THE PIG INDUSTRY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 286, 31 October 1934, Page 7

THE PIG INDUSTRY.

VALUE OF ANIMALS. NEW STANDARD OF QUALITY. With the utmost uncertainty of profitable returns from his cows being forthcoming, the dairy farmer lias naturally to seek some other source of revenue to supplement the diminishing income from this source. Although the whole of the deficiency cannot be restored by making more efficient use of dairy by-products, it is being abundantly proved by those who are specialising in the production of pig flesh on the dairy farm that the right type of pig reared .and developed under efficient management is callable of adding at least 2d per lb. net to the yield of butterfat. Fortunately prices for pig flesh have remained at a paying level right through the period of depression in other items of dairy farm produce, and if present prices for pork and bacon can be accepted as a guide, the selling season that is just now opening should show good profits in the pig department. It is also encouraging to note that the general standard of type and qiiality of pigs in this district is being steadily improved. Breeders of stud pigs who know their business and are alive to the paramount need f° r quality and type have concentrated on producing animals which have the inherent characters that are in request and can be relied upon to consistently produce the uniformly good farm pigs that are in request in trade channels. Performance is the crucial test of all successful breeding, and while the evolution of an animal towards perfection is a slow and painstaking business, it is very satisfactory and encouraging to note that in all the leading commercial breeds of pigs there are now some outstanding strains which are setting new standards and commanding sales on a quality basis. For ordinary farm uses the purchase of parent stock from these superior strains is not a speculation, but can be safely regarded as a sound investment which, with efficient care and management, will show good dividends;

SUPPLEMENTARY FOODS. (By “Observer.”) During last winter and early spring, many farmers had an insufficient supply of suitable home-grown food for their pigs and it seems opportune to offer a reminder of the advantages that are forthcoming from a little foresight in this respect. Where the food supply is assured, considerable numbers of store pigs can be kept growing profitably through the period when dairy by-products are in short supply. Mangels, carrots, and swedes are all good croppers and lend themselves admirably to this purpose because they can be easily and cheaply grown and are relished by all classes of stock. Of grain clops, i>erhaps the most useful and readily grown varieties are peas and barley, each of which will produce .good yields. If the work has - not already been done, no time should now be lost in preparing the ground and getting ready for sowing. By making provision for areas of both roots and grain, a balanced food will be available which will be in the nature of an insurance policy against loss at certain periods of the year. , Enquiries are frequently made with respect to the value of artichokes for pig feed. The writer has had no personal experience with the use of these roots, but from reading and observations the impression is gained that while artichokes are highly regarded in some localities they are not a popular food. One of the advantages claimed for them is that the pigs do the harvesting themselves and that the residue of roots left in the ground will resow the plot for several seasons with no fresh outlay for cultivation. While this niay be true on the lighter and more porous subsoils, experience has shown that in the heavy Alanawatu soil feeding off the crops in prolonged wet weather is not practicable and results in the area becoming badly cut up. Headers may be interested to know that, on Wednesday next, the first of a series of articles pertaining to the industry will be published in this column. Every phase of the industry will be dealt with in due course and helpful information and advice given. Every 'Wednesday an article will appear and questions will be answered as space permits. All questions should be addressed to “Observer,” c/o “Manawatu Evening Standard.”