34 Pork Production 



special ration and plenty of exercise. Open and bred 

 gilts should likewise be separated from the mature sows, 

 for they require a more liberal ration and one containing 

 more bone and muscle-building ingredients especially 

 during the first half of the winter. With advanced preg- 

 nancy, the gilts which are bred should be separated from 

 the open gilts when the facilities make this possible. 

 The practice of allowing the pregnant sows to run with 

 the cattle is objectionable if separate sleeping quarters 

 are not provided and their consumption of corn is not 

 carefully guarded. Horses and hogs do not get along well 

 together, and when the hogs are compelled to seek the 

 same shed for shelter the chances of injury are greater 

 than one can afford to take. Although the number of 

 divisions necessary in the proper grading of the herd may 

 present some difficulties on the general farm where other 

 usual classes of stock must be provided for, experience 

 has demonstrated that it is a matter of prime importance. 

 The mature boars should, of course, occupy inde- 

 pendent quarters from the boar pigs. The boar is often 

 allowed to run with the bred sows, which is not objec- 

 tionable so long as he behaves himself. It will facilitate 

 his care and generally improve his opportunity for needed 

 exercise. Old boars may in most cases be turned to- 

 gether after removing their tusks, but their initial en- 

 counters should be supervised closely to prevent any 

 serious injury to either. After supremacy has been de- 

 cided, they will be contented and will do better together 

 than if kept separate. 



Housing. 



The hog is more or less sensitive to the extremes of 

 heat and cold. In the northern latitudes, warm houses 



