Mr. Lawson says, "The best stock may be expected from the boar at his
full growth, but no more than from three to five years old.[22] No sows
should be kept open for breeding unless they have large, capacious
bellies.
"It may be remarked, in respect to the period of being with young, that
in the sow it is about four months; and the usual produce is about eight
to ten or twelve pigs in the large, but more in the smaller breeds.
"In the ordinary management of swine, sows, after they have had a few
litters, may be killed; but no breeder should part with one while she
continues to bring good litters, and rear them with safety."
Pregnant sows should always be lodged separately, especially at the time
of bringing forth their young, else the pigs would most probably be
devoured as they fall. The sow should also be attended with due care
while pigging, in order to preserve the pigs. It is found that dry,
warm, comfortable lodging is of almost as much importance as food. The
pigs may be weaned in about eight weeks, after which the sow requires
less food than she does while nursing. In the management of these
animals, it is of great utility and advantage to separate the males from
the females, as it lessens their sexual desires.