608 Feeds and Feeding;. 



liberal supply of protein for muscle building and ash for the bones. 

 If these are amply supplied, some com may be fed without harm. 

 The feeder should aim to keep the pig steadily increasing in 

 weight from one-half to one pound per day, according to the size 

 of the animal. (830) 



917. Fattening the pig. — Pigs are now prepared for market at all 

 ages and the feeder should be governed by local requirements. 

 A pig which has been reared on pasture supplemented with feed- 

 ing stuffs rich in protein and ash can be rapidly and economically 

 fitted for the market. Having been supplied with nutritious, 

 cooling grasses and other plants of the field, the digestive tract 

 of this animal becomes ample in size, healthy, active, and easily 

 able to digest large quantities of feed, the whole system being in 

 condition to assimilate the nutriment supplied and utilize it to 

 the fullest extent. 



n. Feed for Swine. 



918. Feeding corn. — In this country Indian corn must continue 

 the common feeding stuff for swine. Because it is rich in carbo- 

 hydrates and fat and low in protein and ash, the special function 

 of this grain in pig feeding is the production of fat. (155) Hav- 

 ing a proper knowledge of its composition and limitations, the 

 feeder is in position to wisely use this great cereal. For breed- 

 ing stock, corn should constitute not over half the ration at any 

 time, the amount being smallest with young animals. As the body 

 increases in size and nears maturity, the demand for protein and 

 ash becomes less, and the proportion of corn to other grain can 

 be gradually increased, until during the fattening stage the ration 

 may, if desired, consist almost wholly of this grain. 



Whether corn should be fed whole or as meal depends upon 

 circumstances. (84^) If the kernels are so hard as to cause sore 

 mouths, thereby preventing easy mastication, the grain should 

 be ground. If no trouble arises from this source, the utility of 

 grinding hinges on the relative cost of grain and grinding. We 

 have seen (848) that some grain is saved by reduction to meal, 

 and the feeder can easily estimate whether he should incur 

 the extra expense of grinding. Where grinding is not possible 



