ALFALFA FOR SWINE. 411 
pounds) a day per head. At the end of eight months he sells at 
an average weight of 250 pounds. The quantity of corn fed is 
about 11144 bushels per head. Figuring at the average price of 
corn in this locality, 35 cents, and the price received for pork, 
5% cents, the following results show the cost of growing pork 
on this farm and the value of alfalfa pasture: 
Value of 250-pound hog, at 54 cents..............066 
a+ 813.75 
Value of pig at weaning, 60 pounds, at 54 ceuts.... tena BIB 
Now, compare these results with those of a man who had to 
depend on other pasture crops than alfalfa. He estimates that it 
will take 15 bushels of corn on wheat, oats, and rye pasture to 
raise and fatten a hog so it will weigh 240 pounds at nine months 
old, besides the pasture and slop. At the price of corn men- 
tioned, 35 cents a bushel, and with hogs at 514 cents a pound, 
note the cost of producing pork on this farm: 
Value of 240-pound hog, at 536 Cents,..........cccececeeeceeeesteneeeeeees $13.20 
Value of pig at weaning, 50 pounds, at 53¢ cents.. ws 
Gain from pasture and grain.............65 
Cost of 15 bushels of corn, at 35 cents......... 
Value of pasture per head pastured 
The pasture on this farm will not support more than half 
as many head per acre as alfalfa. Its value is only $5.20 per 
head, against $7.07 per head for alfalfa pasture on the other 
farm. 
The experiences of these men are sufficient to show the value 
of alfalfa pasture alone, its greater value when grain is fed in 
connection, and that it is an important factor in economic pork 
production, 
Alfalfa Hay.—While alfalfa pasture has been found to be very 
valuable for hogs, the hay as a part ration for winter is scarcely 
less important. Throughout the region referred to the farmers 
are feeding the hay to hogs in winter. The hay has been found 
to be especially valuable for brood sows before farrowing. Where 
it is fed during the winter only a small ration of grain is nec- 
essary to keep the sows in good flesh and in healthy condition. 
Sows thus fed also farrow good litters of strong, healthy pigs. 
Feeding Methods.—Many feed the hay by throwing it on the 
ground in forkfuls; others have made low racks in which the 
hay is placed, where the hogs can feed like cattle or sheep. 
The hay is usually fed dry. The leaves are more readily eaten 
by the hogs than the stems, and they contain more of the nutri- 
