STORE PIGS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22390, 9 April 1936, Page 20

STORE PIGS

WINTERING PROBLEM HOUSING AND FEEDING PRIMARY NEED FOR SUCCESS A survey of the pig-keeping operations in the Manawatu district has provided illustrations of the success which can be 'achieved, individual dairymen can produce authentic cash return figures netting from 2d to 3d per lb. of butter-fat, which show that on these farms, pigs have contributed from 20 per cent to 25 per cent of the total revenue during the depression period. Until an output of 401b. of meat for every 1001b. of butter-fat produced is attained by all we are failing to extract a full and reasonable return from our dairy herds. To those actively interested in the development of pig-raising, and in the investigation of practical ways and means whereby the best returns can be secured, it is apparent that on a basis of the above standard the majority of farmers fall well behind in their pig output figures, and that the industry as a whole is inefficient. In practically every department of pig husbandry there is still vast room for improvement. Sources of Leakage

In this connection attention may bo drawn to the wintering of store pigs, which is a frequent source of leakage. The successful wintering of store pigs presents one of the most pressing problems on most farms. Due to the seasonal nature of milk supplies, and to tho high price of milk substitutes, it is definitely unprofitable to attempt the fattening of such animals. The problem resolves itself into . ways and means of maintaining unfattened pigs through the winter at the lowest cost compatible with efficiency, until milk supplies are available again in the spring—a problem simple on the surface but full of pitfalls in practice. The inadequate facilities available, combined with the acuteness of the feed shortage make the wintering methods of many farmers the weakest link in an otherwise reasonably strong •"management" chain. A tremendous loss in efficiency occurs at this stage. As a result of virtual starvation, pigs receive a marked check in growth. In consequence they are readily susceptible to disease, and mortality is high. Pleurisy infection characteristic of from 25 per cent to 50 per cent of the pigs that survive, renders the carcase unexportable and results in a direct loss of from Id to 2d per lb. The check to growth is in itself productive of loss, for such pigs take a long time to respond to increased food in the spring, making the time and total food required to make marketable weight excessive for profitable returns. Housing and Shelter

The aim should be to regulate farrowing dates in such a way that the winter store is eliminated. Thus by maintaining a reasonable balance between breeding sows and dairy cows, and by advancing tho usual spripg farrow period to the winter months, a large step in the direction of reducing the necessity and difficulties of wintering as at present practised, will be taken. Results of practical farmers in this connection indicate that a ratio of 1 sow to 7 —B cows, and farrowing first litters in May and June, will secure this end with good results. Such a system involves turning the first winter litters to bacon, the later winter litters to pork, and the second litters into pork in the summer, or early autumn months. For success in "wintering" the primary need in New Zealand is good housing and shelter. This is placed even before feeding, for it has been observed that on many farms where feeding methods can be classed as good, failure results from inadequate housing and shelter facilities. In innumerable cases, purchased foodstuffs are literally thrown away by being used by the pig in a vain attempt to keep warm. Elaborate equipment is not necessary but housing must be draught-proof and large enough for the number of pigs available. The roof should be lined with " roofing-felt " or sarked with timber, and the floor close boarded and devoid of cracks. Bedding is an advantage only when kept clean and renewed. Shelter is equally important, especially when animals are run on the open air-plan. Pens should be in, naturallysheltered positions, while a ' low-to-ground hedge in the fence-line is a decided advantage. Brushwood, manuka, or New Zealand* flax makes an admirable protection for this purpose. Where possible the site should bo well drained and on light soil, not subjeot to winter pugging. ■ Some cheap source of food is essential to provide the bulk of the winter pig's ration, if the cost is to be kept within reasonable limits. Roots are the best available foodstuff for this purpose on the dairy farm. Potatoes, carrots, swedes and mangels in that order of food-value may all be used. Of these, carrots and mangels are the general utility roots. Potatoes are seldom available in large quantities, while swedes are not relished by pigs and are an uncertain crop in most districts. Artichokes, relative to food value and yield, are not to. be compared with those already mentioned. Field pumpkins are extremely useful in districts where good yields can be obtained. They are relished by pigs, but are subject to the disadvantage of not being good keepers. They should be employed with one of tho other better-keeping roots.