Feeding Hogs

Hogs are raised on a great variety of feeds, including numerous by-products. Because of their simple monogastric stomach, hogs consume more concentrates ad less roughages than any other farm animals. Grain crops constitute the major component of the swine ration. Potatoes, peanuts, soybeans are used in considerable quantities in feeding hogs in those regions where they are grown. Different by-products are fed to hogs (the by-products of fishing industry, meat industry, dairy industry and also human food wastes). Pasture crops are an important supplement to a good grain ration. Superior pastures provide a good source of calcium, vitamins, and proteins. Pastures are especially important for young pigs.

During the winter months when green pastures cannot be provided, swine rations should contain high-quality ground forage, preferably alfalfa. It contains proteins, it is a rich source of all the vitamins needed by the pig. Sun-cured hay is also a good source of vitamin D, the anti-rachitic vitamin. Alfalfa is also an excellent source vitamin B.

Grass silage may be successfully used in the winter ration of growing-fattening pigs. Silage is also suitable for pregnant sows.

The herd boar should be kept in thrifty, vigorous condition. Feed and exercise are important. Year-round succulent pasture provides exercise and valuable nutrients. In winter exercise is also needed.

The basis for successful and practical feeding of the brood sow consist if maximum use of pastures and ground legumes during those periods when pastures are not available. Quality and quantity of proteins, minerals and vitamins become particularly important in the ration of young pregnant sows. The requirements resulting from the pregnancy are increased during the latter third of the gestation period. A leguminous pasture is particularly valuable in supplementing the grain ration with minerals, vitamins and quality proteins.

Exercises

1. Make word combinations and translate them:

use

contain

provide

consume

feed

constitute

the ration

nutrients

grass silage

minerals and vitamins

necessary supplements

sows

2. True or false:

1. Hogs should be raised only on by-products.

2. Roughages are the major component of the swine ration.

3. Crops are an important supplement to a good ration.

4. Alfalfa is a source of vitamin B.

5. Silage mustn’t be provided for pregnant sows.

6. The breeder should pay special attention to the herd boar.

Maintaining the Health of Hogs

Hogs, especially small pigs, are susceptible to many diseases and parasites. Effective sanitation in the care of hogs has three general requirements:

• Large permanent buildings must have concrete, tile, or tightly built wood floors that are well drained so that they may be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Buildings must also be provided with ample windows space well located so that there is much sunlight in the building.

• Outdoor space adjacent should be paved with concrete so that it may be easily cleaned.

• If hogs are moved from the permanent house to pasture, they must be moved to a fresh pasture that was not grazed by hogs the previous year. Small field houses used for farrowing must be thoroughly cleaned and moved to a fresh pasture not occupied by hogs the previous year.

There are certain problems the breeder of hogs can come across.

Hairless pigs. Most pigs born in this condition die during the first days of their lives. It is caused by lack of iodine in the ration fed to the sow. To prevent the disease, feed brood sows potassium iodide throughout the period of pregnancy.

Pig anemia. Lack of sufficient iron in the feeds causes pig anemia. It has been found that where pigs are on the ground by the time they are three to five days old they get enough iron from the soil to prevent the deficiency of iron in the blood. Where young pigs must be kept indoors in little clean earth should be placed in the farrowing pen.

Influenza and pneumonia. In order to prevent this disease, provide dry, well-ventilated sleeping quarters as free from dust as possible, and protect from drafts. It is a serious disease, pigs with mild cases may recover, but severe cases usually in death.

Internal parasites. There are many internal parasites that infect hogs. Most serious of all is the roundworm. The breeder should provide effective sanitation in buildings and placing pigs on fresh, non-infected pastures each year. Worms can be killed and eliminated from digestive tract of pigs by the use of medicines, such as sodium fluoride.