38 Pork Production 



no experimental proof is necessary to establish them as 

 important facts. 



Weak pigs may be caused by several factors, but that 

 limited exercise is one of them cannot be doubted. When 

 the winter is severe and the snowfall heavy, the spring 

 pig crop is generally short. Under these conditions the 

 sows stay close to their beds and take little or no exercise, 

 with the result that the mortality among the pigs at 

 birth is abnormally high and trouble is more frequently 

 experienced with the sows in giving birth to their pigs. 

 Exercise promotes a loose open condition of the bowels 

 and does much to maintain a healthful functioning of 

 the other organs of elimination. Exercise contributes 

 strength and vitality, reduces the chances of disease, 

 costs nothing, and is an indispensable factor in the main- 

 tenance of health and breeding thrift. 



As a rule, the breeding hogs will take sufficient exercise 

 if given the opportunity. With plenty of range, access 

 to pastures, stubble land, or stock fields, the sows and 

 gilts will be out most of the time if their rations are prop- 

 erly restricted. When their range is limited because of 

 deep snow or ice or for other reasons, the practice of 

 scattering on the ground some grain, sheaf oats, barley, 

 or legume hay for them to work over will encourage 

 exercise by keeping them out and on their feet. By 

 having the sleeping quarters placed at the far end of the 

 pastures or lots, they will be compelled to exercise at 

 feeding time. Although exercise is imperative, sows 

 heavy in pig should not be compelled to push their way 

 through snowdrifts in order to get to their feed or sleep- 

 ing quarters. Icy places should be made safe by covering 

 with straw, ashes, or litter of some kind. 



