Methods of Feeding on Forage 223 



GENERAL MANAGEMENT OF THE PIGS IN THE SUMMER 



Sanitation. 



The best results from any system of feeding are possible 

 only when the pigs are under conditions which tend to 

 promote health and thrift. This means that sanitary 

 yards, clean drinking water, comfortable quarters, and 

 a reasonable amount of exercise must be provided. The 

 forage-crop system of feeding furnishes the conditions 

 which make these essentials easy of attainment on the 

 average farm. 



The pigs must be kept free from worms and lice if 

 health is maintained and every pound of feed eaten is 

 to count in the production of profitable gains. The 

 health of the pig crop must also be guarded by reducing 

 as much as possible the dangers of cholera infection. 

 The prompt administration of the serum treatment 

 (Dorset-Niles) is the only known way of reducing the 

 loss when cholera comes. If the pigs have already been 

 rendered permanently immune by the double method of 

 treatment, worry of possible cholera losses may cease 

 (see Chapter XX). 



Ringing. 



Although it is the nature of a hog to root, his disposi- 

 tion toward an excessive amount can be curbed by the 

 feeding of balanced rations, by providing a constant 

 supply of green forage, and by having a mixture of salt, 

 ashes, and charcoal constantly available. Under ideal 

 conditions it is doubtful whether the pigs intended for 

 early market should be rung at all. In any case, it 

 should not be resorted to unless necessary to save valu- 

 able sod. Although pigs that have been properly rung 



