712 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



8. Fire risk is lessened: Isolation of the small houses insures slight 

 risk from fire. Furthermore the danger to other buildings is minimized. 



9. Supplements the eentralised house: The combination of the cen- 

 tralized stationary and the individual movable furnishes a most complete 

 system. One house is hardly sufficient no matter how large; it lacks 

 adaptability necessary to meet all of the demands and needs of the 

 swine herd. To have the sows farrow in the centralized, and then 

 transfer them with their litters to the individual houses in from two to 

 five weeks, depending upon the weather and other local factors, is a 

 commendable, sane, and practical method of procedure. Such a successful 

 system is followed quite widely in the middle west. The general appear- 

 ance of the farmstead is improved by a well chosen arrangement of 

 both types. 



DISADVANT.^GES OF THE IIOVABLE HOUSE (COMPARED WITH THE CENTRALIZED). 



The arguments against the individual house are given: 



1. Time mid labor required greater: More energy and time are needed 

 because facilities for feeding, watering, dipping, ringing, castrating, 

 marking, breeding, and weighing are not so convenient. To have all 

 sows under one roof during farrowing season contributes much to the 

 efficiency of labor. 



2. Durabilitif less: The movable feature has its drawbacks in that 

 it somewhat reduces the years of service. Masonry construction, so 

 desirable because of its durability, cannot be used with practicability. 



3. Feed stor\age and fresh water supply imjiractical : Convenient in- 

 door bins of feed and taps for water are most desirable. A mixing 

 room with feed cooker and other appliances adjacent to the feeding alley 

 is not possible. If the individual houses are permanently located, 

 especially in a group, these disadvantages may be largely disposed of; 

 storage within the small house is rarely practiced. 



4. Exposure for herdsman greater: The caretaker is compelled to 

 work outdoors regardless of weather conditions. 



5. Close attention to herd impossible: At farrowing time especially, 

 vigilant attendance to the herd is of great importance; with sows under 

 several roofs this becomes very difficult. 



6. Heating several pens difficult: To keep heat uniform in several 

 houses is troublesome because the many lanterns or small heaters, as 

 well as the ventilators, require constant care. 



7. Lighting apt to be deficient: Movable houses are usually con- 

 structed with little provision made for lighting; this defect is overcome 

 in the Iowa individual house with roof sashes. 



8. Ventilation not as systematic: The ventilators are usually not 

 adjustable. The house presents a greater possibility of introducing the 

 principles of the King System of ventilation. Furthermore, the over- 

 head space is generally less, requiring a more frequent changing of air. 



9. Site selection more complex: One site is more easily picked than 

 several, as is necessitated with many individual houses. 



