Preparation of Feeds 345 



capacities permit. Compared with the ordinary' method 

 of hand-feeding, the self-feeder makes two important 

 changes : instead of receiving their feed in measured 

 amounts and at regular intervals, the pigs have their 

 individual freedom regarding both the time of eating and 

 the amount consumed. 



In addition to these two features, the self-feeder intro- 

 duces a third. The several feeds supplied in the self- 

 feeder are usually placed in separate compartments, in 

 consequence of which the pig is permitted free choice 

 of the kind and amount of each feed. Corn or some other 

 grain is placed in one compartment or feeder and a ni- 

 trogenous or protein supplement in another. Frequently, 

 also, charcoal, wood-ashes, lime, and salt are supplied in 

 other compartments, mixed together or fed separately. 

 In other words, this feature of the self-feeder gives each 

 pig the opportunity of balancing his own ration. When 

 the feeds are supplied separately in this way, the method 

 of feeding is usually designated as "self-fed, free-choice," 

 or "cafeteria" style. 



The common practice of hauling out on the pasture a 

 wagon-load of ear-corn and then scooping out an allow- 

 ance each day sufficient to keep feed before the pigs all 

 the time, is in reality a type of self-feeding. Although a 

 few hog-men can be found here and there who have 

 practiced for many years the present method of self- 

 feeding, its general use is comparatively recent. The 

 present general interest had its beginning with the ex- 

 perimental studies by Evvard at the Iowa Experiment 

 Station and by Weaver at the Missouri Experiment 

 Station, which were begun in 1914. Since then a number 

 of other stations have undertaken and completed exten- 

 sive tests of the self-feeding system. 



