An experimental study of pig rearing

Abstract

1. Nine pig-rearing experiments designed to probe the causes of ill-health among young pigs farrowed and reared indoors suggested that the main cause of trouble was that the buildings were too cold, draughty and damp.2. The superior health of pigs farrowed and reared outdoors appeared to depend less on their access to iron or unknown nutrients in soil and grass than to the greater comfort afforded by the wooden ark huts in which they were housed.3. The clinical and pathological features of sick indoor pigs were essentially those of cardiac failure.4. In a discussion of our own findings and the published reports of others we offer a working hypothesis to explain the sequence of events. We hope to explore its validity in future experiments.Work on this subject was suggested by Mr Arthur Crichton and encouraged at all stages by his interest and advice.