396 



Types and Market Classes of Live Stock 



good or bad quality. The boar should stand on large, strong bone, 

 this being one evidence of masculinity, but extremely large, rough bone, 

 covered with a thick, puffy skin is undesirable, indicating coarseness. 

 The breeding sow should show greater refinement of bone than the 

 boar, yet it should be amply sufficient to sustain not only her weight 

 but also the added weight imposed by pregnancy and large litters. 

 Fine shank bones are not objectionable because they are liable to be 

 fractured by the weight of the sow, but because fine bone is associated 

 with small, weak tendons and ligaments which permit the pastern to 

 drop down and the toes to spread apart, thus making the legs weak 

 and greatly lessening the usefulness of the animal. Proper feed during 

 the growing period and sufficient exercise are other factors which have 



Fig. 145. — Good type in the brood sow. Hampshire sow, Gloria 2d, champion 

 at the Iowa State Fair. Owned by Russell Yates, Palo, Iowa. Note her length, 

 depth of chest and middle, smoothness, quality, and feminine character. 



much to do with the strength of feet and legs. Sickled hind legs, 

 bowed-out hocks, inbent knees, and other deformities should be avoid- 

 ed, particularly in selecting a boar. 



6. A reasonable degree of quality, as indicated by smoothness of 

 form and flesh and by trimness of appearance, is something of an 

 evidence of good breeding and must be shown in breeding stock if it 

 is to be shown in their pigs on the market. The butcher desires a 

 very high degree of quality and refinement in head, ear, hide, hair, bone, 

 and fleshing, but does not pay enough premium for it to justify the 

 producer in emphasizing quality too strongly. The breeder should 



