The hog situation in Dinwiddie County

In the way of summary we find that Dinwiddie is not primarily a hog raising county, but is idealy located as to climate, market and transportation. As yet, but little attention has been given to the economical production of pork on a commercial scale.

Too many farmers are making the mistake in believing any kind of hog will do. Consequently their litters are small, slow growing and runty. Some few farmers are overcoming this mistake by keeping good hogs that turn, feed into pork fast.

The improvements needed in feeding are - To feed more pasture crops with a balanced ration for all stages of the pigs growth. This should start with the boar. He should be kept in good breeding condition by feeding feeds high in protein and minerals to support the vigor and vitality of sperm cells. The brood sow should be “flush fed” before breeding so she will be gaining in weight when bred. Then, from breeding time until farrowing time to insure the farrowing of large, strong, vigorous litters and from farrowing time until the pigs are weaned to insure a maximum flow of milk during the important nursing period. After the pigs are weaned they should be fed a well balanced growing ration, one that is high in protein and minerals, a builder of bone, muscle and frame. As they grow older the proteins should be lessened and the carbohydrates increased. Then to the fattening ration should be added a good pasture and regulatory ration that will keep all hogs in the best possible state of health and cause them to fatten quickly at the lowest possible cost.

The improvements needed in management are as follows:

1. A clean, comfortable farrowing pen, dry and with no drafts.
2. Clean litter that is not dusty or too deep.
3. Clean sow with a clean udder and teats.
4. Clean runs and pasture that has not been used previously for hogs.
5. A disinfected hog wallow.
6. The more general use of self-feeders, creeps and a hogging off system of feeding.