Management of in-pig sow.

Te Ao Hou, July 1955, Page 24

Management of in-pig sow. Proper management of the sow from the time of mating will produce more pigs per litter. Nearly all sows have lost a good deal of weight by the time their litters are weaned and that weight must be put back. A mature sow should gain from 75–100 Ibs. weight during the time she is carrying a litter. An in-pig sow should get from 6–8 gallons of skimmed milk or its equivalent per day together with 1 lb. of meatmeal and access to good pasture at all times. The latter is most important. In addition warm dry sleeping quarters must be provided. Sows must be put into their farrowing quarters at least 2 weeks before they are due to farrow. Clean drinking water should be provided at all times. For 24 hours before farrowing they must be lightly fed and for 24 hours after farrowing only drinking water should be given. If possible the farmer should attend a sow at farrowing, this will no doubt save pigs. Feeding of sows while they are suckling an average litter of say eight piglets would be approximately 8–9 gallons skim-milk or the equivalent per day. Castration of pigs should be carried out at about 4 weeks. If left longer it is harder on the piglets and on the man. Weaning. When the litter is 2 months old the sow should be taken away from the piglets and placed in a pen by herself. She will come onto heat 4–6 days after weaning. Piglets suckling the sow should, after 4 weeks, receive a supply of meal in a separate creep or place where the sow cannot gain access. A small quantity of skim-milk should also be fed. This will make a great difference to the weights at weaning. Feeding. Newly weaned litters should be fed more than twice per day for the first 2–3 weeks to avoid gorging. However, evidence now shows that after this period 2 feeds per day are sufficient and following is a guide to the quantity of skim-milk that should be fed:— 36–40 lbs. liveweight, 1 ½ gallons per day. 40–65 lbs. liveweight, gradual increase to 2 ½ gallons per day. (Continued on Page 62)

Right: Ache Hetet, Ngahape, King Country, gives a good deal of attention to his pigs—and the pigs look as if they like it. (John Ashton Photograph.)