Aug. 3, 1908.] Agrimltiiral Gazette of N.S. IF. 639 



In arranging a ration the protein content is of equal importance with that 

 of cost, but both must receive consideration. The general principle applies 

 that foods containing a high percentage of protein are costly, whereas the 

 wider rations containing more carbo-hydrates are cheaper. 



A narrow ration produces the quickest gain in weight, especially in young 

 animals, hence the need for increasing the carbo-hydrates in the ration as the 

 pigs grow older. 



Experience bears out the scientific truth that protein increases the quantity 

 of red meat. When pigs are fed on lucerne in sufficient quantity to provide 

 a well-balanced ration, there is a greater distribution of lean throughout 

 the flesh. 



During the period of pregnancy sows require a class of food rich in protein 

 to maintain the demand for tissue making, and developing the unborn pigs, 

 each of which weighs from 2 lb. to 2h lb. at birth. 



As a rule our grasses are sufficiently rich, but it is always an advantage 

 to give lucerne. The sows are in better condition for suckling, and the young 

 more thrifty and sturdy at birth. 



When denied food containing a proper quantity of. protein, and fed too 

 largely on maize or other carbonaceous foods, the sow becomes abnormally 

 depraved in the desire for foods containing protein, and by no means infre- 

 quently satisfies this inordinate appetite by eating the sucklings just born. 



Young pigs, after weaning, when fed on lucerne judiciously balanced with 

 grain, have more lusty vital organs, stronger bone, and more blood. 



Boars at the stud are always better for service with a diet including lucerne. 



In all cases lucerne alone, either as hay, green fodder, or silage, is too 

 narrow a ration, and hence should be balanced with maize, barley, rye, oats, 

 potatoes, or other starchy foods. 



Lucerne hay or green fodder is best fed from a rack, as pigs are so hable 

 to injure and soil food of the kind fed on the floor of the sty. 



The practice of depasturing lucerne is highly profitable. Pigs are very 

 partial to it. Much depends on the nature of the stand as to quantity, but 

 under average conditions 1 acre has been found ample to graze fifteen pigs, 

 when supplemented with grain. A gain of 776 lb. of pork per acre was made 

 in a test in Kansas on lucerne-grazing supplemented with maize. 



In Ught sandy loams, such as we find in many parts of the Hawkesbury 

 district, at the College and other parts of the State, direct grazing is not satis- 

 factory, and the pigs have been known to destroy the stand in two seasons. 

 In such cases it is better to mow, and feed through racks. 



Where the land is a heavy or medium heavy loam, with the plants full 

 grown, i.e., at least three years old. then grazing may be conducted, with 

 periods of rest to enable the plants to produce another growth, and before the 

 crowns of the plants can be injured by too close grazing. 



Feeding green lucerne will yield a greater quantity of pork per acre than 

 clover or grasses, and at much less cost. 



