Up to within six weeks of farrowing the brood sows are maintained chiefly on kitchen
refuse, with some wheat bran, shorts, or crushed oats, a few roots in winter, and green feed
in summer. In fact, almost any combination of feed which is economical and will keep
the sow in a healthy condition is used. During the last six weeks of pregnacy the regular
ration is increased somewhat and some heavier food given. This gets the sow in fairly
good flesh by the time she has to suckle the litter. For a few days previous to farrowing
the bran is increased and the other feed decreased. The ration is fed in the form of a thin
slop. The feed is the same for about three days after farrowing. Then the sow is fed
very liberally on grain and dairy by-products. In cold weather many farnjers warm the
feed. The pigs are always taught to eat by the time they are three weeks old.
The thrifty condition of the pigs all along the way was a matter of general surprise. Dry
sows, usually thin, were full of vigour. Litters were extremely even and well developed,
while older pigs were invariably large for their age. This is shown in the aibpve notes
10489— 5i



40

showing the ages at which many pigs are finished. Although the pigs are housed constantly
very rarely was seen a cripled animal. While every feeder follows a system, each one
varies the feeding from time to time according to his judgment.
Housing.
