302 PRODUCTIVE FARMING 



developed before mating at eight months of age or more. Do 

 not buy a stunted sow. If a bred sow is chosen select one that 

 will farrow in fall or spring, as extreme heat of summer and 

 cold of winter are objectionable in raising young pigs. If an 

 old sow is selected, she should not have been rebred until 

 several weeks after her preceding litter was weaned. The 

 number of pigs she raised before may be a good indication of 

 her qualities as a mother. Count the number of well devel- 

 oped mammary glands. A sow that raised a good-sized first 

 litter is preferred to one that raised only a few. 



The Boar. In choosing a boar to which to mate sows 

 consider the following points: 



(1) Use a pure-bred if possible; (2) one of the same type and breed 

 as the sows; (3) well developed for his age and not under eight months 

 of age; (4) one having the breed characteristics; (5) strong in any points 

 in which the sow is weak; (G) one not used too much; (7) not too fat, nor 

 too thin; (8) one having plenty of exercise. 



Care of the Breeding Stock, Good Quarters are essential 

 to success with sows and young pigs. A good type of movable 

 house is shown in figure 188. If this type of house is adopted 

 make one for each sow and have a lot fenced off for each. 

 The cost is low and it may be easily made. It should either 

 face the South in winter, or the window in the back may be 

 turned to the South if the door is kept closed. Move the 

 house to clean ground when needed. A rail or shelf, about 

 eight inches from the base, is constructed around the inside 

 along the walls. This allows the young pigs to find a place of 

 safety when the sow is about to lie down. S'he cannot kill 

 them by crowding them against the wall. In cold climates a 

 floor is needed in the winter house, but in warm weather no 

 floor is necessary. 



Pastures, Provide plenty of pasturage for all times when 

 there is no snow covering it. Not only should the owner 

 provide lots where the pigs may run, but he should plan 

 ahead and have crops planted that will make green growth 

 at all times of the year. 



