DISEASES AND TREATMENT OF SHEEP AND PIGS 483 



3. Stunted or Chronic Indigestion. 



This is a common thing in young pigs when they arc 

 being weaned and started to feed. Before they get used to it 

 strong food such as peas, wheat and corn is too much for 

 young pigs' stomachs and causes indigestion. It is also 

 caused by worms. 



Symptoms. — The pig seems to eat well but does not 

 grow or thrive. 



Treatment. — Prevention is better than cure, and in this 

 case is frequently possible by proper care in feeding. 



When young pigs are being weaned they should never 

 be fed on hard, hot feed, but should get milk and swill until 

 about three months old, and then brought gradually to hard 

 feed by giving a little at a time. Young pigs are so much 

 troubled with worms that they should get a handful of hard- 

 wood ashes and charcoal put in the feed twice a week, one 

 handful being enough for six young pigs. Give them plenty 

 of salt, for pigs getting ashes, charcoal and salt in this way 

 seem to thrive half as well again. When pigs are stunted, 

 change from hard to soft feed, and for six pigs give: 



Sulphur Yi pound. 



Bicarbonate of Soda J4 pound. 



Nitrate of Potash or Saltpetre J4 pound. 



Mix thoroughly and give a tablespoonful in the feed 

 night and morning until they begin to thrive, also give them 

 plenty of hardwood ashes, charcoal and salt in the feed, as 

 explained above. 



4. Constipation. 



This is liable to affect pigs at any age, but is more often 

 noticed to affect stunted pigs. 



Causes. — In young pigs it is generally the result of 

 chronic indigestion, or worms in the stomach, while in older 

 pigs it is caused by feeding on dry food without getting ex- 

 ercise, that is, being kept in a small pen. 



Symptoms. — The pigs are very dull, refuse their food, lie 

 down most of the time, and seem fuller than natural. They 

 strain to pass something but nothing comes. Young pigs do 

 not thrive well. The rectum, or back bowel, is bulged out, 

 and in some cases is turned out entirely. They seem full 

 and do not eat as they should. If not attended to they be- 

 come stunted and pine away until they die. 



