222 Pork Production 



lightened up by the addition of some bulky feed like 

 ground oats, fine quality of cut alfalfa or clover hay, or 

 wheat bran. The proportion of these feeds should be 

 determined and frequently regulated according to the 

 degree of fatness of the pigs and the amount of exercise 

 which they are taking. To avoid the evils of excessive 

 fatness and inactivity, constant observation is required 

 on the part of the feeder. 



2. Under most conditions, best results can probably 

 be secured by hand-feeding. By limiting the amount of 

 grain to no more than three-fourths as much as will be 

 eaten at any time, or a little less, the quantity of forage 

 eaten and the amount of rustling done can be more 

 accurately and as conveniently regulated by hand-feeding 

 as when the self-feeder is depended on. With two- 

 thirds to three-foiu^hs full rations and good forage crops, 

 the pigs will grow fast without running the danger of 

 becoming too fat. 



3. Breeding pigs which are to be shown should, of 

 course, be pushed from the start ; but most of the pushing 

 should be done in July and August rather than in May 

 and June. The financial value of show winnings is such 

 that the pedigree breeder feels justified in intensive feed- 

 ing even though the future breeding value of the gilt or 

 boar is jeopardized. 



4. Young boars and future breeding gilts are not 

 injured by a reasonable amount of fat. Thrifty growthy 

 pigs are never thin. Fine-boned pigs which are too early 

 disposed to fat formation are not the kind the breeder 

 should raise. Much of the injury assigned to excessive 

 feeding can be assigned more properly to a wrong ideal 

 of type in breeding. 



