424 



A STUDY OF FARM ANIMALS 



farrowing in good condition, but not fat. About three 

 weeks before farrowing the sow should have her ration 

 changed to a combination of 5 parts each by weight of bran 

 and middlings, and 1 part each of linseed meal and tankage 

 or meat meal. She should also receive some skimmed milk 

 in her ration, if available. After farrowing, this ration may 

 be continued for a few days, until the pigs and the mother 

 get strong on their feet, when the ration may be changed 

 again to allow the use of part corn. If one is not able t o 

 make up this ration, one should endeavor to give as nearly 



Figure 198. Interior of model Iowa piggery, containing sanitary pens, wallow 

 and dipping tank. Photograph by E. J. Hall. 



a balanced ration as possible, not relying too much 

 on corn, but using in part some form of protein food. 



The feeding of suckling pigs is at first largely of the 

 mother's milk. When about 2 weeks old the young ones, if 

 given a chance, will begin to drink some slop along with the 

 mother. Then a creep should be provided for them, and 

 a small trough arranged, in which is placed a thin slop of 

 milk, wheat middlings, and oatmeal or sieved ground oats. 

 As the pigs get older they may be fed lightly of shelled corn 

 scattered around, preferably soaked for very young pigs. 



