The Delta independent., 1918-04-05

and cared for during pregnancy, lit
tie difficulty may be expected. With
young sows, particularly those bred at
an immature age, there is considerable
risk at this time, not only to the pigs
but to the SOW herself
There is a difference of opinion as
to the amour. of bedding which
should be given to the SOW at this
time An active SOW in comparatively
thin condition can be trusted with a
liberal amount of bedding but sows
which are in high condition or which
are at all clumsy, had better be given
only moderate amount of bedding
Leaves or short straw are preferred.
The narrowing pen should be dry
and well ventil. ed, but free from
drafts. Provid, the pen with guard
rail made of by planks with their
edges against .he sides of the pen
about 10 inches above the bed.
These prevent the SOW from lying
against the partition, and lessen the
danger of injury to the pigs. The
little fellows will soon learn to creep
under the guard, all when the SOW
lies down.
The management of the SOW during
narrowing depends largely on the ami
NAL and on the weather conditions
Assistance should be at hand if needed
but the sow need not be helped if she
is getting along nicely
What to do When the Pigs Arrive
When the pigs are born during
become chilled and will generally find
their way to the teats unaided. In ex-
tremely cold weather the pigs will be
in danger of being chilled. unless the
hog house is heated. To remedy this,
place a few heated bricks in the bot
tom of a bask' or small box. cover
ing them with 'haff or straw, and put
a cloth over the top to keep in the
heat; unless the SOW objects too Sc
riously, the pigs may be rubbed dry
with soft cloth and placed in the re-
ceptacle as fas: as they arrive. II
any of the littlo pigs appear to be life
less when they are born, first see that
all mucus is re vowed from the nose,
then give the pig a few gentle slaps
on the side with the hand. This will
start the pig breathing if there is any
life in the body. Give it suck of the
sow's milk and place 1t in the recep
tacles as described previously. The
pigs will not suffe- if they do not
suck for few minutes after farrow-
ing.
Cut Out .he Back Teeth
Before placing the pigs with the
SOW, cut out tho eight small tusk-like
teeth. There e four of these on
each jaw in the rear of the mouth.
These teeth a-a very sharp, and II
left in the pigs mouth they will like
ly cause tearirT of the sow's udder.
and the little pigs cut one another's
mouths while fighting for teat.
These teeth can be removed with bone
foreceps, wire nippers. or with knife.
Never pull out TIE teeth. Always cut
or break off.
After this operation is over. place
the pigs with the SOW. care being TAX
en- that each one gets to teat. When
the after-birth is passed. it should be
removed from the pen at once and
buried or burned. There is good ree
son to believe that eating the after
D1TInS Is OIttU tut DtblHhlb6 VI tht
habit of eating pigs.
As a rule, the SOW should have no
food the first "a hours after farrow
ing. but should be given a. liberal
drink of warm water. If. however, she
shows signs Of hunger. thin slop OF
bran and middlings may be given.
The feeding for the first or days
should be light. and the time con
sumed in getting the SOW on full feed
should be from a week to 10 days. de.
pending on the size and thrift Of the
litter The Sow's Feed
Great care must be taken to feed
the SOW properly. II she is not being
properly. fed. the little pigs will show
1t. II the pigs fololw the SOW arounf
very much and pull at her teats. II
a good sign that she is not givin'
enuogh milk flow. When the SOW T.
overfed, causing a heavy flow OF milk
securing Is generally produced in the
pigs. II this happens. cut down tho
sow's feed immediately. Give thu
SOW Is to 20 grains of sulphate OF iron
(cooperas) In her slop morning an
evening" and II necessary increase y
dose until results have been obtained
Exercise 10 Necessary.
After the SOW has farrowed, II f.
best for her to be in the open air. or
course, II the pigs are farrowed dur
ing the winter months care will l.
needed. and t may be necessary to l.
the pigs reach the age OF two weeks
before turning them out. They ca
however. get considerable exercise at
the piggery or in the lot. with the SOW