BREEDS OF SWINE 503 



8 feet long. Beneath the frame are nailed 3 pieces 2 inches by 4 

 inches to serve as runners for moving the building. (Wis. B. 153.) 



Reference has already been made to the desirability of hog 

 cots to use in connection with the piggery. When climatic condi- 

 tions are not too rigorous, cots only are employed for handling the 

 entire herd. In general, the climatic conditions in Michigan are too 

 extreme to permit the use of cots for all classes of hogs for all pur- 

 poses during the entire year. They are especially desirable, how- 

 ever, for dry brood sows and young males and females being reared 

 for breeding purposes ; it is in this way we are using them. They are 

 desirable because an abundance of fresh air, sunshine and exercise 

 are provided. During the summer season cotting and yarding nearly 

 all classes of pigs cannot be excelled. 



The form of cot used here is desirable in that it is warm in 

 winter but objectionable in that it provides little protection against 

 the extreme heat of summer. It is also considered a good form of 

 cot for the brood sow to farrow in in moderate weather as she cannot 

 lie down close enough to the sloping roof to crush her pigs as against 

 a wall. A general mistake is made in fastening this form of cot 

 permanently to the skids, or runners, on which it is built. These 

 are the first to decay and along with them the lower ends of the 

 boards, thus making repairs impossible even though the balance of 

 the structure remains sound. A separate pair of skids should be 

 constructed for this or any other form, of cot so that they can be re- 

 placed. Its own weight will hold the cot in place on the skids while 

 being moved. (Mich. B. 223.) 



Farrowing Pens. For farrowing there should be a separate 

 house and yard for each sow. A house 6 feet by 8 feet made of 

 boards, covered and floored, will answer; roof 7 feet high at front 

 end and 4 feet at rear. The floor foundation may be made of 2- 

 inch pine or oak, floored with 1-inch boards. Two by four studding 

 will answer for sides. The roof may be made of boards battened. 

 The front should have a board 1 foot wide for the roof to rest upon ; 

 then a door 2 feet wide should be hung to this top board. This door 

 should extend across the front end and be propped open except in 

 very stormy weather. In sheltered places the door is generally 

 omitted and the door space left open. Two 2 by 6 inch runners 

 should be placed under the pen, upon which to draw it when change 

 of location is desired. A yard, using wire or board, 16 feet by 33 

 feet, will answer for exercise. (Utah S. Cir. ,30.) 



The farrowing pen should be provided with fenders around at 

 least three sides about 6 or 8 inches from the floor and 6 or 8 inches 

 from the wall. These should be strong enough to support the weight 

 of the sow should she lie on them. They will, to a great extent, pro. 

 tect the pigs from being lain upon during the first few days of their 

 lives. This will go far to prevent a very fruitful cause of loss among 

 young pigs. The little fellows will soon learn to creep under these 

 fenders when the sow lies down. 



Many breeders now use a specially arranged farrowing pen for 

 the object being to allow the sow room enough to farrow 



