418 Pork Production 



uniform in age, condition, and method of previous feeding 

 will feed more uniformly, reach market weight and finish 

 more nearly at the same time, and will sell more satis- 

 factorily when placed on the market. 



The ability of a pig to make rapid gains is largely 

 influenced by his form or type. Also, his appearance when 

 finished for market may be predicted by that when thin. 

 He should possess the same essentials of good conformation 

 demanded of the pig intended for the breeding herd, with 

 emphasis on those features which denote vigor and feeding 

 capacity. He should be broad at the poll, wide between 

 the eyes, with a face of medium length. A narrow head 

 and long sharp nose are not associated with either good 

 feeding or good killing qualities. He should be strong 

 backed, wide in his spring of rib, and show plenty of 

 capacity of middle. A full heart girth and low flanks are 

 indications of constitution and gaining ability which 

 should not be overlooked. It is of special importance 

 also that he be good in his legs and feet; that is, they 

 should be medium in length, squarely set, straight and 

 strong. 



Condition, or degree of fatness, is an important point 

 in judging feeders. The most satisfactory feeders, as a 

 rule, are those which are well grown for their weight, or 

 in other words, are in a thrifty growing condition rather 

 than fat. Pigs which have been grain-fed in dry lots do 

 not gain as well as those which have been largely grown on 

 forage. Forage-fed pigs are usually thinner, have more 

 "stretch," are glossier of coat and more healthy than 

 pen-fed pigs. 



In weight feeder pigs usually range from 65 to 150 

 pounds, and in age from three to eight months. There 

 seems to be no best weight or age, although the heavier 



