TEE BREEDING OF SWINE 497 



young ones do not overfeed and that each pig receives its share. 

 Extra attention should be given the pigs at the time they make 

 their choice of teats, to see that the weaker pigs get their share, 

 as they usually continue to use the teats first chosen. The 

 stronger pigs, however, are very likely to take a few pulls at the 

 teats of their less robust mates. To reduce this difficulty, each 

 sow and litter should be placed in a lot by themselves. 



Brood sows, like all other farm animals, often need assistance 

 at farrowing time. Difficult parturition among sows should be 

 handled much as suggested for difficult parturition among sheep 

 (see page 412). Feeding a heavy corn ration to the pregnant 

 sow is likely to increase the troubles at farrowing time. A 

 better plan is to use food containing more protein and mineral 

 matter, as such foods strengthen the sow, while corn has a 

 tendency to produce fat and thus to weaken her. 



The brood sow eating her pigs. — The causes that induce a sow 

 to eat her own young are perhaps numerous, though not well 

 understood. This abnormal appetite may be due to the failure 

 to remove the afterbirth promptly. If left in the farrowing pen, 

 the sow scents it and is likely to devour it; and since the scent 

 of the young pigs is similar, they too may be eaten. If the 

 sow has not been properly fed during pregnancy, if the ration 

 lacks flesh-producing and bone-making material, she may have 

 an appetite for blood. 



Sows that have access to clover or alfalfa pasture in summer, 

 or those that are provided with roots in winter, seldom eat their 

 pigs, especially if a box of charcoal and salt is kept before them 

 at all times. When the sow possesses the abnormal appetite, 

 it has been recommended to feed her pork, preferably salt pork. 

 The salt pork causes her to drink water, which allays the fever. 

 The assertion is made that when the appetite is satisfied she 

 will leave the pigs alone. 



The sow after farrowing. — The sow is in a feverish condition 

 after farrowing and should be provided with an abundance of 

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