LITTLE PIGS

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 3309, 1 April 1926, Page 13

LITTLE PIGS

INFANT MORTALITY DECREASING. Practically anyone visiting '& pig farm enjoys looking at Utters of pigs, listening to tlieir baby swine language and watching their maneuvres at play or when seriously engaged in tlieir scrimmage for lacteal nourishment. In the enjoyment of such observation doubtless there are many who have not given much thought as to what becomes of these little pigs..

During the first ten days of existence of these little animals their chances of becoming “pigs,” In the vernacular of the swine raiser, “are rather slim.” This is the period when most of the weak pigs die or are killed; death from accidents and exposure are by no means infrequent. Adding to these hazards faulty management and digestive disturbances, it is quite evident that the potential market pig faces a rather gloomy outlook during the early days of its existence. With the increased knowledge of animal diseases and their prevention, the improved methods in the care and management of live stock, particularly in the early period of their existence, the future prospects for a pronounced increase of young animals reaching maturity are quite encouraging.