424 THE BREEDS OF LIVE-STOCK 



513. Uses of Poland-China hogs. The Poland-China 

 has been developed especially to meet the market demand 

 for a fat or lard hog. Its heavy shoulder, wide back and 

 heavily developed hams render it an exceptionally good 

 yielder from the packer's standpoint. 



The quality of the meat produced by the Poland-China 

 has frequently been criticised because of its large propor- 

 tion of fat to lean. The development of a tendency to 

 produce lean along with fat has been largely overlooked 

 in bringing this breed to its present stage of perfection 

 from a feeder's standpoint, but it appears to meet the 

 demands of the American packer, and he is willing to pay 

 top market .price for it. 



In early maturity, that is, in ability to produce a finished 

 fat carcass for the packer at an early age, the Poland- 

 China is unexcelled. It has been bred for early maturity 

 for generations, and has attained an enviable reputation 

 in this connection. 



As a feeder, the Poland-China is a favorite with corn- 

 belt farmers. The breed has been developed on corn- 

 feeding, and seems to thrive on an exclusive corn ration 

 better than many other breeds. In a colder climate, and 

 on a mixed ration, the Poland-China might not show to so 

 good advantage as some other breeds, but for the purpose 

 of turning corn into pork, it is difficult to beat. The 

 Poland-China has also demonstrated its usefulness as a 

 grass hog, making good gains on pasture with a light grain 

 ration. Experiments with breeds of swine have resulted 

 differently at different stations, and it would seem that 

 economy of production is more a question of individuality 

 than of breed. Their exceptional tendency to fatten ren- 

 ders animals of this breed especially valuable for crossing 

 purposes, and the Poland-China is highly esteemed for 



