708 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



Roof doors in small houses and alleys in large houses for quick and 

 easy feeding, removal of litter or manures, and handling of herd. 



Bins for storage of feeds. 



Doors and windows which open or close easily and quickly. 



Room for supplies and appliances, such as veterinary medicines and 

 instruments, feed cooker, water heater, stove, sleeping cot and so on. 



Abundant water supply for drinking and flushing. 



"Ventilators, readily adjustable. 



Litter carriers for. removing manure. 



Shade devices, handily managed. 



Attached runners, for quick moving of small houses. 



Dipping tank, in or near house. 



Troughs arranged so as to be filled and cleaned with dispatch without 

 interference from hogs. 



Feeding floor, located in or nearby the house. 



Breeding crate and ringing chute under cover and near at hand, for 

 winter service especially. 



Tile drainage for flush water which may be conserved by running into 

 farm liquid manure tank. 



Minor equipment, such as hurdles, automatic waterers, self-feeders, bar- 

 rel or other storage for slops, and other devices. 



9. Serviceability : To be useful every day in the year means that a 

 house must be suitable for farrowing time, for summer shade, and for 

 winter protection. It is economical at times to use the hog house to 

 shelter sheep, especially ewes with lambs, calves, or other domestic 

 animals, thus adding to all around serviceability. However, that is not 

 usually advisable. The more continuous service one secures the less 

 the daily cost for shelter; to obtain a maximum of housing at a minimum 

 of expense is the economic and practical objective goal. 



10. Sufficient size to shelter advantageously: The capacity should be 

 consistent with the number, weight and class of hogs to be housed in 

 the various seasons. To avoid overcrowding, have plenty of floor and 

 overhead space; ventilation and comfort is thus promoted. 



11. DuraMlity : A house must withstand wind, rain, hail, snow, tem- 

 perature, and the daily wear and tear of actual usage, so as to endure 

 for the greatest term of years. Fireproof construction lessens risk. In 

 general, that building which gives the longest continuous service is the 

 one which is most worthy of consideration. 



12. ReasonaMij low first cost: This should be consistent with the 

 service rendered. 



13. Minimum cost of maintenance : This charge may be systematically 

 compared in various types of construction by placing them on the basis 

 of the cost per annum, per sow, per litter or per hog in general. A 

 maximum of service for a minimum of upkeep charges is the ideal to 

 work toward. 



14. Pleasing appearance: A satisfactory house harmonizes with its 

 surroundings, it is neat in architectural design and sensible in construc- 

 tion. Well chosen paint lends much to its attractiveness. In general, 

 to add to, rather than detract from, the appearance of the farmstead 

 should be the builder's ambition. 



