PIG FARMING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18519, 2 October 1923, Page 12

PIG FARMING.

HOUSING AND FEEDING.

In profitable pig-farming it is essential that the animals, be well housed. Pigs like shelter, either from the heat of summer or the cold of winter. It is not necessary to erect expensive shelters. When pigs' are in the grazing ' paddocks, shelter should be provided. Portable sheds, which may be removed when necessary, are often used. ', ' ,

The styes should be } arranged so as to be easily kept clean. It is a good plan to have the sty for the boar separate from the sows. The sows may be turned in with the boars at the proper season. Fattening pens necessary when the pigs have to be "topped up." v Pig-raising, either for ; pork or ham and ■.; bacon; production, should be one of the most profitable sections of the mixed farm. Much materia! that would otherwise go to waste, on the farm may be. turned to good account where pigs ■ are kept. ' ". Pig-breeding, to pay well, must be conducted on sound, well-defined lines. ;/'.' ■•■•■'■-'■!

The main points to be observed are th» use of itho best breeds, the most eco nomic methods of feeding, and care in housing the animals. Some farmers er roneously think that any treatment is good enough for a pig; but those; who intelligently feed, the animal,/look ; ' after its comfort find the hog fully responsive 'in increased capacity. A cross between the middle York boar arid Berkshire sow, or grade Berkshire sow, is recommended where breeding for pork is best suited to the marketing conditions. This pig matures early, and has light offal. There' is not so much waste as in the heavier type. -'■'.This pig • is good all-round as a pork producer. A" alternative cross is a Berkshire boar and a Poland-China sow; but these have a tendency to produce small littery, and, in consequence, have not come generally into use. Pigs, as. porkers, are usually sold' when they have attained a lightweight of from 60 to; 901b. Hawkesbury College advises that the Tamworth boar and Berkshire sow is the best cross for the production of bacon and ham. The Tamworth being a lengthy, lean type, introduces these qualities into the more fatty Berkshire; resulting in an evenly streaked bacon, which commands a ready sale. This cross, owing to its not producing superabundant fat, is also specially well adapted to the Australian climatic conditions. •

Owing to neglect in not growing winter feed, when milk is scarce,"the farmer cannot maintain any appreciable number of pigs. The demand for store pigs at the beginning of the summer is therefore unusually great, and there is • also a corresponding glut of fat pigs at lower rates when winter approaches. The farmers should systematically grow such feed for pigs as described. Over, a large area of the country, maize, wheat, barley, rye, peas, potatoes, artichokes, pumpkins, rape, etc.,'can be grown successfully. The pigs must .be properly bred. and. improved strains constantly introduced to prevent a reversion to the old or inferior type. , ; ,'