120 Pork Production 



which depends largely on legume or other good forage 

 crops, and which supplies just enough grain in addition 

 to secure a gain of about one pound a day for each sow 

 until bred. 



After the sows are safely in pig, they should be kept 

 during the summer in the condition of flesh that will 

 insure, with exercise, strong pigs and a good milk-flow 

 after farrowing. The principles discussed in Chapter 

 III should be followed during the summer. The sows 

 should be permitted to gain as much as they lose in 

 farrowing and the succeeding suckling period. This will 

 be an average of 75 or 80 pounds for mature sows. Year- 

 ling sows should ordinarily gain more than this. During 

 the first ten weeks of gestation, there should be a sufficient 

 supply of good grass or forage crops to make any grain 

 feeding unnecessary. They may, therefore, occupy during 

 this time the same pasture and quarters as the sows which 

 are not bred. If it is possible to maintain them on green 

 crops alone, and it should be, it will not only mean greater 

 economy in their feeding, but more exercise and more 

 healthful surroundings. The beneficial effects of such 

 conditions will be reflected later in ease of pigging, strong 

 pigs, and a state of health that will support a good 

 milk-flow. 



Sows which raise two litters a year, however, should 

 not be allowed to become too thin during the summer. 

 It is important that they make the required gain in flesh, 

 most of which should be put on in the last half of the 

 summer. Beginning at this time and continuing until 

 they farrow, the bred sows will ordinarily need some 

 grain or other concentrated feeds. With legume forage 

 crops, these should be largely home-grown. With ordi- 

 nary pastures, a small amount, of some protein feed like 



