38 PRINCIPLES OF SWINE BREEDING 



of a prolific family, because fecundity is hereditary to a very 

 high degree. It is safest to select a sow from a matured mother 

 who has had a chance to demonstrate her usefulness. In mak- 

 ing a selection, the number and character of the teats should 

 be noted. A sow is more likely to make a good mother if she 

 has at least twelve well-developed teats, set well apart, and the 

 front ones well forward on the body. (Figs. 9 and 12.) 



In character, the sow is directly the opposite of the boar, 

 and there is a femininity about her general appearance and 

 bearing which indicates the prolific and indulgent mother. 



When a really good sow is once obtained, she should be 

 kept in the herd as long as she retains her usefulness. A 

 really first-class sow is not too easily obtained, and when once 

 acquired it will be found the part of wisdom to keep her as 

 long as she continues to produce satisfactory litters. 



REVIEW, 



1. Tell of the complexities of the breeder's business. 



2. Tell of the requirements for a farmer to be a good swine breeder. 



3. Tell of the need of his keeping the element of utility in his mind. 



4. Give two view- points for considering utility. 



5. What is meant by " in-breeding"? 



6. Give Mr. Gentry's advice regarding it. 



7. What is the practice of prominent swine breeders regarding it? 



8. What is the safe rule for the farmer to follow regarding in-breeding? 



9. What is cross-breeding? Give some of its uses. 



10. Gives suggestions to follow in mating extreme types. 



11. Define "grades," "high-grades." To what extent are they used? 



12. Tell of the importance of pedigree and heredity in swine breeding. 



13. Why select a pure-bred boar? Why do it well? 



14. Tell of the desirable conformation of the boar. 



15. Tell of the desirable conformation of brood sows. 



