THE BROOD SOW

Shannon News, 4 March 1927, Page 2

THE BROOD SOW

The brood sow is the foundation upon which profitable pig production rests. The care, selection, feeding 217 in the first week to 307 during, the portant and profitable industry. Many articles have been written upon these subjects by ' experienced hog raisers and authorities in swine husbandry: methods that ensure success are/subject to great variation as evidenced by the results secured with the swine herd. It is an established fact that like begets like; hence, to have uniformity in the young pigs, we must have it in the breeding stock.

Type of animal is important, and when once the desirablo type is determined, breeding animals conforming to this type should be selected. A good brood sow should bo broad between the eyes, have a refined feminine look about the face, the shoulders smooth and deep, body long with ribs well sprung, giving ample room for vital organs; no sagging just back of the shoulders; a good ham, broad, straight back;, deep through the middle, indicating capacity; straight legs of ample length with strong feet.

Weaning time is when the brood sows should be selected. They should be from mothers that have been gntle, good sucklers, and prolific. Market the sows that arc nervous and kill their young, they usually prove unprofitable. For the*best results, keep only the old tried sows that produce large litters and look after them properly.