474 



MANUAL OF FARM ANIMALS 



not properly ringed are likely to root up the sod. While hog- 

 tight fencing is expensive, it must be remembered that greatest 

 success cannot be attained without pasture. In most local- 

 ities, woven wire will prove the most effective in restraining the 

 herd. It need not be high, although all things considered, the 

 four-foot fence with a barb-wire on top will be found the most 

 practicable. 



With an abundance of pasturage, the breeding herd need 

 receive no grain until a short time before farrowing, when grain 

 should be fed sparingly in addition to the pasture. The well- 

 fed sow will be more quiet at farrowing time and be less likely 

 to injure her pigs than will the lean gaunt one lacking in milk. 

 When grain is fed, the kind will depend somewhat on the kind 

 of pasture; but as a general rule nothing is better than wheat 

 bran or middlings, as it is rich in protein and mineral matter, 

 two elements much needed by the developing pigs. Further- 

 more, bran stimulates the flow of milk, which is very essential 

 for the sow with a large litter. 



Ringing to prevent rooting. — Nothing is more natural than 

 for swine to root, and if the pastures and meadows are to remain 



uninjured, the animals must be 



i:^ ■■ ■''■'■^' '' 



restrained by placing rings in 

 their noses. This applies par- 

 ticularly on permanent pastures. 

 On clover or alfalfa pastures, 

 there is not so much danger of 

 the sod being injured, as swine 

 seem to get a more nearly bal- 

 anced ration and do not have 

 the desire to root up the sod as 

 on blue-grass, red-top, timothy, or any non-leguminous pasture 

 plant. The object should be to ring whenever the swine begin 

 to injure the pastures. The operation of placing the rings in 

 the nose is not difficult, a hog ringer, some rings, and a short 



Fig. 164. — Fihst Pbize Dueoc Jeb- 

 SEY BoAH. Wisconsin State Fair, 

 1908. 



