Modem Pig-Keeping

Northern Advocate, 24 October 1936, Page 10

Modem Pig-Keeping

By C. E. Cuming

ltecording in Scotland. increasing interest is being taken pigs by English farmers since the “Pig Marketing Scheme” was inaugurated, and with the greater prominence being given to pork and 6acon production has come the reali-

sation that the best results will be obtained only by systematic pig recording. A number of recording societies are in existence in various parts of Britain and a pig recording association is functioning in Scotland. In this association pigs from different lit-

ters are identifiable by means of ear notches and the data collected for every litter (in addition to the pedigree where known) are as follows: — The number of pigs born alive/and dead; the number of pigs weaned; the average weight of the pigs at weaning; the date of sale of the pigs; and their weight (from which can be obtained the weight for age). Where the pigs are sold through the local bacon factory the individual grading results are obtained and from the data for each litter is assessed the value of each sow for the production of firstclass quality bacon. As in New Zealand, many English producers were perfectly satisfied with their results before they started recording, but once they commenced they realised there was much room for improvement in their methods.

Scrub Boar Menace. That England is fully alive to - the menace of the scrub boar is provided by the information that the question has been raised by English authorities of introducing a scheme to completely eradicate scrub boars, as it is considered this is the first essential to the standardisation , of the bacon pig and improvement of carcase qualities. Compulsory eradication has been in operation for some years in the Irish Free State and in Northern Ireland. As a result, a high degree of uniformity has been achieved in herds, and type has been standardised all over the country, Multiplication of breeds has been prevented, tinder the Irish scheme the inspectors are brought together periodically for instruction as to the type of pig which they must aim to secure. A resolution urging the introduction of legislation has been adopted by the council of the British Pig Breeders’ As.sbeiation which states that if the average standard of pigs throughout England, Wales and Scotland is to be raised to the level necessary to ensure the success of the British pig industry, the licensing of all boars for breeding purposes is essential.

Signs of Rheumatism. A rheumatic pig generally attracts attention by its dirty state and reluctance to rise at feeding time or when anyone enters the pen. Its appetite will usually be spasmodic and may gradually diminish while soft puffy swellings at such joints as the hocks may appear. A breeder who has had considerable trouble with rheumatism among his pigs states that as soon as the trouble is notified it is a good idea to make the pig walk a ; 100 yards or so once if not twice a day, the pace and the distance being increased as improvement in the animal’s condition is brought about. It is advisable to continue this treatment until complete recovery has taken place and the organs are functioning properly. A laxative may at first be necessary. The pig should be moved to a draughtproof pen with a dry floor liberally covered with straw if possible. It is best to feed the pig a little at frequent intervals rather than give it large quantities at long intervals. It should also have access to some succulent green food.

Grazing Pigs,

In all pig-keeping countries the great possibilities of grazing pigs are being demonstrated. It has been shown in this country more than any other, but there are some who appear to have the wrong idea what the grazing system implies. In the first place it does not mean that the pigs are to be treated like most other farm stock, to be turned out and expected to live and fatten on grass alone. The grazing system as opposed to that of penning the pigs in styes or giving them a confined piece of land (which rapidly becomes devoid of grass, a quagmire in winter and a dried-up and unhealthy place in summer) means principally that the pigs are treated in a more rational manner. They have clean and healthy conditions, while at the same time they obtain portion of their living from the grass or special grazing crops grown for them. But they must have feed in addition to the herbage or green feed. It is preferable not to allow the pigs to graze on the fields used for the cattle, but they should be provided with small paddocks, to be used alternately. It is surprising that despite the success that has been obtained with the paddock system that there are still farmers who persist in confining pigs in unhealthy styes, who fail to recognise what young grass and sunlight mean in bringing pigs to rapid maturity.