FEEDING ANIMALS 119 



Fortunately we can have excellent alfalfa pastures in the main swine- 

 raising sections of our State and are, therefore, able to lessen the cost 

 of producing pork. F. W. W. 



Fattening Hogs. 



What is the best and cheapest ration to fatten hogs on, and how 

 much should be fed daily for best results. How much should a pig gain 

 per month? On the average, how much should a five-month Poland 

 China weigh? 



The best and cheapest ration to fatten hogs depends on the 

 market price of feeds. In a general way it may be said that alfalfa 

 pasture is the cheapest and best feed for growing hogs, but should be 

 supplemented with grain. If barley is not too high in price, it should 

 be fed either rolled or ground. Corn is just as desirable as barley, but 

 is not available in many parts of the State at present. When the 

 above are high in price, oats will do, but is rather too bulky to be as 

 valuable to hogs as either barley or corn. Skim milk is valuable for 

 hogs at any age, but is most economical when not more than three or 

 four pounds is fed for each pound of grain. If pasture is not available 

 some concentrate high in protein, such as tankage, should be fed with 

 the grain. 



The rate of gain made by a pig quite naturally varies with his 

 breeding and age. Henry found at the Wisconsin Station that the 

 rate of gain of pigs from birth was as follows: 



Age Average Gain Per cent 



Lbs. Gain 



First week 1.9 76 



Second 2.6 59 



Third 2.8 40 



Fourth 2.7 28 



Fifth 3.1 25 



Sixth 3.0 19 



Seventh ..4.0 22 



Eighth 5.2 23 



Ninth 5.3 19 



Tenth 5.4 16 



He further shows that the older the hog the smaller the per cent 

 of gain by the following table: 



Average Per cent of 



Weight Gain 



78 7.4 



128 6.0 



174 5.0 



226 4.1 



271 3.8 



320 3.1 



A well-bred Poland China pig at five months should weigh 100 

 to 120 pounds, provided he has been well cared for and properly fed. 



