THE BREEDING OF PIGS FOR BACON 187 







shires, Small Whites or Yorkshires, and the Tarn- 

 worth. 



The Berkshire Breed. 



This is a very hardy breed of pigs, and is bred 

 extensively in all bacon-producing countries. They 

 are of medium size, compact, and well shaped. The 

 colour for pure-bred Berkshires should be black, 

 with white points, such as on feet, on tip of tail, 

 and a splash of white in the face. The head is 

 medium in length, with short nose slightly dished 

 but not turned up. This breed has a good pro- 

 portion of lean meat to fat, and therefore provides 

 good pigs for the bacon factory, as they slaughter 

 well, giving a nice shapely carcase. They cross 

 well with other breeds. 



Large Whites. 



This is the largest variety of pigs known. They 

 are very fast-growing animals, but will not fatten 

 as quickly as a Berkshire, as they use more of their 

 food to make a bigger frame. Once they have 

 grown well they fatten readily. But for supplying 

 this breed, as a pure bred, to the bacon factory, it 

 is doubtful if it will command " top price " as they 

 grow to such a great size and rather larger than 

 the factory requires to turn out a first-class product. 

 This breed, however, is very fast and good at 



