1 920. J 



Forage Crops for Pigs. 



1177 



Attention is called by the iMichigan Agricultural College in 

 their latest quarterly Bulletin for November, 191 9, value to the 

 of forage crops for pigs. Experiments in 

 Forage Crops for ^^at State have proved that from one- 

 ^'^^ " ^Rapl^^^^ quarter to one-half less grain is required 

 to produce a given amount of pork on 

 forage crops than is needed under conditions where these are 

 not available. 



The crops recommended are a mixture of oats and peas, and 

 also rape. Rape seems the best crop for the purpose in Michi- 

 gan, and pigs make rapid growth on it when it is supplemented 

 by a medium grain ration. It is usually sown broadcast for the 

 pm-pose at the rate of 5 lb. per acre (Dwarf Essex being the 

 variety recommended) between early spring and June ; on 

 light, sandy soils it may be advisable to sow in drills, using 

 3 to sjlb. seed per acre. 



Pigs would then be turned on the rape when it is about 8-10 

 in. high ; this is usually about six weeks after sowing. With 

 frequent rain, and if the rape is kept fairly well down, new shoots 

 will develop. A plan recommended is to sow at least two plots 

 and change the pigs over from one to the other, thereby giving 

 the new shoots a chance to develop. 



Rat poisons such as squills and barium carbonate can be 

 used with good effect and without risk to other animals or Uve 

 stock, if applied with all due care, but 

 many poultry farmers, pig keepers and 

 stock owners are reluctant to use any form 

 of poison to destroy rats under poultry 

 etc. 



A 



Simple Apparatus 

 for " Gassing " Rats. 



runs, pig-styes, 



12- 



A 



F C 



II 

 II 



U 



w 



> 



The simple apparatus here illustrated can often be used to 

 fumigate the rat runs in banks and hedgerows, and under 



