192 GUIDE TO DAIRYING IN SOUTH AFRICA 



before she farrows, as it is not advisable to change 

 the food when farrowing is almost due. If the sows 

 have been running* loose, they should be confined 

 to the camp or sty in which they are to pig a few 

 days before they are due, so that they will be 

 accustomed to the strange place. It is not advisable 

 to have two sows farrowing in the same place, as 

 they injure each other's offspring. 



Where pigs are run on the grazing system, and 

 where a good number of sows are " in pig/' a good 

 plan is to have at least two camps, so that as the 

 sows advance in pregnancy they may be removed 

 from those which are not so far advanced and 

 where they can get suitable shelter. This removal 

 should take place about five weeks before they are 

 due to pig. 



Sows which have not been run on grass veld 

 or in the lands should be kept well supplied with 

 green food, such as green mealie stalks, lucerne, 

 vetches, green barley, pumpkins, and the like. 



Sows generally carry the litter for sixteen 

 weeks old or weakly sows will perhaps farrow a 

 day or two before this, but those in good condition 

 will farrow on the H2th day. Extra strong sows 

 may go a day or two beyond. The litter should 

 not be disturbed for a few days, and the sow should 

 not be fed too much. After which time plenty 

 of separator milk may be given, together with 

 crushed mealies and usual green food. 



