THE BROOD SOW AND HER LITTER. 



(By F. G. King, Former Live Stock Assistant, Missouri State Board of Agriculture.)'' 



sum:\iary. 



All growing animals must be fed so as to have an abundance of pro- 

 tein and ash for the formation of muscle and bone to meet the require- 

 ments of growth. The brood sow must be fed a ration that will have her 

 gaining in flesh at breeding time. The pregnant sow must be fed a 

 feed that is not only rich in protein and ash, but is also somewhat bulky, 

 so as to satisfy her appetite, and a laxative in order to keep her system 

 in the proper condition. 



If the sow is in proper physical condition, healthy, and not too fat^ 

 there need be no trouble at farrowing time. Each sow should be by her- 

 self in a cot, having a rail around the outside, to prevent the pigs from 

 crushing. 



The feeding of the sow while suckling pigs, must be heavier and con- 

 tain more food nutrients than at any other period in her life. Sows 

 often break down from lack of ash in their feed at this time. 



The suckling pig should have a creep into which it can go to receive 

 food separate from the sow. This food should consist of grain, in the 

 form of slop, and be of a narrow nutritive ratio. 



At w^eaning time the sow should be removed from the pasture, leav- 

 ing the pig in familiar surroundings, in order to avoid restlessness. The 

 sow should be returned a few times in order to prevent the spoiling of 

 the udder. 



The pig should receive the same feed after weaning as before, only 

 in larger quantities. As the pig grows, however, the feed can be changed 

 to a dryer feed. 



Scours in young pigs are usually caused by unsanitary conditions, 

 sour or unclean feed, or by a feverish condition of the sow. They are 

 prevented by changing the feed or by giving the sow a physic. 



Lice are prevented by the use of dips, coal oil, crude oils, etc., either 

 sprayed upon the hogs or by having the hogs dipped. 



Thumps are usually caused by heavy feeding, with lack of exercise, 



(371) 



