742 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



In no instance was the metal house cooler at noon (when it had best 

 be) or warmer shortly after midnight, 1 a. m. (when it had best be) 

 in these observations. It will be instructive to make these comparisons 

 of temperature between metal and wooden houses in the dead of winter 

 and in the middle of summer; it is the plan of the Experiment Station 

 to do this. 



Other features of the metal house deserve mention: Permanent at- 

 tached floors are not usually furnished but it is a comparatively simple 

 matter to supply these. Possibly the most simple procedure would be 

 to build a solid movable floor and place the house on it. This floor 

 with attached runners would enable quick moving without portage — 

 and thus add to the merit of the house in general. Unless built of 

 strong, durable material well re-enforced the question of serviceability 

 may be a serious one. The wooden frame with the steel covering has 

 much to commend it from the substantial structural standpoint. The 

 "A" type seems to be the most feasible and practical for metal construc- 

 tion (unless wooden frame be used) and the "A" type disadvantages 

 heretofore given are ever present. Being naturally a light weight house, 

 the hogs may move it easily out of position; of course, one can fasten 

 the house securely, but that necessitates extra labor and care, further- 

 more such procedure interferes with the "quick and handy" movable 

 feature. Shade is not very efficient under a metal roof, this being 

 particularly true when the overhead protection is in close proximity 

 to the shaded animals. It is quite essential that the natural shade of 

 trees supplement the ordinary "A" type of metal house in the summer. 

 The somewhat reasonable first cost will make an appeal to one's sense 

 of economy; this in addition to ease of portage are the outstanding talking 

 points of the metal house. 



GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS. 



The selection of the best possible hog house is largely a problem of 

 correctly interpreting local conditions. Recognition must be given the 

 various factors which determine the ultimate usefulness of the house in 

 question. By studying the essentials of an ideal house one prepares 

 himself to render better judgment as to the comparative value of the 

 different types. 



