176 SOUTHERN PORK PRODUCTION 



pathological conditions. All of our hogs should be care- 

 fully watched, and when they show an unhealthy condi- 

 tion of hair coat the condition should be corrected as soon 

 as possible. 



In addition to the hair the condition of the hide is also 

 an excellent indicator of the health condition of the hog. 

 The hide or skin follows the hair coat in condition to a 

 large extent. In health it is soft and mellow. An in- 

 elastic, hard, rigid, scaly skin is indicative of an un- 

 healthy condition. 



In diseased conditions we also find variations from the 

 normal in the body temperature, pulse rate and respira- 

 tion, or the rate of breathing. The normal temperature 

 of a pig varies from 101 to 105 degrees with an average 

 of about 103 degrees. The temperature is changed from 

 the normal by several conditions, even in health. The 

 normal pulse rate of the pig is from 70 to 80, and the 

 respiration rate is 10 to 20 normally, but with excite- 

 ment or heat it may reach 50 or 60. The pulse, respira- 

 tion and temperature are all increased by excitement and 

 heat, and lowered by cold and rest. Other indications 

 of a diseased condition are to be found in the appearance 

 of the exposed mucous membranes and in the condition 

 and quantity of the excretions and secretions. The ap- 

 plication of these to the detection of disease requires a 

 little more skill than the previously mentioned indicators, 

 and use can be made of them only by those that are more 

 or less skilled. 



Administering medicines. — The expert herdsman will 

 become more or less experienced in the administration 

 of medicines. Under the majority of circumstances the 

 medicine will be administered in one of four wai's. First 



