Chapter 269 - Pig-raising
The sheer delight of farming was evident.
He spent his day working and eating out in the fields.
This brought him genuine happiness.
Since it involved strenuous physical activity, he consumed a large bowl of noodles and a chicken leg.
He disposed of the plastic container in the trash and resumed his labor.
Five acres of land required considerable effort to maintain.
By the time he left the field, he felt exhausted.
His clothing was dirty, and his limbs were caked with mud.
His face was muddy from frequently wiping away sweat.
Yet, he found this experience very satisfying.
It was already two in the morning.
He had been working non-stop for six hours.
Su Ming allowed himself a small smile.
He went to the thatched hut to clean his hands, feet, and face.
Back at the villa, he cooked himself another bowl of noodles.
He ate and then went straight to sleep.
The following morning, he awoke early.
He felt completely refreshed.
He stretched, had some food, and then headed out to check on the previous night's labor in the field.
Next, Su Ming visited the breeding area.
He had finished organizing everything there.
Still, he hadn't received any updates from the System.
The four types of animals permissible for breeding were already being raised.
After some thought, Su Ming decided to raise additional pigs.
He proceeded to the breeding area.
Having placed his order, he prepared to collect the supplies.
Soon, the delivery arrived in the city center.
The workers unloaded the crates and herded the pigs into their pens in pairs.
“Mr. Su, next time you need something, no need to come yourself,” the owner suggested.
He greeted Su Ming with a smile, “Just give me a call, and I'll deliver it to you.”
Su Ming agreed with a nod, “Alright.”
“These are all the breeds available on our farm.”
The proprietor showed Su Ming a detailed list of breeds.
The list meticulously categorized various types of poultry.
“Thank you,” Su Ming expressed his gratitude.
“Don't mention it,” the owner responded warmly.
The owner smiled as he spoke.
The owner moved closer, then paused.
He turned to address Su Ming.
“Mr. Su,” he began.
Su Ming, puzzled, inquired, “Yes, what is it?”
“The condition of your pigsty isn't the best; please don't take offense. Just curious, how do you manage pig rearing?”
Su Ming explained, “I ensure they're fed, watered, and the pigsty is kept clean.”
Pig rearing was common in the village.
This was the standard method everyone used.
However, he omitted that he only fed them.
The owner shook his head upon hearing this.
“Mr. Su, I may not be as wealthy, but I excel at pig farming,” he stated.
The owner expressed this proudly.
Su Ming queried, “Is there a different method for pig farming?”
“Absolutely,” the owner replied with enthusiasm.
He was pleased to share his expertise with Su Ming.
Discussing these matters with Su Ming was an honor for him.
“Mr. Su, remember that pigs are indeed animals.”
The manager stated gravely.
Su Ming gazed at the manager, bewildered, already aware that pigs are animals.
“Moreover, pigs are known for their considerable intelligence.”
Su Ming regarded the manager attentively.
He suddenly recalled reading articles stating that pigs possess substantial intelligence.
At times, pigs are even smarter than dogs.
“That's the reason pigs also experience emotions. They feel happiness and sadness just like us.”
The shopkeeper continued the conversation.
“They truly feel emotions?”
Su Ming was momentarily shocked.
“Absolutely. Consider this: pigs are aware of their surroundings. They're confined in cramped spaces with no escape, facing eventual slaughter.”
“Consequently, they often feel miserable.”
“If they are unhappy, their appetite decreases. Poor appetite leads to less flavorful meat. Therefore, it's important to ensure their happiness.”
The shopkeeper elaborated thoroughly.
Su Ming was taken aback.
“Am I expected to consider these factors in pig farming?”
Why should he be concerned with the emotional state of pigs?
“Mr. Su, imagine you had two pigs.”
“Treat one pig with soothing music massages, quality feed, and occasional scratches to relieve its itches, along with its favorite grass. Such care makes its life joyful. Even if it eventually dies, it lived a content life.”
“The other pig is merely given basic sustenance without additional care, living each day as if awaiting death, trapped in perpetual sorrow.”
“Thus, to produce delicious and abundant pork, it's crucial to maintain the pigs in a cheerful mood.”
Upon hearing this, Su Ming realized the profound logic behind it.
Why hadn't this concept occurred to him before?
It wasn't really Su Ming's fault.
In the countryside, many are engaged in pig farming.
But being a rural area, farmers are so overwhelmed with agricultural tasks that they hardly find time to eat.
This leads to less attentive care for the pigs.
However, he had more time.
He offered a variety of feeds.
When idle, he indulged in music and pig massages.
Wouldn't such practices yield different results?
“System, would the quality of pigs improve if I care for them well?”
Su Ming pondered internally.
“This inquiry is beyond your current level of access. Host, please investigate independently.”
Su Ming was thrilled.
What did it mean to ‘investigate independently'?
It suggested that there was potential for success in this approach.
Excellent!
Until now, Su Ming had only considered conventional farming, raising livestock, and working systematically.
Yet, he had overlooked this method.
Could he really implement this?
This revelation inspired a novel strategy.
By massaging the pigs, playing music, and feeding them diverse diets, he could enhance the quality of the pork and ultimately alter the results. Essentially, this could increase the chances of obtaining premium products.
It appeared that the same principle might apply to crop cultivation.
Typically, he would ensure regular watering and fertilizing.
He would frequently patrol the fields and remove weeds.
He even played music for the plants.
Spending additional time in the fields, engaging with and talking to the plants.
Could this also boost the quality of the crops?
This was an innovative approach for him!
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