54 A MANUAL ON THE HOG. 



The period of gestation is usually placed at four lunar 

 months, or about 112 days, but varies from 112 to 118 days, 

 and occasionally extends over even a longer period. Every 

 breeder should note the date at which each sow is served, 

 in order that he may know when she will farrow, and, by 

 proper attention, insure the safety of the mother and her 

 young. 



During pregnancy, sows should have an abundance of 

 food, but not enough to make them very fat. They should 

 have exercise, and a plenty of grass, or other fresh vegeta- 

 ble food, to keep them in a healthy condition. 



There is a natural tendency in all animals to fatten du- 

 ring pregnancy, and there is danger of well bred sows be- 

 coming too fat to bring forth strong and well developed 

 pigs. 



About ten days before the time for the sow to farrow, 

 she should be separated from the rest of the hogs, placed 

 in an inclosure sufficiently large to afford exercise, fed on 

 roots, slops, or other mild diet, with very little corn, with 

 free and easy access to fresrj water. By these means, ten- 

 dency to fever will be prevented, and all risk of disturb- 

 ance and irritation avoided. A good bed should be pro- 

 vided near the feeding place, and convenient to water. 

 Sows left to a free choice of a place for farrowing, invari- 

 ably select one convenient to running water, in order, prob- 

 ably, to satisfy the thirst caused by the fever which usually 

 accompanies parturition. 



The necessary care having been used to avoid any dis- 

 turbance by other hogs, it will generally be best to leave 

 the sow to herself during parturition, as even the presence 

 of the herdsman will cause injurious excitement, unless 

 she is exceedingly gentle and accustomed to being han- 

 dled. 



Heavy feeding on corn, or other heating food, should 

 be avoided for some days after the sow is delivered, and 

 until she is entirely free from fever. 



