Types and Market Classes of Live Stock 395 



daylight under the show champions because they can get their poster- 

 ity over the scales to a speedy and profitable sale of pork." 



Selection of breeding stock. — The points which should receive 

 particular attention in selecting hogs for breeding purposes are (1) 

 size, (2) feeding capacity, (3) constitution and vigor, (4) early matur- 

 ity, (5) strength of back, legs, pasterns, and feet, (6) quality, (7) 

 breeding qualities, (8) uniformity of type, and (9) ancestry. 



1. The most profitable hog is one that inherits ability to grow to 

 large size, but which will fatten if desired long before the limit of growth 

 is reached. It is desirable, therefore, to set the standard for matured 

 weight as high as is consistent with proper form, early maturity, and 

 quality. For boars in high condition, the standard may be set at 800 

 pounds or over without necessarily sacrificing other desirable qualities. 

 Sows in high condition should weigh not less than 600 pounds. By 

 proper selection and by improved methods of feeding and management, 

 these weights may be equalled or surpassed. It is not desirable to 

 keep breeding stock in high condition, but the term "breeding condi- 

 tion" has such a variable meaning that it cannot be used satisfactorily 

 as a basis for weights. In breeding condition, boars and sows may 

 weigh considerably less than 800 pounds and 600 pounds respectively, 

 but they should have enough size of frame and capacity for taking on 

 flesh to enable them to reach these weights if they were fed to high 

 condition. 



2. Feeding capacity is indicated by length, depth, width, and 

 fullness of middle. Some degree of paunchiness may be accepted as 

 evidence of feeding capacity. A wide head, prominent poll, well- 

 developed jaw, a mild eye, and a short neck are further indications of 

 a good feeder. 



3. Constitution and vigor are indicated by width and depth of 

 chest, a large heart-girth, good spring of rib, large feeding capacity, 

 and a strong appetite. A general appearance of strength and rugged- 

 ness without coarseness, an active walk, a bright, open eye, a healthy 

 skin, and abundant, glossy hair are other evidences of constitution, 

 thrift, and vigor. 



4. An early maturing hog is one that makes a fast growth, yet 

 can be fattened off at market weight. Such hogs are ready for market 

 in quickest time and at lowest cost. This quality is possessed in 

 greatest degree by hogs descended from breeding stock of large size 

 and ample bone that are long bodied, deep of middle, reasonably wide, 

 full made, and well developed in all parts, combining size, stretch, 

 vigor, and good feeding qualities, without coarseness. 



5. A low back is a bad fault in a breeding animal. It is a weak- 

 ness which is as likely to be transmitted to offspring as any other 



