334
WP
SWINE ENTERPRISE
Eo
Movable houses are well suited for sows and litters in the
summer and in warm climates in other seasons. Figure 227 shows
a low form of movable house provided with a wooden floor, which
can be readily drawn from one field to another by a team of horses.
If each such movable house is provided with a small lot with pas-
turage, the litters can be kept separate until weaning time.
Care at Farrowing Time.—The date of breeding will indicate
closely when farrowing is expected. Take every precaution pos-
sible to have all conditions favorable. The sows should be sepa-
rated from all other swine. Have the bedding clean and dry but
not too abundant. Not only should the sow be fed with laxative
feeds as already suggested, but she should be given a purgative
unless her digestive tract is loose. Have the quarters warm and
‘ree from cold winds. An attendant should be present to aid in all
emerge n-
cies without
making the
mother ner-
vous, Chilled
pigs should be
warmed by the
use of warm
stones or bricks
in a box covered with carpet. Hot-water bags are sometimes put
against them. When pigs have been chilled be sure that they get a
drink of their mother’s warm milk, and are not prevented by other
pigs. Needle teeth are extra teeth found in pigs’ mouths at birth.
Examine pigs’ mouths and remove such needle teeth before they have
injured themselves, each other, or their mother’s udder. This may
prevent sows from attacking their pigs. Such sows as have pig-
eating habits should have the pigs removed from them except at
nursing times. Give such a sow plenty of tankage and other
protein feeds and plenty of mineral matter. In a few days, per-
haps, the pigs can remain with her without danger. Never feed
brood sows on corn alone.
If more pigs are born than the mother has teats with which
to feed them, the owner must decide what to do. Perhaps one pig
can be given to another litter of the same age. Perhaps attention
at nursing time may allow all pigs to secure the mother’s milk.
Other milk can be supplied after the first few days when pigs
learn to drink.
Feeding Pigs in Pig Creep.—Provide a corner where pigs can
