HINTS IN PIG FARMING SCURFY COATS.

Waipa Post, Volume XXIV, Issue 1680, 29 October 1925, Page 6

HINTS IN PIG FARMING

SCURFY COATS.

A pig with a scurfy '.oat is not enly l u eyesore, but obviously out of scrts. Probably it is a case of disordered blood —more than likely to be the result of indigestion and constipation, and if ;aken early the trouble can be put right by means of mild laxatives, sue; as Epsom salt or castor oil, given in moderate doses at short intervals for a week or so. External treatment, should be given at the same time, and there are several good skin dressings on the market which will very soon bring about a change for the better. Neat’s-foot oil, with enough flowers of sulphur in it to make a creamy application, is also good. This should be rubbed .gently with the hand, to be followed a day or two later with a good brushing. The treatment should be repeated until all the scurf is removed, after which an application of the oil without the sulphur, but with a little paraffin added—a wineglassful to a pint of oil—will complete the process. If any soreness is apparent, vaseline should be applied. This will also encourage growth of new hair to replace that which the scurf has caused to fall out. SUNSTROKE ■ There have been many cases of sunstroke amongst pigs this summer. We have had one case and seen a number. In case any breeders have had cases and failed to recognise the symptoms we will describe our case which is almost identical with others we have come in touch with.

A young in-pig sow one hot day went down suddenly and could not get up on her hind legs. It seemed to be, and probably is, paralysis of the spine. We carried her to a shed where she lay for about four weeks. At first we had to feed her lying down, but after a week or so she used to struggle on to front feet and feed. After four weeks she farrowed 9 good pigs. During the first few days she killed five of them,' not through clumsiness, but inability to move about when they got underneath her when she got up or her hind legs to move about. She has always had plenty of milk and the four pigs, now nearly a month old have done splendidly. During the last two weeks she has commenced to get up on her hind legs and walk about a bit. Every day she gets a bit stronger and we are hoping for a complete recovery. All the other cases we have seen .have been very similar, though in some the pigs have gone funny in their heads as well, in one or two cases quite idiotic.