This arrangement results in the pigs taking more exercise, eating more food and making more rapid growth. It reduces the danger of thumps and gives the youngsters a wonderfully strong start in life.
The feed mixture used at this time varies somewhat according to available supplies and current prices. A sample pig ration is made up as follows:
Ration for Young Pigs
| Winter wheat middlings | 40 | lbs. |
| Hominy meal | 40 | lbs. |
| Oil meal | 3 | lbs. |
| Whole oats (heavy) | 5 | lbs. |
| 60 per cent. Digester tankage | 12 | lbs. |
| Fine salt | 1/2 | lb. |
Mix thoroughly.
When the pigs are weaned they are placed with the herd, a safe practice because of the general contentment and quietness and the entire absence of meal-time stampedes. They quickly adjust themselves to their new surroundings, and, because accustomed to the use of self-feeders, at once begin eating the regular hog ration with the rest of the herd.
In the hog house, enough self-feeders are provided to permit all animals to eat at will without being crowded. One feeder to each twenty-five hogs is the rule.
The hog ration, like the pig ration, varies according to conditions. But at all times it is palatable and contains feeds which build bone, muscle and fat. A favorite formula is this:
Ration for Growing Hogs
| Winter wheat middlings | 50 | lbs. |
| Wheat bran | 50 | lbs. |
| Corn chop | 50 | lbs. |
| Whole oats | 10 | lbs. |
| 50 per cent. Digester tankage | 20 | lbs. |