GRAIN FOR PIGS

Waikato Times, Volume 117, Issue 19564, 1 May 1935, Page 10

GRAIN FOR PIGS

advantages of maize.

WAIKATO EXPERIMENTS. The possibility that Waikato farmer# could successfully grow maize for pig feeding was a view expressed by Mr Con Christie in discussing the difficulties now confronting the farmer in taking nigs on to baconer weights. On the farm of Mr C. Christie Jnr., at Ta Kowlial, maize was. grown for the dairy herd and while the stalks have been given to the cows, the cobs have beca hung up in a shed for pig feeding. Tha cobs will be fed in conjunction with Kumi Kumi which were sown on tha same ground as the maize. In regard to maize growing there is, of course* the risk of frost but if an early variety is used this "risk is materially lessened. At the 'Ruakura Farm of Instruction work has been done in an attempt to discover early varieties of maizewhich, will prove suitable for the Waikato. If Waikato farmers are able to grow maize for pig feeding, the problem of taking tiie animals on to baconer weights will be solved to a certain extent but. of course, the maize will have to he fed in conjunction with roots or cattle marrows and a little concentrate. Where there is good grass available this will he a welcome and valuable addition, to the diet for the baconers as it will supply some of tiie necessary protein. As far as roots arc concerned, it is held in authoritative circles that carrots are the most! nutritive for pig feeding. Although it is staled that the necessity of weeding is a drawback to tha 'planting of carrots yet this type of root lias been used with great sucess by Mr L. Barry, of Whatawhata. Mr Barry sows only the Guerande type which ha lias proved to be especially suitable for pig feeding. The seed is sown on the ridger system which allows fop easy cultivation of the plants. Tha carrot, furthermore, is not .so subjeot to. disease as other roots. This is a circumstance that recommends itself lo the pig farmer. ' ,