Breeding 439 



but if one is raised in a dry lot on corn and water, while 

 the other has the advantage of balanced rations, succulent 

 feeds, and plenty of exercise, there will be a marked differ- 

 ence between them at maturity. Likewise, pigs from well- 

 developed parents of the best of breeding, if not properly 

 developed, will show a wide variation from their sire and 

 dam. These are not due to any difference in inheritance, 

 but rather to the fact that in one case the hereditary pos- 

 sibilities had the chance to develop, while in the other they 

 did not have the opportunity. In order to produce good 

 hogs, therefore, the breeder must not only produce pigs 

 which possess the proper inheritance, but he must also give 

 them the conditions which will promote and make possible 

 the full development of these hereditary possibilities. In 

 the practical sense, the breeder who is not a good feeder 

 cannot succeed. 



Variations due to differences in feeding and management, 

 however, are not transmitted to succeeding generations. 

 The effect of good development on the individual does not 

 improve or change in any way the hereditary content of 

 his germ-cells, but is temporary and limited to the individ- 

 ual alone. The importance of good feeding in the develop- 

 ment of a young boar is not that he may be able to get 

 pigs which have more size and better feeding qualities, 

 but chiefly to test his own hereditary possibility in this 

 particular. Incidentally he will be a more vigorous 

 breeder and possess an individuality which is an asset 

 to the appearance of the herd. A boar which has the 

 natural ability to respond to good feeding is more certain 

 to get pigs of this kind than one which did not inherit this 

 capacity. Good development of breeding stock is im- 

 portant, therefore, because it is an aid to more accurate 

 selection. 



