494 MANUAL OF FARM ANIMALS 



behind. Through the scantling, on either side of the crate, 

 should be bored li" holes, so that an inch iron bar may be 

 slipped behind the sow above the hocks to prevent her from 

 backing out of the crate. On the inside, on either side of 

 the crate, 2"*X 4" strips should be fastened, placing the front 

 end about where the sow's head comes, and then extending to 

 the rear and bottom. These strips are for the boar's front feet 

 to rest upon, thus holding his weight from the sow. When mat- 

 ing a small boar to a large sow, a small platform may be con- 

 structed and placed in the crate for the boar's hind feet to rest 

 upon ; or the sow may be placed in a pit. 



The pregnant sow. — The pregnant sow may be permitted to 

 run with the herd to within two weeks of farrowing time, 

 when she should be separated and given special attention. In 

 the case of ill-natured sows, they should receive extra care 

 during the entire period in order to familiarize them with the 

 herdsman. Brood sows should be trained much as dairy cows. 

 During the last two weeks of pregnancy, the sow will need 

 less exercise than formerly, but should have the best possible 

 attention as to feeding. She should be well nourished up to a 

 few days before farrowing, when the feed may be slightly 

 reduced. Sows that are well fed before and after farro.wing are 

 less likely to injure the pigs, as they will usuallylie quiet. This 

 does not mean to overfeed, as this will bring troubles at pigging 

 time; but it does mean that the sow should not be compelled 

 to go far afield to find her food. If at all possible, succulence 

 of some kind should be provided; in summer nothing is better 

 than clover or alfalfa pasture, and in winter roots may be fed 

 with good results. 



If the sow is due to farrow in winter, the quarters should be 

 warm, comfortable, well ventilated, protected from dampness, 

 and so arranged that they may have plenty of sunlight. The 

 floor may be of earth, but should be dry and hard and free from 

 dust. The sow's bedding need not be great in quantity, enough 



