424 DOMESTIC ANIMALS, DAIRYING, ETC. 



continually changing from one to another. The most famous in- 

 dividuals, and the most famous herds of animals, have been built up, 

 developed and perfected, only by sticking to the breed and getting 

 the most out of it. 



There is plenty of room, and sale, for all the different breeds of 

 hogs ; but it is useless for one individual to try to raise, and bring to 

 their most perfect development, all of them. (La. Bui. 124.) 



There is so little difference between the breeds when properly 

 handled, that the results obtained will be due to the intelligence of the 

 breeder rather than to the merits of the 'breed itself. (Wis. B. 184.) 



CARE OP BREEDING STOCK. 



Breeding stock should, be kept in the open air and sunshine as 

 much as possible during the year. Pasture runs alone will not suf- 

 fice, but should be supplemented by foods especially adapted to bone 

 and muscle development. The feed for the brood sow should be 

 nutritious and bulky. Sliced roots, clover or alfalfa hay, either fed 

 dry or as a chop feed is very palatable. Some corn may be fed, but 

 ground oats, crushed peas or white middlings supply more nutri- 

 ment for muscle and bone development. The importance of daily 

 exercise for brood sows cannot be overestimated. Scattering grains of 

 corn over large areas will force activity and cause needed exercise. If 

 animals are confined to pens, walking the sows short distances each 

 day will prove beneficial. After farrowing, as the pigs develop 

 greater appetites, the sow should receive an increased amount of suc- 

 culent feed. By-products from the dairy, such as skim milk or but- 

 termilk, supplemented with a grain mixture made up of 



Nutritive Ratio. 



4 Ibs. Middlings 



2 Ibs. Ground Oats.. 



4 Ibs. Corn Meal, 



1:6.1 



2 Ibs. Ground Barley 



1/2 Ib. Oil Meal . 



fed in a thick slop in quantities sufficient to keep the milking moth- 

 ers in a vigorous, not fleshy appearance, will prove useful. A mix- 

 ture of the common products found on the farm is always preferable 

 to any one grain ; while grinding, cooking or soaking the feed, espe- 

 cially corn, is a waste of time and money. Barley, wheat or oats 

 should be crushed. Alfalfa hay fed in slat racks is very nourishing 

 and keeps the digestive system active. 



A small, low trough, accessible 'only to the young pigs, should 

 foe provided, and a little feed, preferably skim milk or thin mid- 

 dlings with a little oil meal added, supplied. This tasty mixture will 

 tempt the youngsters' growing appetite, and when they are encour- 

 aged to drink in this way weaning Is comparatively easy. After the 

 young pigs are weaned they should be well fed, provided with a 

 grassy pasture or have access to a lot where they can obtain fresh, 

 green forage. This will tend to keep their digestive tract in good 

 condition, and later, when ready for fattening, their digestive appa- 

 ratus will be sufficiently developed to enable heavy feeding, and thus 

 rapid and economical gains. (N. J. L. S. C. Cir. 1.) 



