FEEDING SWINE 425 



It is important that these pigs be kept growing, and have 

 plenty of exercise. They may be weaned at 10 to 12 weeks 

 of age, under ordinary conditions. 



The feeding of young breeding pigs after nursing is over 

 is largely a proposition of making a good growth and strong 

 muscular body. For stock of this kind it is desirable to 

 feed in summer on pasture of legumes or rape, with 1 to 2 

 pounds of grain for each 100 pounds of live weight. In winter, 

 feed a small amount of legume hay and a mixture similar to 

 that given the brood sow some weeks prior to farrowing. 

 Nothing is more valuable for young growing pigs than skim 

 milk, which should be supplied. Where corn is the main 

 concentrate available for feeding, meat meal or tankage 

 should by all means be purchased, as it does much to balance 

 the ration and also adds to the palatability. 



In feeding the boar one should keep in mind that he 

 must never be fat, but be muscular, vigorous and healthy. 

 Some green food is desirable in summer, but not too much. 

 If legume or rape forage is available, then a light feed of 

 corn may be given, although a mixture of equal parts of 

 corn and middlings would be better, with 5 per cent tankage 

 added. The boar should have plenty of exercise in a well- 

 fenced lot in which shade and housing is provided, and 

 he should eat his food with keen appetite. 



The fattening of pigs in the corn belt is usually based 

 on a generous use of corn, along with pasture of some kind 

 in summer and fall. Pigs on legumes, with corn for con- 

 centrates, have essentially a balanced ration, and thrive 

 thereon. Pigs fattened in the dry lot may be fed such con- 

 centrates as are available, according to the section of 

 country. A large per cent of the hogs reaching the Chicago 

 market are fed on corn and tankage, a combination of 10 

 parts of the former and 1 of the latter being very satisfactory. 

 Skim milk is invaluable in fattening, and supplies much 

 needed protein and ash with such a mineral-deficient carbo- 



