392 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



Each pig in the experiment in the rape lot made 12.8, or nearly thirteen 

 pounds more gain on the average than those without rape, or, on the whole, 

 surpassed them by two hundred and seventeen pounds. That the gains were 

 consistent is evidenced in the two comparisons in the above showing that 

 during first and last six weeks the rape fed pigs were in both cases the better 

 flesh gainers. 



In connection with the superior gains made by the rape-fed pigs it is 

 interesting to note that costs of grains were less. 



Grain per 100 

 Pounds Gain, 

 Pounds. 



Cost of Grain 



per 100 

 Pounds Gain 



Without rape. 

 With rape 



Difference. 



437 

 420 



$ 3.78 

 3.36 



$ .42 



The above indicates that where the pigs without rape required four 

 hundred and thirty-seven pounds of grain to make one hundred pounds of 

 gain, the pigs on the rape pasture took four hundred and twenty pounds, 

 showing that the latter required seventeen pounds less. When reckoned on 

 a cash basis the pigs that were fed on the rape pasture required forty-two 

 cents worth less grain than those without the advantage of the succulence 

 furnished by the growing rape. 



This experiment is important in that it shows an advantage of the rape- 

 fed hogs in two ways. In the first place, they made the best gains on all 

 points, and secondly, they made the best gains at a less expenditure of grain 

 and money. We believe, also, that the lessened grain means less labor. 



In many cases farmers have become used to keeping pigs in small yards 

 so that they have almost forgotten, apparently, that the hog likes a liberal 

 amount of green feed. Some farmers lay great stress upon the importance 

 of pasture, and we believe that in the long run these men are the ones who 

 have the healthiest swine. Green feed is natural to hogs during a portion 

 of the year. There is nothing that will put them in better order and con- 

 tinue to keep them so, and in the case of the experiment outlined in the 

 above, showing the utility of feeding rape, there is a marked saving in the 

 grain, that is more or less expensive, in getting the hogs ready for market 

 or growing for breeding purposes. 



Rape should be sown broadcast or drilled after all danger of frost is 

 passed. It requires very little attention and particularly if sown broadcast. 

 It grows fast, requiring but six or seven weeks after sowing to be ready for 

 pasturing providing the conditions are usually favorable. Few farmers who 

 have sown the plant and given it a fair trial have been displeased with the 

 results. 



