Management and Feeding in Winter 35 



are necessary during the winter in order to maintain thrift 

 and save feed. All the classes of hogs must have com- 

 fortable quarters in order to do well. This is a principle 

 in live-stock management which no farm can afford to 

 ignore. The financial loss which results from undue 

 exposure and chill is more than would be sufficient to pro- 

 vide suitable structures. The hog-house must be warm 

 without being close, and the beds must be clean and dry 

 and free from much dust. 



The question as to the best type of house must be 

 determined by the conditions. From the standpoint 

 of the hog, any house which is rain and wind-proof, 

 adequately ventilated without being drafty, and which 

 has a dry floor, is satisfactory if kept clean. Provision 

 should be made for admitting to the interior as much 

 direct sunlight as possible, for light is one of the most 

 potent means of destroying disease germs and helps to 

 maintain dryness. Such a house need not be elaborate 

 nor expensive. In order to make the proper grading of 

 the herd possible, the use of several houses is desirable 

 under most conditions. If these are portable, they may 

 be so placed in the pasture or lots as to encourage exercise, 

 an added advantage for this type of shelter. 



Sows which are heavy in pig should not be allowed to 

 sleep together in large numbers, for they may be injured 

 by crowding and the tendency to pile up badly in the 

 coldest weather. High door-sills are dangerous for preg- 

 nant sows, frequently causing sprains and lameness, and 

 occasionally abortion. The fall pigs should have the 

 warmest quarters available. A low shed partly open on 

 the south and connected with a cement feeding floor 

 makes a satisfactory and practical arrangement for the 

 fattening shotes. 



