226 FARM ANIMALS 



apt to get off feed and consume more feed for a 

 given amount of gain until a point is reached 

 where their feeding can be accomplished only 

 with an absolute loss. It is, therefore, apparent 

 that the rate and economy of gain diminishes 

 as the length of the feeding period increases. 

 As a rule, this period should not last more than 

 three months. In fact, some hogs may be brought 

 to an excellent condition in fifty or sixty days. 

 This is particularly true if the pigs are kept 

 growing without any check in their development 

 from weaning time until five to ten months of 

 age when they may be sold for pork. 



In the western states, where the extent of the 

 Chinese population is sufficient to create a market 

 for young pigs, considerable attention is given 

 to this business. The pigs are forced by heavy 

 feeding of the sow before weaning and are then 

 fed as heavy grain rations as they will eat until 

 they are about three months old. After rapidly 

 forcing them to this time they may be sold at 

 a very profitable figure. 



Water. The amount of water which is usually 

 required by pigs is a matter which has not been 

 generally studied. As a rule, pigs will drink 

 two or three pounds of water for each pound of 

 grain consumed. Since, however, few farmers 

 furnish water to pigs in troughs or other receptacles 

 where it can be measured this is not a matter of 

 great importance. It is desirable, however, that 

 more attention be given to this point and that the 

 quality of the water furnished to hogs should be 

 better. It requires but little thought to convince 

 one that the practice of allowing hogs to wallow 

 in mire and secure their only water from this 

 source is very reprehensible. 



