PIG-REARING.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1740, 3 May 1913, Page 8

PIG-REARING.

PROFITABLE IF PROPERLY MANAGED. Discussing the question of pig-rearing in answer to a query, tlie Live Stock and Meat Division of the Department of Agriculture has the following to say:—"l'igrearing and feeding is a profitable business provided the person engaged in tho same has some knowledge of tho management of pigs and that he has sufficient land of goad quality to grow some of tho food required for tho pigs. To be successful a person must liavo a knowledge of agriculture in general whereby ho can grow tho food required at the lowest cost possililo combined with efficient production. The best pigs to choose would bo pigs of a pure breed; thereby tho sale of purebred boars and sows would materially assist tho returns. The breed chosen should be one quick in reaching maturity. and ono in which the lavinj-on. of flesh and fat is rapid. Berkshircs aro no doubt one of the best'breeds, both for bacon and pork; however, if they aro allowed to mature before being fattened they are prone to lay on fat at the expense of tho. flesh. Berkshiro3 cross exceedingly well with other pure breeds (especially the Tamworth and Large Black), and tho produce when skilfully managed will weigh at four months old dead-weight 811b. and upwards. Therefore the herd should be partly composed of purebreds nnd crossbrecls to obtain the best results, but in no caso should tho breeder go beyond crossing with two pure breeds, as thereby a mongrel is bred, which is unprofitable.