104 SOUTHERN PORK PRODUCTION 



refer to the indications that the individual belongs to a 

 specific breed, or, that the blood of a specific breed pre- 

 dominates. The possession of this breed type is a good 

 indication of prepotency. Any pork animal should 

 possess these indications for at least one of the improved 

 breeds; otherwise, it may safely be assumed that a poor 

 pork type exists, for a good pork type seldom exists 

 without breed type. Especially should breeding swine be 

 typical and characteristic as to breed type. 



Prepotency. Prepotency refers to the ability of 

 breeding animals to impress their own likeness upon 

 their offspring. While it is not definitely recognizable 

 from the appearance, it should be one of the distinctive 

 characteristics of good breeding animals. An animal 

 with proper sexual development, breed type and breeding 

 is very apt to be prepotent. When two animals are 

 crossed, the one that impresses its kind more strongly on 

 the offspring is said to be more prepotent. Prepotency 

 is one of the bases of our progress in improvement in 

 swine breeding. Breeding animals that are not prepotent 

 are said to be impotent, or, in other words, they are not 

 able to stamp their type. 



Quality in breeding swine. Good quality is especially 

 evidenced by ability to make good use of feed. Other 

 indications of quality are to be found in the bone, bristle 

 and hide. Usually the hog of good quality makes a good 

 appearance, and by his smooth skin, bright eye and gen- 

 eral disposition makes a good impression. In addition to 

 being masculine, our breeding boars should possess a 

 certain degree of quality. His features should be clear 

 cut and symmetrical, showing strength and character 



