SWINE 



39 



SELF-FEEDER FOR SUCKLING PIGS USED AT THE GOVERNMENT 

 EXPERIMENT FARM. BELTSVILLE, MD. 



The self-feeder shown is one used at the 

 Oovernmcnt Experiment Farm at Bcltsville, 

 Maryland. This self-feeder is very handy 

 for suckling pigs while they are with their 

 mother. 



A self-feeder of this type can be placed 

 in the corner of the lot in which the sow 

 and {)igs are kept, placing a few l^oards 

 across the corner from one fence to anoth(a- 

 to keep out the sow. Allow space enough 

 under the bottom board to jiermit the 

 young pigs to crawl under. They form a 

 creep for the young pigs, which can learn 

 to eat very readily without being dis- 

 turbed. 



Hogs in the wild state were self-fed ani- 

 mals, living upon such feeds as would satisfy 

 their appetites, and under domestication 

 they seem to thrive best when fed by the 



same princijile. The marked success of the 

 self-feediug system of hog raising is largely 

 due to the fact that they may eat an al)un- 

 tlance of those feeds which will nourish them 

 to the best advantage. 



Cracked corn, or corn meal and tankage 

 mixed in projiortion of 10 to 1, is an elo 

 gant ration. As the pigs grow older whole 

 corn can be substituted for cracked corn or 

 corn meal. The cpiickest, the easiest and 

 the most economical method of fattening 

 pigs is through the use of the self-feeder. 



The self-feeder should be built u])on a 

 pair of skids or ruiuicrs to prevent rotting 

 of the Hoor and to facilitate moving. By 

 using the best grade of lumber and apply- 

 ing yearly a coat of paint a well constructed 

 self-feeder will give service through a 

 number of years. 



