340 * SWINE ENTERPRISE 
be fattened for pork. Do not plan to keep them long. If possible 
they should be ready to slaughter when six or seven months of age. 
The life of such pigs may be divided into four periods: (1) Six 
or eight weeks with the mother. (2) Six or eight weeks of pasture 
and wet mash. (3) Six or eight weeks on pasture with less wet 
mash and a little corn. (4) Four to six weeks on corn alone or 
corn supplemented with a little tankage or middlings. (Fig. 229.) 
This plan should make the pigs weigh two to three hundred 
pounds when six or seven months of age. 
Pigs weaned in the winter in northern states have little pas- 
turage. Substitute cabbage and such. root crops as beets, mangels 
Fig. 229.—The hogging down method of harvesting corn. Mineral mixture and water 
are supplied in abundance. If no soybeans nor other legumes are in the field, tankage may 
be fed to balance the corn. (New Jersey Station.) 
and wet beet pulp. A larger proportion of good milk mash will be 
necessary for the second period just mentioned. Constitutional 
troubles are more apt to be found with these winter litters because 
of lack of exercise. These litters, however, if fattened in time 
usually bring better prices than the spring litters sold in the fall. 
Market Requirements.—The length of feeding period should 
be varied somewhat to prepare the pigs for market at a time when 
prices are highest. Read market quotations at least once a week 
to know the best weights at which to market pigs. (Figs. 230 and 
231.) If highest prices are paid for pigs weighing about two 
hundred pounds, avoid getting them too heavy. Finish is an 
important element and pigs should not be sent to market in an 
anfinished condition. This seldom pays. 
Optional Topics.—More extended studies of breeds may be made, 
including the historical development. Make full studies of swine troubles, 
such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, scours, sore mouth, thumps, rheumatism,