SWINE 

 Feed and Care 



SWINE-RAISING is a feature of farming that deserves careful atten- 

 tion. The hog is a great factory. It rapidly converts many products 

 of the soil into human food which usually command a very attractive 

 price the world over. By converting corn and other grains into pork, 

 their value is increased above the market value of the grains, provided 

 the factory is properly managed. If the scientific side of feeding 

 and proper care is ignored and the theory is adopted that corn alone 

 is the hog's natural feed and a balanced ration is disregarded, the farmer 

 will secure no more for his pork than the market value of the corn 

 and other grains. While, on the other hand, if he adopts systems 

 that have demonstrated that the value of a bushel of corn, when 

 properly mixed with other feeds, can be greatly increased, he will find 

 hog-raising the most profitable feature of farmimg. 



Too often the value of a good pasture, pure water and an abundance 

 of shade during the summer months is not appreciated. Young pigs 

 should be turned into a mixed pasture of clover, alfalfa, bluegrass, 

 rape, or soy beans as early in the spring as possible. If such pastures 

 are not available, turn them on winter rye which usually makes an 

 early growth. If the pigs are given a good early pasture, which is 

 continued through the summer months, they will make a very rapid 

 growth with but little corn and after they have attained a weight of 

 160 or 175 pounds, they should be shut up and finished on corn. 



The farmer must keep in mind the fact that the pig requires protein 

 during its early growth, and without it, it will not gain very rapidly. 

 He must also remember that after a reasonable growth has been attained 

 it should be given a carbohydrate in order to make it fat. Protein is 

 secured from clover, alfalfa, cow peas, soy beans and rape, as well as 

 in other pastures mentioned. Carbohydrates are contained in corn. 



Pigs should not be permitted to become stunted during their early 

 growth, for such a condition is reflected during the entire life of the hog. 



Pigs and hogs should not be shut up in a dirty pen and given corn and 

 swill and be denied exercise and a good pasture. In order to be healthy 

 and make a rapid growth, they require a balanced ration, fresh air, 

 exercise and an abundance of pure water. Running streams and mud 

 wallows are not conducive to good health. The wallows should be 

 made of cement and washed out every few days. The feeding places 

 should also be of cement. 



By using these precautions, the farmer will go a long way toward pre- 

 venting cholera and other diseases. 



In order to keep the skin healthy and the pig free from vermin, it 

 should occasionally be dipped. A dipping tank can be constructed of 



