounds
heavier than the lambs from the Shropshire ewes in Lot I. This was
due to a larger proportion of twin lambs in Lot I. Likewise, the differ-
ence in weight of the lambs at eight weeks of age can be explained,
since a comparison of single lambs showed greater gains in the Shrop-
shire lot than single lambs in Lot III (Delaine-Merinos).
A comparison of lambs yeaned shows that the Shropshire ewes in
Lot I produced a higher percentage than the Merino ewes in Lot III,
but the Merinos raised a greater proportion. Shropshire ewes require
more care and detail of management at lambing time than Delaine-
Merino ewes. The cost of the Merinos in Lot III was $5.586 per ewe,
while in Lot I the cost was $5.92, a difference of $334 or 5.6% more for
the Shropshire ewes.
A comparison of Lots II and IV, the two lots in which corn silage,
alfalfa hay and grain were fed, shows that the Shropshire ewes con-
sumed .187 pounds more air-dry matter in feeds consumed daily per
head, but .471 pounds daily less per 100 pounds live weight than the
Merino ewes of Lot IV.
The greater amount of bedding used and manure produced was
caused by a proportionately greater amount of bedding used in the
Merino lot than in the Shropshire lot.
The average fleece in Lot IV weighed 3.466 pounds or 45.1% heavier
than the average Shropshire fleece in Lot II. On valuation, the Me-
rino fleece was worth $.657 or 22.3% more than the average Shrop-
shire fleece in Lot II.
The average weight of lambs at birth was 8.053 pounds in Lot IV
and 7.436 pounds in Lot II. The greater weight of the Merino lambs
was due to a smaller per cent. of twin lambs in this breed.
The Merinos in Lot IV produced a smaller percentage of lambs but
raised proportionately a larger percentage of the lambs than the
Shropshires in Lot II. The average weight of the lambs in these lots
at eight weeks of age was 29.32 pounds in Lot II and 28.42 pounds in
Lot IV.
The cost of wintering a ewe in Lot IV was $.226 or 5% less than a
Shropshire ewe in Lot II fed the same ration.
105
Table LXV. Summary for Maintenance of Breeding Ewes on Pasture
(2 Summers).
Lot I.
Shropshires.
Lot II.
Shropshires.
Lot III.
Delaine-
Merinos.
Lot IV.
Delaine-
Merinos.
Average length of period,
¹Cost of pasture, labor, grain,
equipment, and service of
ram, per ewe, 1914,
2Cost of pasture, labor, grain,
equipment, and service of
ram, per ewe, 1915,
Initial weight per ewe (aver-
age),
205 days.
205 days.
205 days.
205 days.
$1 83
$1 89
$1 65
$1 65
1 69
1 69
1.46
1 46
135.37 lbs.
144.79 lbs.
103.30 lbs.
103.18 lbs.
Concluding weight per ewe
(average),
172.57 lbs.
178.31 lbs.
127.21 lbs.
129.63 lbs.
37.20 lbs.
33.52 lbs
19.91 lbs.
26.45 lbs.
$1 76
$1 76
$1 555
$1 555
Gain per ewe during summer,
Average cost of maintaining
ewe on pasture,
1 See Table XXII.
2 See Table XLVII.
Table LXV shows the summary of pasturing ewes during two sea-
sons. The average cost of summering ewes in 1914 was greater than
in 1915, due to twenty-six ewes being included in the investigation in
1914 and thirty-two ewes in 1915. The greater cost in 1914 shows that
the labor, equipment and use of sire cost the same for 26 ewes as it did
for 32 ewes, resulting in greater average cost per ewe. The average of
two summers shows the cost of maintenance of a Shropshire ewe to
be $1.76 for 205 days, and $1.55 for a Delaine-Merino ewe. All ewes
showed marked increase in weight during the summer months.
Table LXVI.
Annual Cost of Maintaining Ewes. (Average of Three
Winters and Two Summers).
One Year.
Lot I.
Shropshires.
Grain and
alfalfa.
Lot II.
Shropshires.
Grain, alfalfa
and silage.
Lot III.
Delaine-
Merinos.
Grain and
alfalfa.
Cost of wintering, including
value of manure per ewe,
Cost of summer maintenance
per ewe,
¹Interest on value, per ewe,
2Depreciation of ewe, consid-
ering market value,
Mortality risk per ewe,
Total average cost per ewe,
Lot IV.
Delaine-
Merinos.
Grain, alfalfa
and silage.
•
$5 92
1 76
2 28 25
$4 516
$5 586
$4 290
1 76
1 555
1 555
60
48
48
50
50
50
217
217
173
Ge
173
$8 997
$7 593
$8 294
$6 998
¹ Shropshires valued at $10 per head, Delaine-Merinos at $8 per head.
Shropshires estimated as serviceable four seasons, and Delaine-Merinos five seasons. Market
value of Shropshires, 160 lbs. @ $6 per cwt.; Delaine-Merinos, 110 lbs. @ $5 per cwt.
8 Based on results of two ewes dying during the three years of the investigation.
•
Table LXVI shows the annual cost of maintaining the breeding
ewes in the two Shropshire and two Delaine-Merino lots; the average
of three winters and two summers investigation. Interest on the
value of the ewes was charged at the rate of 6%, allowing $10 for the
value of a Shropshire ewe and $8 for the value of a Delaine-Merino
ewe. The depreciation on ewes was charged at the rate of 25% for the
106
Shropshires and 20% for the Delaine-Merino ewes, based on results, of
observation during the investigation. Credit was given for the value
of the ewes for mutton when sold. The Shropshires averaged 160
pounds at $6 per cwt., and the Delaine-Merinos 110 pounds at $5 per
cwt. The mortality risk was based on the losses during the investiga-
tion. The total cost of maintenance for each Shropshire ewe in Lot I
was $8.997, and for a Merino ewe in Lot III, fed similarly, the cost was
$8.294, a difference of $.703 or 7.8% greater cost for the Shropshire
ewe. A comparison of a Shropshire ewe in Lot II with a Delaine-
Merino in Lot IV shows that the maintenance of a Shropshire ewe cost
$7.593 and that of a Delaine-Merino $6.998. The cost of maintenance
for a Shropshire ewe in Lot II was greater by $.595 or 7.8% than that
of a Delaine-Merino in Lot IV.
Table LXVII. Average of Three Years for Mutton and Wool
Produced.
Lot I.
Shropshires.
Lot II.
Shropshires.
Lot III.
Delaine-
Merinos.
Lot IV.
Delaine-
Merinos.
¹Average weight of lambs at
weaning time, 1914-15-16,
Average cost of grain per
lamb,
2Average value per 100 lbs.
(3 yrs.),
Average value of wool per
58.78 lbs
59.00 lbs.
57.60 lbs.
53.10 lbs.
$ 27
$ 29
$ 27
$ 29
9 58
9 50
9 166
8 333
1b..
304
297
266
2636
Average value per fleece per
ewe,
2 603
2 276
3 280
2 933
Average value of mutton and
wool per ewe, 100% lambs,
Average annual cost of ewe
and lamb,
8 23
7 88
8 57
7 36
9 27
788
8 56
7 28
Profit or loss per ewe,
-$1 04
$ 01
$ 08
1 Records of investigation.
2 Pittsburgh market quotations.
Table LXVII shows the average production of mutton and wool for
the period of investigation. The lambs at weaning time averaged
58.78 pounds in Lot I; 59.00 pounds in Lot II; 57.60 pounds in Lot
III and 53.10 pounds in Lot IV. The average market price was based
on average of the three years, giving Pittsburgh market quotations, at
which price the lambs could have been sold at State College. The value
per pound was greater in both lots where alfalfa hay was fed as a sole
roughage, due to the greater growth of the lambs, prior to being placed
on pasture, on account of a larger milk supply from these ewes. The
Merino lambs were less valuable per hundred weight, due to their
thinner flesh covering. The weight, price per pound, and value of
fleece was greater in the two lots fed alfalfa hay as a sole roughage,
due to the greater length of wool produced by these ewes. The final
cost of these products did not, however, justify the feeding of alfalfa
hay as a sole roughage. The following comparison is shown, based on
production of 100% lambs. The ewes in Lot I were fed at a loss of
$1.04 per ewe annually and the Delaine-Merinos in Lot III made a
profit of $.01. The Shropshire ewes in Lot II produced wool and
mutton equal to cost of maintenance, while the Merinos in Lot IV
averaged $.08 profit.
107
No credit was given for the manure produced on pasture, the in-
crease in the stand of grass by sheep grazing or the destruction of the
weeds in the pasture which were abundant.
Table LXVIII. Profit or Loss per Ewe with 100% Lambs, 125%
and 150% Lambs.
Lot I. Shropshires,
Lot II.
•
Lot III.
Lot IV.
Shropshires,
Delaine-Merinos,
Delaine-Merinos,
Profit or loss
with 100%
lambs per ewe.
Profit or loss
per ewe with
125% lambs.
Profit or loss
per ewe with
150% lambs.
-$1.04
$ .40
1.40
$1.81
2.80
.01
.08
1.33
1.19
Table LXVIII shows the profits that would result when 125% and
150% lambs were raised. With the Shropshire, experienced sheepmen
have no difficulty in raising 150% and more lambs. With the Merino
breed, it is possible to average 125% lambs, but with greater difficulty
than 150% in the case of Shropshires. The profits, therefore, as shown
in this table, will depend, if rations similar to those used in this in-
vestigation are fed, on the raising of a higher percentage of lambs.
Table LXIX. Cost of Maintenance per Ewe with Alfalfa Hay at
Various Values.*
•

Lot II.
Lot III.
Lot I. Shropshires,
Delaine-Merinos,
Shropshires,
Lot IV.
Delaine-Merinos,
With alfalfa
hay @ $12 ton.
With alfalfa
hay @ $15 ton.
With alfalfa
hay @ $18 ton.
With alfalfa
hay @ $20 ton.
$7 926
$8 997
7 000
7 593
$10 065
8.185
$10 778
8.571
7 311
6 454
8 294
9 277
9 932
6 998
7 544
7 908
*Prices of other feeds, pasture, labor, equipment, etc. same as shown in the investigation. See
Tables XVIII, XXII, XL, XLVII, LXIII, LXIV, LXV, LXVI, and LXVII.
The results of the investigation show that alfalfa hay at $15 per ton,
when fed as a sole roughage, is more expensive than corn silage at
$3.50 per ton when fed with a limited amount of alfalfa hay at $15 per
ton. Table LXIX shows the cost of maintenance per ewe on the two
rations used in this investigation with the Shropshire and Delaine-
Merino breeds. If alfalfa hay is the sole roughage used for Shropshire
ewes, when 100% lambs are raised the price per ton should not exceed
$12 to insure profit. In the case of Delaine-Merinos as fed in Lot III,
the price should not exceed $15 per ton to insure profit when 100%
lambs are raised.
Where alfalfa hay is fed with corn silage as a roughage, the price
should not exceed $15 per ton for Shropshire and Delaine Merino
ewes, where 100% lambs are raised and sold at a weaning age.
108
Conclusions.
1. An average of three winters shows that alfalfa hay at $15 per
ton is too expensive as a sole roughage for breeding ewes of the Shrop-
shire and Delaine-Merino breeds.
2. Alfalfa hay, when supplemented with the grain mixture used at
the rate of one-quarter pound per ewe daily, will produce vigorous
lambs, result in greater growth of wool, and stimulate greater milk
flow than a ration composed of corn silage, alfalfa hay and grain for
breeding ewes of mutton and wool type.
3. When alfalfa hay is fed with no grain to breeding ewes prior to
lambing, the lambs are weak at birth and the ewe gives little milk.
4. Ewes consuming alfalfa hay as a sole roughage drink more
water and urinate excessively, resulting in "burning" the wool and
soreness, particularly with Delaine-Merino ewes.
5. A ration consisting of alfalfa hay, corn silage and a limited
grain mixture is a satisfactory ration for breeding ewes of the Shrop-
shire and Delaine-Merino breeds in the production of a normal lamb
and of wool, but at prices indicated for other feeds the alfalfa hay
should not exceed $15 per ton in value.
6. When no grain was fed prior to lambing, the lambs produced
were strong and vigorous in Lots II and IV, in which corn silage and
alfalfa hay were fed.
7. The lambs produced in Lots I and III, fed alfalfa hay as a sole
roughage, carried a higher condition of flesh and made greater gains
than the lambs in Lots II and IV, but not sufficient to justify its being
fed with profit to Shropshire and Delaine-Merino ewes at $15 per ton.
8. The cost of feeds fed in winter quarters to Shropshire ewes in
Lot I was $5.88 and in Lot II $4.32, or $1.56 less for the ewes fed silage
and alfalfa hay as roughage. The cost of feeds fed to Delaine-Merino
ewes in Lot III was $5.52 per ewe and in Lot IV $4.16 per ewe, or
$1.36 less when silage composed a part of the roughage ration.
9. The daily consumption of air-dry matter in feeds consumed per
ewe was 21% greater, and per 100 pounds live weight 23% greater in
the Shropshire lot receiving alfalfa hay as a sole roughage.
10. The daily consumption of air-dry matter in the Delaine-Merino
lots was 18.9% greater per ewe, and 16.2% greater per 100 pounds live
weight in Lot III than in Lot IV.
11. The bedding used per ewe during the winter period varied
from 75.2 pounds to 90.03 pounds in the four lots.
12. A greater amount of manure was produced by the ewes fed
alfalfa hay as a sole roughage.
13. The wool produced by Shropshire ewes in Lot I averaged 8.56
pounds in weight and was valued at $2.603; Shropshire ewes in Lot II
produced wool weighing 7.66 pounds, valued at $2.276 per fleece.
14. The wool produced by the Delaine-Merino ewes weighed 12.30
pounds valued at $3.28 in Lot III, and in Lot IV weighed 11.126
pounds, valued at $2.933.
15. Shropshire ewes in Lot I consumed 8.6% more air-dry matter
in feed consumed per ewe, but 13.1% less per 100 pounds live weight
than the Delaine-Merino ewes fed a similar ration in Lot III.
16. Shropshire ewes in Lot II consumed 6.1% more air-dry matter
per ewe and 20% less per 100 pounds live weight during the winter
period than the Delaine-Merino ewes in Lot IV, fed a similar ration.
+
109
17. The average Delaine-Merino fleece in Lot III was 30.4% heav-
ier and 17.6% more valuable than the average Shropshire fleece in Lot
I.
18. The average Delaine-Merino fleece in Lot IV was 45.1% heavier
and 22.3% more valuable than the average Shropshire fleece in Lot II.
19. The lambs produced by the Delaine-Merino ewes were heavier
at birth than the Shropshire lambs, due to a smaller proportion of
twins produced.
20. Merino lambs were hardier at birth and the ewes required less
care in management than the Shropshire ewes.
21. The average cost of maintaining a breeding ewe in a smaller
flock of twenty-six ewes was greater than in a flock of thirty-two ewes,
where the cost in equipment, labor and sire were the same.
22. The cost of pasturing a Shropshire ewe, weighing 157.7 lbs.,
was $1.76; of a Merino ewe, weighing 115.8 lbs., $1.55.
23. The total annual cost of maintaining a breeding ewe in Lot I
was $8.997, in Lot II $.593, in Lot III 8.29, in Lot IV $6.99.
24. A comparison of both the Shropshire lots with the two Delaine-
Merino lots showed that it costs 7.8% more to maintain a Shropshire
ewe than a Delaine-Merino ewe.
25. In the case of Merino and Shropshire lambs intended for
market in early summer, it was found profitable to feed grain in order
to receive the proper growth and finish.
26. Lambs must be weaned prior to the middle of July, and if kept
after that time they must be pastured on land not previously grazed
that season by sheep infested with internal parasites.
27.
Rape pasture for lambs without grain is not as good as blue-
grass pasture during a wet season.
28. Shropshire lambs of the same weight as Merino lambs are
worth from $.50 to $.75 more per 100 pounds live weight, due to deeper
flesh covering and a higher dressing percentage.
29. This experiment shows that sheep destroy weeds and increase
the stand of grass when pastured judiciously.
30. When 150% lambs are raised, the Shropshire ewes in Lot I
would return a profit of $1.81 per ewe, and in Lot II $2.80 per ewe.
31. When 125% lambs are raised, Delaine-Merino ewes in Lot III
would profit annually $1.33 and in Lot IV $1.19.
32. Wintering pregnant ewes in an open shed was conducive to
health and thrift, but it must be done in connection with warmer quar-
ters during the lambing season, and they must be provided with ample
exercise yards. Such quarters should have a southern exposure and
be kept dry and well bedded.
33. Feed racks that prevent seed and chaff from getting into the
fleece increase the value of wool from one to two cents per pound.
34. Observations on ewes in the Delaine-Merino and Shropshire
breeds during the investigation show that Delaine-Merinos may be
kept for breeding purposes until seven or eight years of age, while
Shropshires rarely exceed seven years of age.
35. With the Shropshire and Delaine-Merino breeds, wool produc-
tion as well as mutton production are essential for profitable sheep
raising. When 100% lambs are raised the income from mutton as
compared with wool was: Lot I 68.3% from mutton and 31.7% from
wool; Lot II 71.1% from mutton and 28.9% from wool; Lot III 61.7%
from mutton and 38.3% from wool; and Lot IV 60.2% from mutton
and 39.8% from wool.
L

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