THE-PIC A CRAZING ANIMAL.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLVI, Issue XLVI, 25 April 1914, Page 10

THE-PIC A CRAZING ANIMAL.

The too closely penning of nio-^ ( Pv _ cept when topping np) is a mistake. In a {state r>f nature, the pie: is a srnrine; animal. For breeding and growing: m>s" fl grass outrun is nro.fsf.abV Adrvn+tf^ that pig s must be fed differently from

other stock, when housed, yet grass is vsnil a natural food to them, even as it is to horses and cows. Pigs graze as close to the ground as sheep. It "is sometimes stated that pasture deteriorates under cows, but whether this be so or not, pigs benelit pasturage, and rapidly improve poor quality grass. Even the very youngest pigs running with the mother will graze a little, but should be given some other food as well. Shade and shelter are necessary. Sunburn is to be guarded against. Even with larger pigs a sudden changefrom dull to sunny weather during the hotter portion of the year means sunburn. When grass is plentiful store pigs of all ages can be run upon it cheaply, and need but very little trough food. With regarad to the quantity of trough food to give, the rule should be to keep the animals in decent condition.

With plenty of grass, strong pigs need only a minimum of trough food, and the warmer the weather the less they will need. Breeding sows in pig should not be allowed to become low in condition for want of a little extra food. With regard to the quantity of when run out need plenty to drink. Failing natural shade artificial has To be provided. It is a natural habit cf the pig to wallow, and the coating of mud is not uncleanness in a pig, and helps much in keeping off flies.