416 Pork Production 



as to the ideals common to all breeds, is the duty of 

 every judge. The standard adopted by the judge 

 should be the one sought by the best present-day breeders 

 rather than that described in unrevised score-cards or 

 standards which have long been out of date. But a 

 thorough knowledge of breed type standards cannot be 

 acquired alone by reading descriptions, however clear 

 and accurate they may be. Although these are helpful, 

 they must be supplemented by the knowledge gained 

 through intimate contact with the affairs of the breed and 

 the constant observation of the type preferred by most 

 breeders as reflected in their selections made in the herd, 

 sale, and show ring. Due to the fact that few, if any, 

 breeds have a fixed and constant type, and because also at 

 no time are all breeders exactly agreed on the emphasis 

 which should be placed on certain points, there is always 

 ample opportunity for the individual preference of the 

 judge to be expressed in the type which he selects. The 

 power which the judge has in molding and uniting the 

 varying ideals of the breeders is the heaviest and most 

 important responsibility conferred on him by the office. 

 To select the type which will make good as practical 

 pork producers without sacrificing in any important 

 degree the breed type characteristics, which represent 

 the trade mark of a breed, should be the steady purpose 

 of the judge and breeder. (See Chapter XIX.) 



JUDGING GILTS AND YOUNG BOARS 



In judging young boars and gilts, it is important that 

 they be considered as prospective breeders rather than 

 according to the standards of type required of mature 

 individuals or finished fat barrows. The type of gilt 



