172 SOUTHERN PORK PRODUCTION 



been dropped the pigs should be inspected to see that 

 they are all right and to remove any dead ones. In the 

 case of pure-bred swine the number, sex, and farrowing 

 date must be recorded so that the pigs can be registered. 



Management of brood sows. — Aside from the matter 

 of adequate feed supply of the right sort, there is noth- 

 ing of so great importance to the success of the swine 

 business as proper brood sow management. So far as 

 the sows are concerned, we must take into account such 

 factors as age, breed, condition, conformation, quality 

 and disposition in their relation to reproduction. In ad- 

 dition such external factors as feed supply, shelter, care 

 and attention should be given due consideration. In all 

 our efforts to secure maximum returns we must take 

 every factor at what it is worth and constantly keep in 

 mind in brood sow management that what is wanted is 

 that animal that will mother the greatest number of 

 thrifty pigs that will return a profit to their grower. 



Caring for the boar. — While boars as a rule can stand 

 more rough treatment and lack of care than any other 

 class of hogs they respond readily to good treatment. 

 They require a little different treatment from all other 

 classes of hogs. It is an easy matter to make them too 

 fat. They need pasture and only moderate amounts of 

 concentrates. The boar should not be allowed to run 

 with the sows, as he will worry both himself and them. 

 Boars need some attention after they attain maturity to 

 keep their tusks cut so that they will not injure people 

 or stock. A very good way to do this is by means of a 

 bolt cutter. When not on pasture and when lot fed, 

 they may need their feet trimmed occasionally. If the 



