Purdue University Agricultural Extension Service Lafayette, Indiana
Mimeo A S 176 Rev. November, 1959
SHEEP MANAGEMENT BEFORE THE BREEDING SEASON
Lambs born within a 30 day period—eight weeks before pastures--can make the test possible fat market lambs, weighing 80-100 pounds by July 15. This requires good management. Here are some suggestions:
Take Care Of Your Rams
1.	Keep the rams away from the ewes except during the breeding season. (Gestation Period—lk6 to 152 days)
2.	Provide one ram over one year of age for each 35 ewes. Have plenty of ram power. Ram lambs should not be used on more than 15 ewes.
3.	Select rams that are wide-awake, bold and active and not over-fat.
They should be well-grown, heavy-boned, short coupled and sound in every respect.
Avoid rams that—
a.	Are over-fat
b.	Are lame or from flocks where there are lame sheep.
c.	Have small testicles.
d.	Have overshot or undershot jaws.
e.	Have broken pasterns.
Shear the rams during July or August. It keeps them cool. They will be more vigorous and active and will breed and settle more ewes in less time. Result--your lambs will be more nearly the same age. You can do something with them.
5.	Trim the rams* feet a month before you turn them in with the ewes. Remember, they earn their living on their feet. Lameness in sheep is largely caused by neglect.
6.	Do everything possible to have the rams strong and vigorous. They should do their years' work in 30 days.
Give The Ewes A Chance
1. Keep the ewes as uniform as possible in age, condition, type and size.
2. Give the ewes a rest before the breeding season. Sell all market lambs that weigh 80 pounds or more before August 1.
3.	Put the ewes on short permanent pasture so that they will dry up and not be over-fat at the breeding season.
Wean all lambs that aren't fat enough to sell by August 1.
5. Drench the ewes to control stomach worms as soon as the lambs are sold weaned.
Shear the wool away from their docks. Crowd the ewes into a small pen,
Use a Shear Master, and trim the ewes while they are standing crowded together. Shear the heads of any sheep that are wool blind.