186 SOUTHERN PORK PRODUCTION 



For some time use has been made of the double treat- 

 ment by which the hog is given an infection of hog 

 cholera and the serum at the same time, resulting in a 

 more or less permanent immunity to the disease. This 

 method of immunization has been given a most thorough 

 trial, and in most states is either now prohibited or ad- 

 vised against on account of the resultant spreading 

 of the disease and effects on the animal, many animals 

 being more or less permanently stunted by the treatment. 

 This brings up the question of the length of the immunity 

 secured by the inoculation with serum alone. It has been 

 found that this is quite variable, dependent to a large ex- 

 tent upon the natural susceptibility of the individual. 

 In some cases the immunity will last but six weeks, while 

 in others it will last as long as six months. Sows ad- 

 vanced in pregnancy can safely be inoculated with the 

 serum if proper precautions are taken. Many preventive 

 measures and precautions are also a matter of actual ex- 

 perience. When a herd becomes infected one must know 

 how long to keep the herd immuned until the danger of 

 cholera is past. That will depend largely on the rigidity 

 of the sanitary precautions taken. 



Constipation. Constipation is rather a common dis- 

 ease in swine herds, especially where the hogs are fed on 

 dry feeds. It is characterized by a dry, hard feces contain- 

 ing but little moisture. It is indicative of disease rather 

 than a disease itself. The treatment of the condition is 

 simple. In mild cases dieting will soon bring about the 

 proper condition. Dry feeds should be avoided and only 

 sloppy and green feeds fed. The consumption of much 

 water is desirable, and induced exercise assists in the 

 recovery to normal condition. A small dose, from one 



