EXERCISE 77 



JUDGING SWINE 



Object. To learn the characteristics of the different breeds and types of hogs ; to learn the adapta- 

 bility of each to different conditions, and to acquire skill and accuracy in choosing those animals which 

 most nearly conform to the ideal of their class and which will produce the greatest profit on the farm. 



Fig. 123. The lard and bacon types compared 

 At the left a typical Berkshire boar which sold for $10,000. At the right a champion Tamworth boar 



Materials. Pictures of prize-winning hogs clipped from live-stock journals and mounted on cards; 

 stereopticon and slides ; score card on opposite page ; suitable animals for practice in judging. 



Directions. A study of the type and breed characteristics of swine and of the score card and charts 

 showing location of the different parts of the animal should be made before beginning judging practice. 

 The student should be able to recognize readily the leading breeds of swine, and special emphasis 

 should be placed upon those types and breeds which are of greatest importance in the community. 

 Score several animals of each class. 



One specimen should be as nearly perfect and in as nearly finished condition as possible, to serve as 

 a type. The others may be of inferior type in one or more important particulars, to emphasize not alone 

 the valuable qualities to be sought for but also to fix in the pupil's mind the more important defi- 

 ciencies to be met with in judging swine. 



At first the score card on the next page should be carefully followed and the ideals described 

 applied to as many different animals as opportunity will permit. Later, opportunities for practice in j 

 competitive judging should be provided. 



Questions. What are the principal differences in the type and uses of lard and bacon hogs? Sketch 

 briefly the history, characteristics, and uses of the breeds of hogs common to the United States. What, 



Fig. 124. Champion Duroc Jersey barrow at the International Fig. 125. Grand champion Poland China barrow at the Inter-, 

 Livestock Exposition . national Livestock Exposition 



I 152 1 



