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Get Started In Pig Keeping: Books on keeping pigs

by Tony York

Picking a specialist book on any topic is a daunting prospect. Although written specifically for pig keeping these simple rules can be adapted to any situation when in doubt:

1. Is this book up-to-date?
Make sure that the book you are considering is no more than 5 years old unless it has been revised.

2. Is the author experienced in the field?
Ensure the author is an established pig keeper. It takes more than ten years to really know any subject well enough to write about it

3. Is it right for what I want to do?
For commercial farming on a large scale you will need a technical book containing facts and figures with food conversion weights etc. If you are pig keeping on a smaller scale then you will need a book that takes a more ‘hands-on ’ approach.

4. Is it engaging?
Many pig keeping books make difficult reading so choose wisely. If you find an author with experience who has a sense of humour and a writing style that makes you want to buy it after a few pages then you have found what you are looking for.

5. Is it a Bible on the topic?
Remember that the book you buy should be like a ‘pig Bible’. Whenever you need help, advice or solace you should feel able to turn to it.

6. Is it practical and informative?
A large glossy hardback ‘coffee table’ book with hundreds of stunning photographs may look great on the table but will it be of use when you are farrowing in the rain and cold? A ‘pocket sized’ book you can read by the fire but also carry with you is what you need.

7. If you think it is a book you will read once and enjoy the pictures then think again. If it is a book that will become well thumbed – buy it!

Whatever book you ultimately decide to buy must be practical, easy to read and easy to use. Happy reading.

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Get Started In Pig Keeping: Teach Yourself

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