PIG-KEEPING ECONOMY

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 200, 21 May 1936, Page 14

PIG-KEEPING ECONOMY

Value of Open-air System On Definite Plan GREATER SANITATION (By Cultivator.) It it is hoped to derive the greatest, possible profit, from pig-keeping, the value of the open-air system, which is now fairly extensively employed in England, must be given recognition. M here climatic conditions favour this system the animals re; main healthier, and the whole method ot management is more sanitary. Those who have experimented with raising pigs in the open-air in New Zealand have lound it definitely to their advantage. . Not only should open-air conditions be recognised, however, for good bousing also plays an important part in profitable management, and rotational grazing for the sows has been found to be advantageous. By bringing such methods into use the filthy conditions which were commou <>n many farms where pigs were kept can be eliminated, and pig-farming can be conducted under far more sanitary conditions, to the benefit of both the animals and the farmers. But such a system should only be attempted on a properlyorganised plan. The housing accommodation should be well construct cd with an absence of draughts, and there should be a reasonable degree of shelter available, providing refuge from the cold winter winds and shade from the summer heat. Witli a greater degree of sanitation, pig herds can be maintained much freer from disease. The most common of the diseases known to pigs is pleurisy, a complaint which is brought about by bad sanitary conditions and draughty shelters. Experience has proved beyond all doubt that bad weather means little to pig-farmers provided their animals are accommodated in draught-proof buildings in which provision is made for clean, comfortable beds. Sound methods of management are imperative. however, if it is intended to conduct the farm on an economical profitmaking basis, as it is only reasonable to expecl'all farms are. By removing the unpleasantness of insanitary conditions, pigraising can tie. and lias been in many cases, trnnsrornied into pleasant work. But it should be remembered, however, that flic best stock .and the best laid-out plant are wasted if the best possible methods of management are not employed.

Good results have been obtained with the use of the soya bean, especially as a supplementary fodder for pigs, in the United States of America, and a suggestion that greater use should be made of this crop in New Zealand seems worthy of fuller investigation. Already experimental crops have been tried in this Dominion. the beans being crushed and the oil extruded. leaving a food which is high in protein content and which provides good food for pigs and other live stock.