18 SWINE PRACTICE 



ing's in which the best possible service can be given. The use of for- 

 ceps may be indicated, but each case is distinct within itself and it 

 is not possible to give positive directions for such operations. 



Good breeders see that each pig begins breathing, and when neces- 

 sary artificial respiraton is resorted to. Also each pig is required 

 to suclde, and chilling of the recently farrowed pig is prevented. 



Pig eating sows are sometimes observed. This habit is usually the 

 result of improper diet. It can usually be prevented by providing 

 proper feed, although when a sow has formed tlie habit it is difficult 

 to cure it and it may be necessary to fatten the sow for slaughter. 



Fig. 4. CESAKEAX SECTION'. Photograph taken seven days after the sow was 

 delivered of seven pigs by laparotomy. 



Proper care of the suckling pig is necessary. They usually require 

 considerable attention for about the first ten days. 



In recent years it seems probable that as much as 30 per cent of 

 the spring crop of pigs has been lost. These extensive losses were 

 due to a variety of conditions, the most important of which were 

 abortion, scour, parasitism, pneumonia, swine plague and goiter. 



Abortion is becoming a serious menace to the swine industry. A 

 detailed description of this disease appears elsewhere. Suffice is to 

 say at this time that it appears to be of an infectious nature. Abort- 

 ing sows should be isolated and this is one important factor that 

 favors the individual farrowing house and separate pens for each 

 sow and her litter. Breeders should be urged to divide their brood 

 sows into small lots. 



Pig scour may be intimately associated with abortion disease in 

 the sow. It has also been found that digestive derangement result- 



