292 Animal Husbandry 
Canada. “ Canada pea-fed bacon ” has good market reputation. 
Among some large bacon feeders, however, peas are not held in 
high estimation, the statement being made that they give dry, 
rather hard, and flavorless bacon. Oats are often objectionable 
because of their hulls, which contain little nutrition and much 
crude fiber; yet when the price is low, they are extensively used. 
Crushing the oats is considered the best method of preparation. 
Skim-milk is held in high esteem by the bacon feeder; therefore 
localities devoted to dairying other than market milk are admirably 
adapted for the production of bacon. It may be fed in the same 
proportion as to the fat-hog, — that is, three to five parts milk 
to one of meal. 
4756. Summer feeding on pasture. — Clover, alfalfa, cowpeas, 
or rape are excellent pastures for bacon production. Less pro- 
tein-rich grain or less skim-milk is required when the swine have 
access to such ranges. No cheaper or more economical gains can 
be obtained than from a light grain ration when the animals have 
these pastures. 
476. Winter feeding in dry-lot.— Bacon production during 
the winter season is approximately 25 per cent more costly than 
feeding on pasture. For best results, some succulent food should 
be supplied. This may be furnished by growing roots, such as 
sugar-beets, mangels, turnips, and the like, and storing them for 
winter use. When the animals are confined to a dry-lot, more 
portein-rich food is required, which calls for larger amounts of 
oil meal, shorts, tankage, or skim-milk, most of which must be 
purchased. This balancing is very essential in the production of 
bacon, as quality is what commands the extra price. The lean 
and fat must be well interspersed, and this can be secured only 
by properly balancing the ration. 
477. Sample rations for swine. — To give sample rations for 
horses, cattle, and sheep is a comparatively simple matter, but 
such is not the case with swine. The composition and‘amount of 
the ration are influenced by the age and weight of the animal. 
