LIGHT LITTERS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20056, 30 September 1939, Page 11

LIGHT LITTERS

EAST COAST PIG CLUBS

LACK ON MILK SUPPLY

SOWS IN POOR CONDITION

RESULT OF LAD SEASON Following one of the worst dairying seasons on the East Coast for a long time, it is only to be expected that the effect is being reflected in the spring litters that have been coming forward recently.

As a result of the difficulty in securing a sufficient milk supply, the sows are now in poor condition, and the litters in almost every instance have been exceptionally light, a few alarmingly so. A case is quoted of one pig in a spring litter being only 91b at eight weeks, a weight which would be considered only fair at ‘hree weeks. The weights appear more than usually light because last season some of the -pig clubs were producing very satisfactory litter's, numbers of -which averaged more than 401 bat eight weeks, some even going beyond 501 b. Progress was noted particularly among the 'Maori clubs, and some of the best figures were being secured by clubs with an all-Maori membership. Heavier Mortality

It is also noted that the mortality among the young -pigs h; higher than usual. Out of 59 young pig's born in six litters, there was a death roll of 13, equal to 22 per cent. The following figures, showing the mortality among the litters, have been compiled from statistics supplied toy' Mr. T. .French, who recorded the East Coast litters: —

Recording Figures Recordings have been completed to date as follows: — i Rivatop’ia Pig Club, Tamworth.— Born 12, died 3, remaining 9; weight at three weeks, 881 b; weight at eight weeks, 2551 b; average weight at eight weeks, 28.31'b; individual weights, males 171 to, 271 b, 311 b, 331 b, 281 b, females 321-b, 261 b, 311 b, 301 b. Mr. D. Swan, Tikitiki, a first litter, Berkshire. —Born 8, died 2, remaining C; weight at three weeks, 571 b; weight at eight weeks, 2221 b; average at eight weeks, 371 b; individual weights, males 391 b, 381 b, 281'o, females 421 b, 341 b, 401'o. Tikitiki Pig Club, fifth litter, Tamworth.—'Born 10, died 3, remaining 7; weight at three' weeks, 6filb; weight at eight,weeks, 1721 b; average at eight weeks, 24.71'b; individual weights, males 211 b, 301 b, 271 b, females 281 b, 261 b, 201 b, 201 b. Tikitiki Pig Club, Berkshire.—'Born 10, died 2, remaining 8; weight at three weeks, 711 b; weight at eight weeks, 15241-b; average at eight weeks, 191 b; individual weights, males 111 b, 211 b, 191 b, 30£lb, 'females 231 b, 2511 b, 221'b. 1711 b.

Mr. P. Karaka, Tikitiki, first litter, Tamworth.—'Born 11, died 2, remaining 9; weight at three weeks, 821 b; weight at eight weeks, 1531 b; average at eight weeks, 171 b; individual weights, males 161 b, 201 b, 181 b, 151 b. 181 b. 131 b, 91b, females 201 b, 181 b. Mr. C. Wilson, Ruatoria. second litter, Tamworth;—Born 8, died 1, remaining 7: weight at three weeks. 991 b; weight at eight weeks, 2341 b: average at eight weeks, 33.41 b: individual weights, males 381 b, 451 b, 381 b, 361 b, fem'ales 301 b. 30Tb, 301 b.

Ruatoria Pig.Club Born 12 Dead 3 D. Swa'.i, Tiki tiki 8 2 ’Pikitiki Pig Club (Tam.) 10 3 Tikitiki P.ig Club (Berk.) 10 2 P. Karaka, Tikitiki 11 2 C. Wilson, Ruatoria ?t 1 Totals 59 13