686 FEEDS AND FEEDING 



corn, the pigs averaged 2.42 Ibs. and 85 per ct. were strong. The pigs 

 from the sows fed corn alone also had smaller bones than those from the 

 dams fed corn and tankage. 



In similar trials by Vestal at the Kansas Station 2 the results were even 

 poorer on corn alone. One sow on this inadequate ration died a month 

 after farrowing, another became paralyzed, and a third had only one pig. 



1015. Suitable supplements for sows. Protein-rich feeds of animal 

 origin and choice legume hay stand in a class by themselves as excellent 

 supplements to the grains for brood sows not on pasture, just as they 

 do for growing pigs. Skim milk, buttermilk, tankage, and fish meal are 

 not only rich in well-balanced protein, but are also high in calcium and 

 phosphorus. The legume hays do not supply quite as efficient proteins 

 as these animal feeds, but they are rich in lime and in addition have a 

 laxative effect and give bulk to the ration. Combinations of grain and 

 legume hay, along with small amounts of dairy by-products or other 

 feeds of animal origin, make ideal winter rations for brood sows. Grain 

 and such feeds as wheat middlings, wheat bran, and linseed meal also are 

 satisfactory combinations, if the sows have legume hay or are in sections 

 far enough south so that some pasturage can be provided during the 

 winter. 



In nutrition experiments by Hart and Steenbock of the Wisconsin 

 Station 3 sows were maintained for months on corn, oats, or barley, sup- 

 plemented by only such protein-rich feeds as linseed meal, wheat mid- 

 dlings, or field peas, and with salt in addition and water quite high in 

 calcium to drink. On such rations the offspring tended to be small and 

 weak, and when sows were kept on such feeds for successive gestation 

 periods many of the pigs were born dead. Even when ground rock phos- 

 phate was added to a ration of yellow corn, linseed meal, and salt, to 

 supply more calcium, the results were still poor. However, when 15 to 

 25 per ct. of alfalfa hay was included in the ration, normal litters were 

 produced. 



1016. Legume hay. Legume hay excels in so many respects as a feed 

 for pregnant sows, and furthermore is so economical, that a special effort 

 should be made always to supply it in winter when the sows are not on 

 pasture. When choice, leafy alfalfa hay is available, the sows will usually 

 eat a sufficient amount to produce the desired results if it is fed uncut 

 in a simple slatted rack, preferably with a cover to keep out snow and 

 rain. This, together with the feed troughs, should be put in the paddock 

 at some distance from the hog house or cot, so the sows will secure needed 

 exercise in going to and fro. Clover hay is usually less palatable to sows 

 than alfalfa, and consequently they will often eat relatively little of it 

 when fed uncut in a rack, even if the allowance of concentrates is re- 

 stricted. Whenever the sows fail to eat enough of the legume hay, it 



2 Kan. Rpt. 1916-17, p. 14. 



3 Wis. Buls. 323, pp. 16-17; 339, pp. 121-3; Jour. Biol. Chem., 39, 1919, pp. 

 209-233. 



