41 



meal ration or scald it with boiliu^ water before mixing with the meal. As a sub- 

 stitute for roots, the soaked or steeped alfalfa would be preferable to the dry hay. 

 Alfalfa or clover hay may he fed along wiih roots, and will be found to give good 

 results it' the feeder takes care to supply a reasonable amount of concentrated feed 

 to make the ration sufficiently nourishing. 



Summer management is usually simpler than winter. A pasture lot provided 

 with shade is one of the best places to keep a boar. The grass or clover, or what- 

 ever the pasture may consist of, will furnish the bulky, succulent feed necessary 

 for health, and gathering part of his food from pasture compels the boar to take 

 exercise. If it is not possible to provide the pasture, he should be liberally supplied 

 with green feed in his pen. 



The quantity of meal to feed a boar will vary with circumstances. During 

 the season when he is used most, he will require liberal treatment, but at no time 

 should lie be fed more than he will eat up clean before leaving the trough. During 





Fig. 8. — Duroc-Jersey boar, championship winner at Iowa State Fair. 



comparatively idle seasons a very light meal ration will be sufficient, and if on 

 good pasture he will require but little feed in addition. - It is entirely a matter of 

 judgment, and the feeder must be guided by the condition of the boar. It is never 

 wise to make sudden changes in the ration — that is, to change suddenly from a light 

 ration to a heavy one, or from a heavy ration to a light one. Changes should be 

 made gradually, and the feeder, knowing about when the heaviest season commences, 

 should start in plenty of time to prepare the boar for it. 



Breeding Crate. — When it is necessary to breed heavy boars to rather small 

 sows, a breeding crate often can be used to advantage. There are many types of 

 breeding crates, but the one shown in the illustration is easily made, and will 

 answer the purpose very well. 



The dimensions of the crate are: Length, 5' 6"; width, 2', and height, 3' 6". 

 The uprights at i\iQ corners are made of 2" x 4" scantling, and the sides may be 



