154 



SWINE IN AMERICA 



CASTRATION 



The boar pigs, where it is not desired to reserve them 

 for breeding purposes, should be castrated when from 

 two to ten weeks old, so they may recover from its result- 

 ing soreness before weaning time. Castrating should be 

 done when the weather is cool, and flies are not numer- 

 ous. The pig that is to be fattened has no need to de- 

 velop sexual characteristics, and for that reason a fairly 

 early castration is advisable. Spaying sows is a more 

 difficult operation than the castration of boars, and on 

 that account is not largely practiced. It should be done 

 after the sow is ten or 12 weeks old, and then only by 

 a person entirely familiar with the proper method. Cas- 

 tration and spaying are more fully discussed in the chap- 

 ter devoted to these subjects. 



FATTENING PIGS 



Up to the time of weaning all the pigs in a litter are 

 fed on the same basis; after that time the manner of 

 feeding will depend on whether they are headed for the 

 slaughterhouse or breeding pen. If any are for breed- 

 ing stock, their growth-making feed will be continued 

 while those to be fattened should have more carbona- 

 ceous rations. 



''Growing pigs, and especially those designed for 

 breeding stock," says W. A. Henry, "should be abun- 

 dantly nourished on feeds rich in protein, since these 

 favor the development of both bone and muscle. Mid- 

 dlings are the best single feeding stuff, and should be 

 extensively used whenever possible. Ground field peas, 

 cowpeas and soy beans may also be used, the latter 



