CHAPTER II 



FEEDING AND HANDLING THE HERD IN THE 

 BREEDING SEASON 



THE feeding, care, and general management of the herd 

 during the breeding season determine in large measure 

 the results at farrowing time. The treatment received 

 by the sows and boar at this time affects the size and even- 

 ness of the litters and the strength and activity of the 

 pigs at birth. In addition, it is usually desirable to have 

 the sows farrow about the same time, which is only pos- 

 sible by proper feeding and systematic attention to the 

 details of care and management. 



FEEDING THE SOWS 



The immediate objects which the feeder should seek 

 are the prompt appearance of heat in the sows, their 

 susceptibility to impregnation, and the production by 

 each sow of a large number of vigorous eggs during the 

 heat period. The fundamental essential in securing 

 these results is a vigorous condition of health on the part 

 of the sows during the breeding season. 



In order that the sows may be at the maximum of breed- 

 ing thrift, it is necessary that special attention be given 

 their feeding and care several weeks before mating. Ma- 

 ture sows which are thin in the fall as the result of plenty 

 of grass and exercise' and little or no grain, are in ideal 

 condition for this preliminary treatment. Sows which 



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