14 Pork Production 



ning, or the necessity of feeding any grain at all. After- 

 wards, close observation of the gains and condition of the 

 sows should be relied on to indicate whether too much 

 or too little is being fed. 



Thin mature sows should receive, on the average, from 

 one-half to tw T o-thirds a full grain ration. This will be 

 sufficient, especially with green feed, to insure the gain 

 desired. A full ration, or all they will eat, should not be 

 given because of the probability of their becoming too 

 fat and the necessity of a sudden reduction in the ration 

 later, which is always to be avoided. Sows already in 

 fair condition of flesh should receive little or no grain, 

 depending largely on the kind of green feed available. 

 Gilts intended for breeding should be fed liberally. A 

 little less grain than they will eat is generally desirable 

 so as to encourage exercise and the use of green feed, and 

 to avoid too high condition. They should be kept thrifty 

 and growing. 



FEEDING THE BOAR 



The boar has large and responsible duties to perform 

 in the breeding season. His breeding condition is as 

 important as that of the entire female herd considered 

 collectively. To be dependable, he must be a ready 

 server and a sure breeder. Vigorous health, activity, and 

 a medium condition of flesh usually reflect virility and 

 breeding capacity. Such a state is influenced largely 

 by the amount and kind of feeds which he has to eat. 



Demands. 



The boar should be given a ration in keeping with his 

 needs. During this time a mature boar requires more 

 nitrogenous material, or protein, and more mineral 



