232 THE RURAL EFFICIENCY GUIDE STOCK 



a better price. It is well for the shipper to accompany his stock and observe 

 under what conditions best results may be secured. 



Growing, Developing and Marketing Pure Bred Hogs. Pure bred hogs 

 for breeding purposes may be fed and developed after the manner suggested 

 for growing pigs from birth to the period when they are to be fattened. The 

 character of stock developed plays the greater part in making pure bred stock 

 breeding successful, and every effort should be made to have the stock to be 

 offered in the most attractive condition without its being pampered. Only 

 show animals are fattened to show all of their possibilities and the aim should 

 be to have sale stock in a thrifty, well developed condition without being 

 fattened but carrying an abundance of firm, natural flesh. 



It is not always possible to tell just how a young pig will develop, but 

 all individuals that are off type and color, or deficient in any manner should 

 be separated from sale lots and only the best individuals retained. Boars and 

 sows should be kept in separate lots and not too many pigs should run to- 

 gether in a given lot. 



A complete record of the breeding and identity of individual pigs is abso- 

 lutely necessary for success. A record book, as well as the certificates of 

 registration, should be posted and will be found valuable to the extent that 

 it contains a record and notes on all transactions. The secretary of the breed 

 association who looks after the registration and interests of the breed in ques- 

 tion will be able to furnish full information, forms for registering and trans- 

 ferring and suggestions on keeping complete records. Certificates of registry 

 and transfer should be promptly furnished. ' Stock that has to be shipped 

 should be crated and sent in as satisfactory a manner as possible. A pleased 

 customer is one of the best means of advertising and the true stockman en- 

 deavors to work for the best interest of his customers. 



Buildings and Equipment for Hogs. Each farm is equipped with build- 

 ings peculiar to itself and the proprietor or manager. Good drainage and dry- 

 ness are two important features of buildings and yards for pigs. Good ven- 

 tilation, plenty of light, warmth in winter and a convenient arrangement of 

 pens, feeding troughs, bins for feed and facilities for providing and heating 

 water are desirable for a central hog barn. A damp, cold building is altogether 

 unsatisfactory. The central hog house should, therefore, be constructed to 

 admit the maximum amount of sunlight. What is termed the farmer's type 

 of sunlight hog house, commonly recommended, may be regarded as the most 

 approved type and admits the greatest amount of sunlight to ail parts of the 

 building. 



Concrete floors and walls two feet above the floor are most sanitary and 

 may be used, provided that wood overlays are used in the pens, for sleeping 

 quarters. These overlays should be portable to enable pens to be thoroughly 

 cleaned and disinfected. 



For summer when hogs should be moved to pasture fields, the small colony 

 house is highly desirable. The A-shaped house has the advantage of being easily 

 constructed, inexpensive and readily moved from place to place. It should be lo- 

 cated with reference to convenience and good drainage. The number of these 



