Cold weather requires some planning for homestead hog raisers. In the area of proper nutrition, thought and extra effort must be given to available supplies of fresh ice-free water at all times for all classes of hogs-the baby pig, the weanling, growing/finishing, gestating and the lactating sow.

The growing-finishing pig will require roughly two to 2-1/2 pounds of water for every pound of feed consumed. The gestating and lactating sow will require 4-1/2 to six gallons per day.

Watering equipment that will continue to flow during below zero weather is a must.

Daily supplies of fresh palatable feed sometimes becomes a problem during extremely cold conditions. Ice forms in feeder cups, feed will not flow from feeders properly, and pigs are automatically placed on a limited ration, leading to restricted weight gain.

Another problem is the feeder allowing too much feed. Pigs become wasteful and the feed is pushed out onto the ground. Every 10 pounds of feed wasted each day amounts to hundreds of dollars each year, and 10 pounds of feed is often wasted each day with a poorly adjusted feeder. Worn-out feeders and overcrowding of feeders also add to the feed loss. Proper adjustment and checking the feeders at least three times per week will usually solve the problem.

Farrowing units must be warm, comfortable and dry. A farrowing house temperature of 70-75°F and a nest sleeping area of 90-95°F for newborn pigs is favored. Newly weaned and growing-finishing pigs must be made comfortable-a chilled pig is a high-cost pig. Wiring, equipment, outlets, and any fuel supply should all be checked, made operative, safe and ready to go during a sudden extreme cold period.

Bedding needs and availability should be considered. The pig in a cold gravity ventilated building will do an outstanding job of converting feed and daily gain if comfortable.

Have a planned program on how to operate if you have a three-day snowstorm and 10-foot snow drifts. Feed, water, bedding, and equipment to remove the snow are all essential.

External parasites are sometimes neglected during the extremely cold weather months just at the time when these parasites are probably most active. Lice and mange control measures should be planned and worked into the schedule of events.

Movement of breeding and market hogs during the cold weather requires a little extra protection from the cold wind. Avoid loading pigs up an ice-covered slippery loading chute-pigs that can't walk when they reach your home or market are of little value.