5 12 



THE PIG 



trials of breeds of swine at the Iowa station, where the carcasses 

 of each breed were carefully studied, the Duroc-Jersey yielded 

 less lard than any other breed except the Chester White. There 

 was a total of 20.35 pounds lard and more total guts than any 

 other breed excepting Berkshire, though the difference was not 

 great. In killing, the Yorkshires led with 79. 1 8 per cent dressed 

 meat and the Duroc-Jerseys fifth with 77.05 per cent. 



The quality of Duroc-Jersey meat may at least be regarded as 

 good, compared with Poland-China or Chester White, when the 

 same kind of food is used. Duroc-Jersey pigs are not discrimi- 

 nated against in the market, although the class of pork produced 

 by them in the corn belt is not the equal of that resulting from less 

 corn feeding. For many years the red hogs of Saratoga County, 

 New York, commanded a premium in the Albany market, then 

 a great pork-packing center. This was due to the superior 

 excellence of Duroc meat, produced from rations of potatoes, 

 oats, and peas and clover pasture. 



The cross-bred or grade Duroc-Jersey pig is finding its way 

 extensively into the market. Among farmers pigs from common 

 sows sired by Duroc-Jersey boars feed well. They not only 

 feed well, but if mated with Poland-China blood, produce 

 increased size of litters as a result. The cross on Poland-China 

 or Berkshire stock will be harmonious, if such a cross is desired. 

 It is better, however, to use the Berkshire male on the Duroc- 

 Jersey female, to secure the highest-class meat. 



The breeding characteristics of the Duroc-Jersey are considered 

 distinctly superior. Twenty years ago Colonel Curtis wrote that 

 young sows had from seven to ten pigs and old sows from ten 

 to eighteen, while twelve and fourteen strong pigs at one litter 

 were not at all uncommon. Rommel, in a report on Duroc-Jersey 

 fecundity, published in 1906, based on herdbook figures, shows 

 that 21,652 litters, comprising 200,574 pigs, averaged 9.26 pigs 

 per litter. This is a most excellent record and reflects great 

 credit on the prolificacy of this breed. 



The distribution of the Duroc-Jersey is now very widespread. 

 It has long been a popular breed in New York, New Jersey, 

 Virginia, and certain sections of the South. In recent years it 

 has grown much in favor in the Mississippi Valley, although bred 



