SWINE RAISING IN HAWAII. 21 
One of the first essentials of a ration is that it be palatable, so as to 
induce heavy consumption and stimulate digestion. Secondly, it is 
important, especially for swine, that the nutrients be sufficiently con- 
centrated to supply adequate nourishment within the bulk capacity 
of the animals fed. It has become currently accepted in some quar- 
ters that either little or no gain can be made by hogs when they are 
fed forage crops alone. In experiments carried on at the Haiku 
substation, it was found that the feeding of a combination of forage 
crops resulted in profitable gains. 
Suitability of the feeds entering into the ration is of course very 
important. Cotton-seed meal is an excellent illustration of what 
should not be used. It makes a highly concentrated and excellent 
feed for cattle, sheep, and even for horses, but being sometimes toxic 
to pigs it is not suited for swine feeding. On the other hand, the 
soy bean is a good protein feed for growing hogs but should be used 
with corn or other carbohydrate feeds. 
Feeds that have been damaged by mold should never be fed to any 
class of animals. The feeding of spoiled tankage or dried blood is 
likely to result in ptomaine poisoning, while condemned salt salmon 
and brine-preserved feeds may be followed by the death of the ani- 
mal. Garbage that has been contaminated with dishwater containing 
soap powder or lye has been responsible for the loss of many hogs. 
Animals feeding on succulent pasture should be deprived of fur- 
ther laxative feeds, such as linseed meal. Since a number of the 
feeding standards do not take into consideration the animals' need 
for mineral matter and the ordinary ration is deficient in it, it is 
suggested that lime, phosphoric acid, and iron, together with some 
salt, be made available to the entire swine herd in addition to the 
amounts that are naturally supplied in the feed. The vital processes 
of the animal seem to be dependent upon an adequate amount of 
these mineral salts. _ 
A variety of feeds is greatly to be preferred to a ration that is 
made up of one kind only. Mixed feeds are usually better balanced 
and more palatable, whether as forage, roughage, or grain concen- 
trates, than is a single kind. Variety gives the feeder greater oppor- 
tunity to meet the needs of the animal, and frequently permits of 
substitutions at a considerable saving of money. A change in ration 
is also easily and safely effected when a variety of feeds is available 
and fed judiciously. 
An abundance of clean, cool water should always be accessible to 
swine. Water is as essential as solid food. As a matter of fact, ani- 
mals can live longer without the latter than without the former. 
"When water is lacking the processes of mastication, digestion, ab- 
sorption, and assimilation are hindered. Swine ordinarily consume 
5 pounds or more of water to every 1 pound of dry matter. Feeds 
that are rich in protein create a greater thirst for water than do 
starclry foods. 
The raising of breeding stock should not be considered unless the 
breeder is prepared to raise liberal and constant supplies of green 
succulent feed. "While they are not absolutely essential to the suc- 
cessful feeding of swine, succulent green feeds, either as soilage or 
as pasturage, are greatly relished by animals of all ages and form 
the cheapest part of the ration when they are produced at home. 
Green feeds not only have a beneficial laxative effect and keep the 
