348 Pork Production 



feed supplied, the tendency is for the pigs to consume a 

 larger amount of the latter than is necessary for balance, 

 or desirable from the standpoint of economy (see Table 

 CXLV, page 306). This is particularly important when 

 the grains are relatively cheap and protein supplements 

 high. With corn as the principal carbohydrate feed, 

 however, there will be little disposition on the part of the 

 pig to eat more tankage or mill feeds than necessary to 

 supply the necessary balance. 



Summary and conclusions. 



The important advantages of the self-feeding method 

 of growing and fattening pigs for market may be enumer- 

 ated as follows : 



1. Self-fed pigs usually eat more and gain faster than 

 do hand-fed pigs. This is perhaps its most valuable 

 feature. 



2. Pigs on self-feeders make as much gain from a 

 given amount of feed as do hand-fed animals. 



3. The self -feeding method is a labor-saver, especially 

 for pigs which are out on pasture or forage crops. 



4. When the carbohydrate and protein feeds are sup- 

 plied in separate compartments, i.e., "free-choice" style, 

 as is customary, the pigs may be depended on to eat 

 sufficient protein to satisfy their physiological needs. 

 When corn or other equally palatable carbonaceous feed 

 is given, the pigs will eat no more of the expensive protein 

 feeds than is necessary for balance or economy of gains. 



Few disadvantages attend the self-feeding method 

 when used with judgment and care and when maximum 

 gains are desired. However, a few points must be ob- 

 served if the best or even satisfactory results are secured. 



1. The self-feeding method is not adapted to the feed- 



