168 SOUTHERN PORK PRODUCTION" 



Care of pregnant sows. — In the case of the gilt in par- 

 ticular, attention should be given to ample food supply, 

 for she not only has to have additional feed for the 

 developing pigs, but for the continuation of her growth. 

 The quantity of concentrates or grain will have to be in- 

 creased as pregnancy advances and the quantity of feed 

 should be according to appetite. Pasture is especially 

 valuable, for it gives ample exercise, which is necessarj^ 

 to the pregnant sow. After 2j/2 or three months has 

 been reached, the pregnant sows should be placed in a 

 lot together, away from other hogs, and especially away 

 from large stock. The food supply should have variety, 

 and it should be of such a nature as to encourage growth. 

 The pregnant sow has a strong natural tendency to 

 fatten, this being nature's way to provide for ample food 

 for the coming pigs in case there comes a shortage in 

 food supply. It is possible to make the sow too fat and 

 clumsy. Thus the feeds must not be too fattening, but 

 should contain a high percentage of protein. Cowpeas, 

 alfalfa, peanuts, velvet beans, and other protein feeds 

 have special value. A little tankage or meat meal is a 

 good thing for brood sows at all times, and especially 

 during pregnancy. Care should always be taken to see 

 that too much corn is not fed for too long a time during 

 pregnancy. The same may be said of other highly car- 

 bonaceous or fattening feeds. 



Abortion. — We frequently have cases of abortion or 

 slinking of pigs. This may be brought on by several 

 things. It may be due to a contagion or disease. It is 

 generally the result of some accident, such as a kick from 

 a horse or mule, from over-heating, or from rough han- 

 dling otherwise. It may also be due to something eaten, 



