Breeding 453 



as being good themselves, a guarantee of future perform^ 

 ance is practically certain. 



In judging a boar or sow's value as a prospective breeder, 

 the pedigree stands for the individual's heredity or in- 

 heritance. If a full and complete knowledge of the 

 pedigree is possible, and this is rare, the importance to be 

 attached to it should be about equal to that given to the 

 individuality of the animal. In buying or selecting ani- 

 mals for the herd, therefore, one should insist on the 

 combination of good individuality with good pedigrees 

 behind them. If the individual under consideration is 

 of the best type and he has in addition a good pedigree, 

 there is reason to believe that he will be a satisfactory 

 producer. 



Performance. 



The value of an animal as a breeder is indicated by 

 his individuality and pedigree ; but the only real and final 

 test is actual breeding performance. For this reason, 

 tested sires are more reliable than those of immature age. 

 A fuller appreciation of this fact will prevent further 

 sacrifice of proven boars just approaching the period of 

 their greatest usefulness. It will also operate against 

 unreasonable discrimination by the buyer in favor of the 

 pig and consequently result in a freer use of the knife. 

 Brood sows which have demonstrated their ability as 

 breeders should not be sacrificed in favor of younger sows, 

 regardless of the more attractive appearance of the gilt. 

 The good producer should maintain her position in the 

 herd so long as there are no better ones, according to the 

 same standard, to take her place. Herd selection of 

 brood sows should be based on performance first and looks 

 last. (See Chapter IV, page 89.) 



