278 LIVE STOCK MANAGEMENT. 



In this respect they should farrow at least by the 1st of Sep- 

 tember. These farrows should be given proper care and 

 attention until the 1st of December and then placed in warm 

 dry quarters and well fed, and should make good gains dur- 

 ing the cold weather. If, on the other hand, they come late 

 in the fall and are exposed to the cold weather and improp- 

 erly fed and housed, poor gains will be realized. 



During the winter season it is especially desirable to 

 feed some steamed or cooked food. This seems to keep the 

 system in good shape. Pigs which are being fed on steamed 

 or cooked food must have warm comfortable quarters and 

 must not be exposed to extreme cold at any time, else inflam- 

 mation may occur. Hogs which are confined to warm quar- 

 ters part of the time and then exposed to real cold for a few 

 minutes are very susceptible to inflammation and other such 

 troubles. In some instances where young pigs are suckling 

 the mother, especially if the mother is a real heavy milker 

 and they are confined to small quarters, trouble may be 

 experienced through "thumps." This trouble may be pre- 

 vented by giving them more exercise. If it is during the 

 winter season, while the sun is shining bright, they should 

 be allowed out in front of the pen for an hour or so each day. 

 Plenty of fresh air and exercise will always be found a good 

 preventive for "thumps." 



