Seasonal Notes

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 74, 28 March 1936, Page 12

Seasonal Notes

WINTERING FIGS The very excellent bulletin, on wintering store pigs, prepared by Massey College and published in our columns last Thursday, deserves comment. The first point made is that it is better not to winter pigs on the average farm. To obviate having to do so, every effort should bo made to so arrange farrowing dates as to leave no stores to be wintered. This is sound advice! There arc some who make a considerable success of wintering stores. It is indeed an attractive proposition. One can purchase weaners in April or even as well in May, at say 6/6 for a good class of pig. In late July, if he has been well done, he is worth say 22/6. A gross profit of 16/- a pig; big money. . But, to achieve success, conditions must be suitable and the man must know his business thoroughly. Shelter, good housing and sound feeding practice are the three essentials to success. Feeding.

The bulletin makes a strong point of the fact that roots alone are not a sufficient food for wintering pigs. In far too many cases they get little or nothing else. As pointed out some concern trates are absolutely essential. As to the concentrates, the cost thereof is a problem. If fed over-liberally, then their cost will eat up all the profits. Mcat-incal and molasses are reasonable in price and of great value.

A feature of the dietary advice, is to furnish pigs with mineral supply. Boneflour is recommended. The use of codliver oil is suggested. “Observer” has had very favourable reports on • this, from one who tried it last winter.

Giving of warm drinks is advocated. This is a sound form of economy, a

great proportion of our food goes to keep us warm; so with a pig. Hot water is a cheaper form of food than anything else. ■ The Bulletin is a most useful one and worthy of serious study by all who contemplate wintering their stores.