PIG INDUSTRY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 50, 26 January 1933, Page 4

PIG INDUSTRY

BREEDERS’ AND FATTENERS’ COLUMN. The pig- industry and the dairying industry arc inseparable—one is part’ of the other—and in that light they should always be recognised. No dairy fanner can conduct his farm economically, eliminating all waste of by-products, unless he incorporates a pig department in bis farming activities. The existence of tho pig industry is solely dependent upon the dairying industry and as the former has been developed during tlie past few years, and at present is being carried out intensively, it is necessary that every-effort to improve the quality of the pigs by paying attention to type, feeding, and conditions under which they are reared. In regard to the conditions under which pigs are reared it may bo stated that there is still plenty of room for improvement in this direction.

To produce healthy pigs, healthy conditions must be maintained in tho sties and paddocks in which they are accommodated. Parasites on pigs are usually troublesome during tho summer months of the year, and special attention is necessary at this season to keep them under control. Many farmers, attach but little importance to troubles cf this nature, and do not seem to realise that when any animal is subjected to uneasiness, or irritation of any kind, its health is to a greater or less extent affected. No matter for what purpose pigs are kept it. is essential that they should be given a chance to do their best, and they cannot make profitable headway if irritating influences arc at work. The attacks of external parasites cannot fail to have a detrimental effect and in particularly had cases may bring about serious results in the condition of the animals affected, with consequent loss to the owner. The two most common forms of parasites that attack pigs externally aro tho “nits,” or small round lice, and the larger flat lice. “Nits” usually make their appearance first of all about tlie head and neck of Ihe pigs, especially behind the oars, but later they will spread to other parts of the body, where they are more easily overlooked. Sometimes the under parts of the body, particularly the inner surfaces of the legs, are attacked; therefore, it is necessary to thoroughly examine the animal to ensure that it is free from vermin. Common flic-e aro capable of causing great discomfort to pigs during hot weather, particularly when the animals happen to scratch or injure themselves so that an open sore or wound is produced. When it is first, discovered that trouble of this nature is affecting the animals, the affected parts should bo rubbed over with an oil droning of reliable brand, and the application repeated at intervals of a week until all traces of the trouble have disappeared. CLEANLINESS. As in dairying, cleanliness in the pig department is ol paramount importance. Stale jood should noi oo allowed to accumulate ill feeding troughs. Troughs .should be thoroughly uasued every week to ensure a sanitary condition.

Bedding m pig houses should not be allowed to become sodden and fresh straw should be put in at: regular intervals. i’ig paddocks should be well drained and free irom stagnant water, and it is a good policy to isliilt the pigs to new surroundings at intervals as they benefit by die change.