THE DUROC-JERSEY 49 



with the other widely distributed breeds. The animal does well 

 under the conditions prevailing in the feed lots of the Corn Belt 

 and also does well on clover and blue-grass pastures. Many ex- 

 periments at state agricultural colleges show, however, that the 

 cost of fattening in the Duroc-Jersey is slightly higher than in the 

 other commonly raised breeds. Also on the killing floor the per- 

 centage of offal is slightly higher than in other lard types. 



Prolific Breeder.— In the matter of breeding the Duroc-Jersey 

 is one of the most prolific of all breeds. Litters of 10 and 12 

 pigs, and even as high as 15 to 18, are common with sows of 

 this breed. This marked reproductive power has done a great 



Fig. 14. — Group of Uviroc-Jcrscy l)arr()\vs sliowii by I luvcr-^ity of Missouri at 

 1913 International. (Photo loaned by Robert J. Evans.) 



deal in increasing the popularity of the Durocs with Central 

 West feeders. This is one of the main drawbacks of the Poland- 

 China. In many instances the Duroc-Jersey is crowding out the 

 Polands on account of their more prolific breeding qualities. When 

 crossed with other breeds the Duroc also does well, and estabhshes 

 a strong vigorous type which possesses excellent reproductive 

 powers. 



Official Associations. — For many years the distribution of the 

 Duroc-Jersey was largely limited to New York, New Jersey, and 

 the South Atlantic States. In recent years it has been introduced 

 extensively into the Corn Belt States, and is now a very popular 



4 



