HOME PROJECTS 323 



HOME PROJECT 3 



PIG RAISING 



The Beginning. For this project the farmer should allow 

 the student to take in charge a sow and a litter of newly- 

 born pigs, or a gilt bred to farrow in early spring or fall. 



Begin the notebook record of this project by stating how 

 many pigs are in the litter, when they were farrowed, and 

 to what breed they belong. 



Write a brief history and description of this breed of hog. 



Feeding the pigs. About the first thought one has in con- 

 nection with raising pigs is that they eat. 



The little pig safely born and within a few minutes suck- 

 ing at a teat full of milk has made a good start in life. It 

 is important that every pig in the litter get its stomach full 

 of the first milk of the sow. 



The brood sow should be fed in such a way as to stimulate 

 the flow of milk. If the food is too rich, consisting of skim- 

 milk, oil meals, corn, and the like, the pigs are likely to 

 have digestive disorders. On the other hand, if the mother 

 is underfed, the pigs will also suffer. 



Feed the sow regularly on a moderately rich ration, such 

 as mashes made from ground oats, shorts and bran. Sweet 

 milk added to the above makes an excellent ration. In about 

 three weeks the pigs may begin to nibble at their mother's 

 food, to bite at grass, and perhaps to try to root. In one 

 corner of the pen place a small trough for the pigs and 

 fence it off so that the sow cannot get to it. At least twice 

 a day, just as much sweet milk as the pigs will clean up may 



