PIGS AND PASTURE

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 2 April 1927, Page 14

PIGS AND PASTURE

TESTS MADE IN CANADA. Results of tests conducted at a Canadian. experimental farm indicate that the judicious use of pastures for growing swine is advisable, both from the standpoint of economy of gains and of promoting the growth that is essential to a bacon pig. During the past year, the meal requirement for 1001 b of body gain was reduced 25 per cent, by the use of pasturec xops. Pigs on pasture made greater growth than those fed on a bare lot or in inside pens and were in better condition to continue their growth and put on finish in the autumn. Of the pastures tested, rape proved to be the best, followed by millet and oats in the order named. Rape for pasturing should be sown six to seven weeks before it is required for use. Rape that becomes coarse before pasturing is unpalatable, while, on the other hand, if pastured too early its carrying capacity will be great reduced. One acre of rape has been found to provide pasture for fifty pigs for fifty days. Pour or five pounds of seed per acre is sufficient when sown with a drill. When sown broadcast a little'more seed may be used. Por best results, says Mr R. M. Hopper, superintendent of the farm in question, pigs should not be turned on pasture until they are three to four months old. The meal ration for pigs on pasture should be a fairly liberal one. They should not be given all they will consume, neither should they be compelled to consume a large amount of forage in order to satisfy their appetites.