GENERAL SWINE MANAGEMENT 



show piggy in about six weeks after conception, 

 tion is from 112 to 120 days. 



FARROWING 



17 



The period of gesta- 



The breeder who does not isolate the sows from the general herd 

 for farrowing and who does not provide clean and relatively sanitary 

 quarters, will not be successful in raising pigs. 



For the best results, sows should have a change of diet about two 

 weeks before farrowing, by reducing the fat forming foods and 

 increasing the muscle and bone forming elements. The ration should 

 be rather limited and should be of a laxative nature. Where feasi- 

 ble, alfalfa hay or meal will be found to be a splendid diet, particu- 

 larly when combined with skim milk. Needless to say, a change of 

 diet should be rather gradual and not sudden. 



Pig. 3. One-sow farrowing houses. 



The farrowing house should contain a good quality of bedding, 

 but this should not be used extravagantly, as a limited amount of 

 bedding is more desirable than heavy bedding. The bedding mate- 

 rail should be clean and not contain fibers or straws that are long 

 and in which the little pigs might become entangled. 



Sometimes, sows, particularly young ones, may have difficulty in 

 delivery, and in such cases provision must be made in order that the 

 life of the dam and pigs both will be saved. The veterinarian should 

 advise his client that such cases should be seen immediately when it 

 is determined whether or not it will be necessary to perform a 

 cesarean section. Some veterinarians have provided a special room 

 in their hospital in which this operation is conducted, the farmers 

 delivering patients direct to them. In this way, the veterinarian can 

 perform the operation for a reasonable fee and he has the surround- 



