268 FEEDING AND MANAGEMENT 



On the front page of the record book, a sketch should be made 

 similar to the ones shown here, indicating the location and value 

 of different cuts. This will make a convenient reference and 

 will help to avoid mistakes. 



In case a breeder prefers to insert ear labels at the time 

 of weaning, the system of marking described above will be 

 unnecessary, and in the column headed " Ear mark " he would 

 enter the numbers of all the labels used for the litter. 



Instead of ear labels, tattoo markers may be used for white 

 pigs. 



Gestation Table. On page 269 is a gestation table for sows, 

 which will be found convenient for reference. In the table the 

 period of gestation is placed at 112 days, but a great many sows 

 will go a few days past the time stated. Everything should be 

 in readiness, however, before the 112 days are up. 



Business Methods. The importance of supplying registra- 

 tion certificates promptly to customers, and of keeping an 

 accurate record of breeding operations and of animals sold, 

 has already been mentioned ; but, in addition to these records, 

 the breeder should have some method of book-keeping which 

 will show the financial standing of the business. The system 

 need not be complicated, but the books should at least show all 

 sales, and all purchases, whether of feed or stock, and should 

 contain an inventory showing the value of the stock on hand at 

 the beginning of each year. It is worth while, also, to use 

 neatly and attractively printed letter-heads and envelopes in 

 answering correspondence. They help to secure business. Above 

 all, the breeder must remember that a satisfied customer is an 

 effective advertisement, and that it is poor business to take 

 advantage of a customer in any way. 



