THE BREEDING SOW.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 455, 13 March 1909, Page 3

THE BREEDING SOW.

TREATMENT'AND SELECTION. If success in pig-breeding is to be expected there are certain points in the management of tho sow that must receive attention. Maternal instinct in mothers is remarkably strong, so that, under normal conditions, a sow will take great care of her offspring. But it is unfortunate in too many instances that store animals do not receive such treatment as brings out their best points. Instead of being invariably dealt with kindly, they are often roughly driven about when trespassing 011 forbidden ground. This induces wildness, which grows on tho animals from early life, and is often the cause of disaster at farrowing time. It is important that the sow should be domesticated, and taught to be on the best of terms with tho attendants. Frequent handling encourages this, so that when the time of farrowing draws near it is advisable to give tho sow food in the sty in which she is to farrow, and tho chances are that she will make her preparations thero for the coming ovent without being shut in. When this has been attained it may confidently bo anticipated that all will go well. But if tho sow be made to occupy a sty in opposition to her inclination,- she will be rest-less,-and the greatest possible care on tho part of tho attendant, may not prevent tho loss of some of tho youngsters. Complications and illness at time of farrowing ariso from discontent and excitement from change of surroundings and of attendants. However small these details may appear, they are essential to success, and cannot be disregarded. That some sows have tho maternal instinct stronger than others cannot bo disand it is wise to select the offspring of sucn mothers for store purposes. . As scon as the selection has been made, steps should bo taken to thoroughly tame the youngstors, to mako them perfectly familiar with the attendant, who should not fail to handle and coddle them often; . , Then, again, those should bo kopt in good condition, and not bo put to the boar till close on twelve, months old.