SWINE 43 



Chinas are unequalled. They make good gains on 

 pasture with light grain ration, and mature early. 

 Their litters are not so large as those of the 

 Duroc-Jerseys which is a mark against the breed. 



Feeding. The first thing to think of in feeding- 

 hogs is a balanced ration. The most important part 

 of this ration is the protein and as most feeds on 

 the farm are short in protein this must be supplied. 

 The easiest way to provide the protein for hogs is 

 to grow large forage crops like alfalfa or clover. 

 Milk and bran are rich in protein. To balance the 

 protein, com is the cheapest and best food. It fur- 

 nishes heat and fat. Corn and alfalfa or corn and 

 clover is, perhaps, the easiest balanced ration to 

 provide, especially in the corn belt. Corn, alone 

 is not rich enough in protein for the best results, 

 but it is often used for a few weeks immediately 

 before a herd is shipped to market, to make weight. 



The hog must also have plenty of pure water. 

 Pigs need more water than older hogs in propor- 

 tion to their size. Charcoal, lime, ashes, and salt 

 should always be in reach to provide the mineral 

 food which the animal needs. Pigs need room to 

 exercise for the sake of their digestion. For this 

 reason it is better to let them forage for part of 

 tli(>ir food. (Fig. 27.) 



Hogs on Pasture. By far the greatest number 

 of hogs are fattened for market in the summer and 

 early fall. The care and labor is less then and the 

 gain in flesh greater. Pigs need more feed in cold 



