SWINE 191 



is almost ideal. A limited amount of bulky, succulent feed 

 helps to keep the sow healthy. 



Care of little pigs. Little pigs should be allowed to get 

 on the ground and in the sunshine as soon as the weather is 

 moderate. After three weeks they should have other food 

 in addition to the sow's milk. Sljim-milk or oatmeal gruel 

 is an excellent diet for little pigs. Some succulent feed, such 

 as green clover and roots, will soon be relished by the grow- 

 ing pigs and should always be included in the diet. A small 

 amount of soaked whole corn scattered over the floor of the 

 pen is good food for the pigs and will cause them to exercise 

 while hunting for it. Skim-milk and middlings make about 

 the best feed for young pigs after weaning. At no time 

 should the growing pig be given an exclusive diet of corn. 

 The most profitable time to feed pigs is during the first ten 

 months of their life. After ten months of proper feeding, 

 pigs should weigh from 250 to 300 pounds. Pigs fattened 

 for the market should never see their first birthday anni- 

 versary. 



Hog cholera. This dreaded disease among hogs is due to 

 a filterable virus and causes a loss of many millions of dol- 

 lars annually. Hogs show symptoms of the disease in going 

 off to lie in cool places. Their hind parts seem stiff and they 

 stagger as they walk; there is a watery secretion from the 

 eyelids; alternate diarrhoea and constipation are common. 

 Little can be done by way of treatment for this disease. Pre- 

 ventive measures are the only effective means of combatting 

 hog cholera. Quarantine, isolation, and disinfection are im- 



