88 Pork Production 



in the larger litters. The average gains made by the 

 individual pigs in the litters of different sizes were as 

 follows: In the litters of ten, the pigs made an average 

 gain during the seventy days of 35.4 pounds; in the 

 litter of nine, the pigs gained an average of 39.1 pounds ; 

 in the litters of eight the average gain was 30 pounds ; 

 in the litter of seven it was 35.5 pounds; and in the 

 litters of five pigs it was 39.9 pounds a pig. These 

 figures bear out the theory held by many practical hog- 

 men that the individual pigs in large, but normal-sized, 

 litters usually grow as fast as do the individual pigs pro- 

 duced in small litters. 



Another interesting observation on this table is that 

 the gaining capacity of the pigs increases quite regularly 

 from week to week during this time, although the gain 

 for each unit of body weight is much greater in the first 

 weeks than the last. 



Castration. 



Castrating the pigs should not be postponed long after 

 the pigs are weaned. In fact, if performed before weaning, 

 when the pigs are about six weeks old, it will require less 

 work and the shock to the system will be less noticeable. 

 From the standpoint of the pig, the earlier he is castrated 

 the better. 



Although this is not a dangerous nor a complicated 

 operation, the observation of a few practical precautions 

 will reduce the risk of possible complications. The pigs 

 should have their morning feed withheld ; one should 

 avoid, so far as possible, getting the pigs warmed up and 

 excited ; a dry clean place, close to where the pigs are to 

 be inclosed should be provided for the work; the knife 

 should be sharpened thoroughly, and a whetstone put 



