Alfalfa in Kansas. 425 



of alfalfa pasture alone, have been found to gain in weight. Bred sows 

 have also been carried over the summer on alfalfa pasture up until two 

 or three weeks before farrowing and have produced good-sized litters 

 of strong, healthy pigs. The season will have considerable influence on 

 this, however. In dry seasons care should be taken that the pasture 

 does not become too short. In wet seasons sows will not do so well, as 

 the plants are of a washy nature, and they will not come through in as 

 good condition as in drier seasons. Running sows on pasture has a 

 particular advantage, in that the sows must take exercise in order to 

 gain a livelihood. 



The herd boar, too, should have the run of a small lot in which there 

 is alfalfa, as it will tend toward keeping him in good physical condition, 

 which is so important during the breeding season. 



FIG. 359. A rack for feeding, alfalfa hay to swine. 

 [Courtesy Idaho Experiment Station.] 



Sows suckling litters may have the run of an alfalfa pasture. This 

 will give them opportunity to exercise, which will take the pigs out into 

 the open away from the houses. The pigs will soon begin to eat at the 

 green plants, and this will help to develop their digestive tract, which is 

 important in their further development. The fresh green feed increases 

 the milk flow of the mother, and will in that way hasten the growth of 

 the pigs. Care should be taken when first turning the sows out, as they 

 will overeat, and this is sure to cause digestive trouble in the pigs. When 

 starting them it is well to begin by feeding a small amount of green 

 alfalfa, and when turned out allow them to stay only for a short time 

 until the pigs become accustomed to the change of feed. 



