FEEDING SWINE 149 



be far superior to the blind way in which we have been 

 conducting" our feeding in the past. 



The self-feeder. — This is a mechanical device that 

 enables the pig or hog to secure feed at will. In prin- 

 ciple the self-feeder consists of a bin to hold the feed, a 

 feed trap through which the feed leaves the bin, and the 

 trough. Self-feeders are made of various materials and 

 in various shapes and styles. Wood and sheet metal are 

 the two most commonly used materials in self-feeder 

 construction. Self-feeders can be made at home or they 

 can be purchased. Most agricultural colleges and experi- 

 ment stations now furnish free plans or blue prints for 

 their construction. 



The use of the self-feeder. — While the use of the self- 

 feeder in pork production is a new idea, it is one of the 

 most economical, practical, labor-saving and efficient 

 methods we can employ, especially where full feeding is 

 desired. The importance of the self-feeder is largely the 

 result of efforts made by Mr. John M. Evvard of the 

 Iowa Station, who has secured some quite favorable 

 results. It can be safely stated that the self-feeder has 

 passed the experimental stage, and its use is to be gener- 

 ally recommended in pork production. Earlier maturity, 

 with the resulting saving in feed and labor, is made 

 possible. 



