38 HIGGLE SWINE BOOK. 



Pigs should not be weaned under eight weeks old ; 

 ten is a better age ; and if the sows are bred only once 

 a year, twelve weeks old will do better still. 



The process is differently performed by different 

 breeders. I know of no better plan than to change the 

 food of the dam from a milk-producing to a non- 

 milk-producing basis (corn-meal and water with grass 

 for instance), and take her away from the pigs for 

 twenty-four hours. Then let her return, and allow 

 them to suck. Then keep her away for two whole 

 days, and again allow them to suck. Then make the 

 separation final. The pigs have become shotes. 



SQUEALS. 



Give oats to the youngsters. 



^SS^*. ^^? Feed up the runt for a roaster. 

 '"-Jv*^5*."^'. "~ Have a few pigs every year to sell to 

 neighbors. 



Attempt to have pigs of only one size in the same enclosure. 



Small pigs grow rapidly in a cold rain ; that is, rapidly 

 smaller. 



Avoid scours by keeping things clean about trough and 

 swill tub. 



Any day in the year is suitable fora pig's birthday, if it can 

 thus meet a market requirement. 



In cold weather it will pay well to give warm food to the 

 pigs for a time after weaning them. 



After a pig attains seventy-five pounds it is ready to lay 

 on a pound or more of flesh per day, if well fed. 



Get sow and pigs on the ground by the time the youngsters 

 are three weeks old. Grass is food and medicine. 



As a last resort, where the mother has insufficient milk, put 

 a rubber nipple on a tin bottle and assist things. 



Aim for a daily gain of one and one-half pounds per pig. 

 If you do not work for it you will probably not get it. 



