SWINE MANAGEMENT. 



23 



Fig. 9.— a cheap and convenient weaning trough. 



The best feeds for pigs of this age are dairy by-products, such as 

 skim milk or buttermilk. These, mixed with mill feeds, as middlings, 

 shorts, and even a cheap grade of flour, or with a meal of ground 

 oats from which the hulls have been removed, give excellent satis- 

 faction. Some feeders use the self-feeder at this time, placing it 

 inside a creep that will admit the pigs to their grain at all times. 

 This is best adapted for pigs after 6 weeks old, where there is a lack 

 of skim milk and they must be prepared for the period following 

 weaning without this feed. 



CASTRATION. 



Pigs should be castrated while they are young; the best time is 

 between 6 and 8 weeks of age, before weaning. At this age there 

 is less shock to the pig and possibly less check in growth. If it is 

 still suckling its dam, the chances are that it will be more thrifty and 

 in better condition than when the operation is performed immedi- 

 atel}" after weaning. A pig 6, 7, or 8 weeks old is small enough to 

 be handled conveniently, and the testicles are large enough to ren- 

 der the operation quite simple. For detailed information on this 

 subject consult Farmers' Bulletin 780, Castration of Young Pigs." 



WEANING. 



Breeders differ widely as to the age for weaning. The majority 

 wean at 6 to 10 weeks, with a considerable number at 12 weeks; some 

 wean later than 12 weeks and a few earlier than 6 weeks. There 

 should be no hurry about it; 8 weeks is young enough if skim milk 

 is available. Of course, the size and development of the pigs have a 

 great deal to do with the weaning age. If skim milk is nob obtain- 

 able, it is better to let them nurse the sow until 10 weeks old. The 



