pigs: weaning and growth 155 



two being especially available in the southern states. In 

 no case feed cottonseed meal to pigs. Skim milk and 

 buttermilk are of the highest value. An ideal mixture 

 would be four pounds of skim milk, two pounds of mid- 

 dlmgs and one pound of corn meal for young pigs. In 

 I)lace of the middlings cowpeas or soy beans might be 

 substituted, if available. .V run on a pasture seeded with 

 crimson clover or Japanese clover for the south, and blue 

 grass or red clover for the more northerly points [or 

 alfalfa anywhere] is almost an essential; in any event, 

 a good range must be given for young breeding stock. 

 With good pasture and abundant exercise, pigs designed 

 for breeding purposes can be fed practically to the limit 

 of tjjeir desire. Of course, no feed should ever remain 

 in tiie trough, and it is well to have the animals willing 

 to take just a little more, as an active, well bred am- 

 bitious pig is always desirous of doing." 



In these days tlie American pig makes a speedy jour- 

 ney from farrowing bed to scalding tub, and the aim of 

 the judicious feeder is to add constantly to the flesh ac- 

 quired while suckling, bringing the hog up to 250 to 450 

 pounds as early and on as inexpensive feed as possible. 

 Tlie young animal will naturally put on weight more 

 cheaply than an older one, and gains after ten months 

 cost considerably more per pound than those made ear- 

 lier. A pig which is being fattened should gain from 

 one to two pounds a day, and weigh, alive, 250 to 350 

 pounds when nine to 12 months old. 



FALL PIGS 



The possibilities of profit in fall pigs will depend 

 upon the ability and situation of tlie breeder. Som^ 



