TYPES AND MARKET CLASSES OF LIVE STOCK 281 



cattle, or beef from dairy cattle, or mutton from fine-wooled 

 sheep. In such instances, we find dairy-bred steers tending 

 toward the form of the beef animal, we find beef cattle taking 

 on somewhat the appearance of the dairy animal, and we find 

 that the Merino approaches nearer to mutton type. Careful 

 selection and breeding and the establishment of definite types 

 of animals suitable to special purposes cannot accomplish the 

 desired ends unaided. The feeding and care must receive as 

 much attention as the breeding. No matter how well bred an 

 animal may be, and no matter how great may be its tendency 

 to conform to a given type, it must enjoy a favorable environ- 

 ment before its inherited good qualities can fully assert them- 

 selves and thereby enable the animal to fulfill its mission. 



In America the lard type of swine is represented by the 

 Poland-China, Duroc-Jersey, Chester White, Berkshire, and 

 Hampshire breeds. The bacon type includes two breeds, the 

 Yorkshire and Tarn worth. The Berkshire and Hampshire do 

 not possess true fat or lard type, but occupy a position about 

 midway between the bacon and lard types, being general-pur- 

 pose breeds. 



Definition of Hog Terms. 



Boar. Breeding male, any age. 



Sow. The female, any age. 



Gilt. A young sow, usually under twelve months and before 

 she has farrowed a litter. 



Barrow. Unsexed male, castrated when a young pig. The 

 best age to castrate pigs is from 6 to 8 weeks old, before weaning. 



Stag. Unsexed male, castrated when mature or so far ad- 

 vanced toward maturity that masculinity is plainly evident in 

 head, neck, and forequarters. This constitutes coarseness in 

 a market animal. 



Shote. A young hog weighing from 100 to 150 pounds. 



