CHAPTER XI 

 MARKING 



The matter of having each litter marked so that pigs may be 

 identified at any time, is one that every breeder of pure-breds at 

 least should follow without fail. There is nothing that would be 

 more embarrassing than to have a prospective buyer, when looking 

 over the pigs ask how we identify them and be unable to answer 

 satisfactorily. After trying all kinds and varieties of ear labels 

 we settled many years ago on the only system that we have found 

 entirely reliable, and one that never fails to remain where it is put. 

 This system is a series of small punch marks in the outer and inner 

 rims of the two ears, and is fully illustrated herein. 



One thing is quite important, namely, that a small punch be 

 used, one not larger than the largest size in a revolving harness 

 punch. The punch should be set on the rim of the ear, only cutting 

 out a half circle. If too large a punch is used the marks become 

 too prominent as the pig grows to maturity. 



A small vest pocket memorandum book should always be carried, 

 using one leaf for each sow and her litter, with the stamp, as 

 shown in the illustrated system of marking, showing the same ear 

 marks as are given to the pig. In this way as one goes through the 

 herd and asks for the breeding of different pigs, it can very readily 

 be given, by referring to the small memorandum book. To illus- 

 trate : Suppose a prospective buyer selected a pig and said to me, 

 ' ' this pig has two marks in the right ear outer rim and one in the 

 left outer rim. What are his sire and dam and date of farrow." 

 By referring to the book showing this mark I will find it is the fifth 

 litter farrowed during the year and shows that the sire was Rival's 

 Majesty 150500 and the dam Locksley's Artful Belle 178745, and 

 that it was farrowed March 13, 1918. This is all in a nut shell and 

 very satisfactory to the one asking for the information. 



In this system we use the same mark for each pig in the litter, 

 as the pig is not named or registered until sold, then a name is given 

 and a registry number which is entered on the card record of that 

 particular litter. If a sow in this litter or a boar is retained in the 

 herd the card record should show it and ear mark as well. This 

 system is started anew the 1st of January each year, as the previous 

 year's litters are supposed to be sold, but for the few that are not, 

 or are intended to be retained in the herd, a memorandum is made. 



Record of Litters. We have found the following card system 

 for keeping a record of the litters, as well as disposition of each, to 

 be the most convenient of anything we have ever tried. The cards 

 should be 5x8 in. as illustrated. On one side should be written the 

 pedigree of the dam, her description, showing the ear marks she 



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