26o ' CARE OF SWINE 



Feeding the Brood Sow. — In connection with pasture, 

 the brood sow should receive daily from two to four pounds 

 of a mixed grain ration. This should be rich in protein 

 and mineral matter, to which should be added some rough- 

 age such as alfalfa or clover hay. These bulky feeds keep 

 the digestive tract distended and in good condition. Grain 

 mixtures may be made from corn, oats, bran, peas, and soy 

 beans. If skim milk can be obtained it is well to feed five 

 or six pounds daily. 



Feeding the Young Pigs. — At about the age of three 

 weeks the pigs should be provided with feed in a small 

 trough of their own. The feed may be the same as that 

 given to the mother. They should have plenty of out- 

 door exercise. Their quarters should be kept dry and 

 clean. The pigs should be weaned at about the age of 

 six weeks. 



By weaning time the young pigs will have learned to 

 eat. A " creep " into a separate pen should be provided so 

 that the young ones may slip into this pen, away from the 

 mother, and eat corn, slop, and skim milk. They should 

 be fed liberally, and if possible should have the run of a 

 grass pasture where there is sufl&cient shade and running 

 water. It is poor practice to have the small pigs feed with 

 larger ones, or young pigs with older ones. Not more 

 than fifty pigs of the same size should be herded together. 



Finishing the Lard Hog. — Hogs are easily fattened if 

 Hberally fed. In the corn belt of North America, where 

 lard hogs are more extensively raised than in any other 

 part of the world, corn forms the principal part of the 

 diet of the fattening hog. The number of pounds of pork 

 annually produced depends within reasonable limits upon 

 the number of bushels of corn raised. The states where 



