640 IOWA DEPARTMENT OP AGRICULTURE 



In view of the above facts, it is obvious that for the most economical 

 production of pork, the time at which the hog comes to maturity should 

 be extended as far as may be consistent with the best form and quality. 

 The successful hog grower watches the market and aims to supply the 

 w^eights most in demand, and while it sometimes occurs that heavy hogs 

 are in demand at a premium, it is but seldom that other than weights 

 around 210 pounds are in most urgent demand. The head of one of the 

 large packing plants at Chicago recently stated the fact that in late years 

 the quality of the hogs received at Chicago had depreciated and gave as 

 a reason that more hogs were being shipped off grass. While the grass- 

 fed hog will not dress out as profitably as one that has been fed (or at 

 least finished) on corn, it is indeed gratifying to observe that the corn- 

 belt farmer is waking up to the economic necessity of growing his hogs 

 on grass. The packer referred to also stated that of recent years, tank- 

 age has found a broad and increasing demand from hog raisers who 

 realize its protein value as a balance for the heavy corn ration fed to 

 many hogs, especially those that are fattened in the winter. 



The strongest emphasis is laid upon the necessity of growing hogs on 

 grass and clover. If alfalfa is available, the problem of early and profit- 

 able growth is solved. Summarizing the experience of successful hog 

 farmers I would enumerate the following rules which, while not inflexible, 

 will be found applicable to almost all localities and conditions where 

 profitable production of hogs may be carried on: First, careful and 

 intelligent selection of the breeding stock with a view of fixing the 

 characteristics of prolificacy and size; proper care of the sow during the 

 period of gestation and at farrowing, and with special care for at least 

 two weeks after farrowing; forcing both breeding stock and pigs to take 

 abundant exercise at all seasons; abundance of grass and especially 

 clover and the limited use of corn until the finishing period; avoid so 

 far as possible the use of gilts in the breeding herd and never breed them 

 to farrow a first litter under fifteen months of age. The difference in 

 weight between the litter of a gilt and a litter from a three-year-old sow 

 will average twenty pounds per pig at the age of five months, in favor 

 of the pigs form the mature sow; avoid inbreeding and to be on the safe 

 side, change boars each year; keep a good mother so long as she is 

 serviceable; house the herd comfortably; keep the bedding dry and 

 thoroughly ventilate the sleeping quarters. A hog will stand a low tem- 

 perature if kept dry and supplied with pure air; supply at all times an 

 abundance of pure water and in winter warm it to about 50 degrees P. 

 Keep vermin away, and this means both on the outside and the inside 

 of the hog. Do not use a dipping tank. A spray is fully as efficient, 

 costs much less, requires but little to thoroughly spray the animal, and 

 obviates the danger which attends the use of a dipping tank. Crude oil 

 is the most effective remedy for exterminating the external parasites 

 which infest the hog and it is also the most economical to use, if applied 

 with a spray. If crude oil is sprayed about the pens and sleeping quarters 

 occasionally it will not be difficult to keep these pests in subjection. 

 Cleanliness is essential to the profitable growing of hogs and supporting 

 parasites is unprofitable. 



