CHAPTER XI. 



Succulent and Bulky Feeds 



The value of succulence is recognized by every ex- 

 perienced swine feeder, and is to be taken into consid- 

 eration, whether the animal is destined for breeding pnr- 

 p(jses, the pork barrel or the packing house. In the 

 warmer montlis this is largely provided by pasturage, to 

 which a preceding chapter is devoted. All succulence is 

 relished by swine fed upon grain or concentrated feeds, 

 to which it adds variety, pleasing as well as wholesome. 

 In a broad way, any green, fresh or juicy food may be 

 classed as succulent, and the term is used to comprehend 

 practically all edible plants or vegetable materials that 

 have not been in some way cured or preserved, and their 

 juicy freshness thereby dissipated. This succulence, in 

 moderation, is a desired and valuable factor at all times, 

 Ijut of less importance when forcing the fattening hog 

 to a quick finish than it is for economical growth 

 or for keeping the ])reeding animal in good con- 

 dition. Watery feeds, such as beets, have a loosening 

 or relaxing effect on the flesh. They are excellent 

 for the brood sow toward the time of pigging, for 

 they promote an easier farrowing by overcoming the 

 lense condition of the nmscles that results from a 

 dry grain diet. Succulence is of value for its bal- 

 ancing effect against dry, concentrated feeds, for its 

 general tunic or correcti\-e (|nalitics. and in stimulating 



