Types and Market Classes of Live Stock 397 



select for as much quality in breeding stock as may be had without 

 sacrifice of proper size, constitution, and size of bone. 



The skin over the shoulders of mature boars is thicker and heavier 

 than on sows or barrows. This character, called the "shields," was 

 a highly useful feature in the wild boar as a protection in fighting. 

 The wild boar has transmitted this character in greater or less degree 

 to his domesticated descendants. In some instances the thickening 

 and hardening of the skin is so great as to produce pronounced callouses, 

 and these are objectionable. A smooth shoulder is desired in the boar 

 as well as in the sow and barrow. 



7. Great variation in prolificacy exists between individual sows 

 of the same breed. There are also some rather marked differences be- 

 tween breeds. The number of pigs per litter varies from 1 to 16 or 

 more, but with good management is usually from 6 to 10 and under 

 ordinary farm conditions averages about 7 or 8. It is well to remember, 

 however, that it is the number of pigs raised, rather than the number 

 farrowed, which is most important. Sows that are irregular breeders, 

 difficult to get in pig, not prolific, poor sucklers, or that lie on their 

 pigs should be sent to market. Short-middled sows of the chunky type 

 are usually lacking in prolificacy and milking qualities. Size, stretch, 

 roominess, and a mild disposition are essential to good brood sows. 

 Their udders should include 12 or more well-developed glands and teats. 



Masculine, vigorous boars are quick and sure breeders. Mother- 

 ly or matronly-looking sows are the most satisfactory breeders and 

 best mothers. 



8. The breeding herd should be kept as uniform in size, form, 

 color, and other points as possible in order that the pigs may acquire 

 a finish at about the same time and present a uniform and attractive 

 appearance in the feed-lot and on the market. 



9. A good ancestry back of a young boar or sow is the best 

 possible guarantee that it will develop into a useful breeding animal. 

 Between two hogs equal in individuality, one the best pig from a poor 

 litter and a poor ancestry, and the other the worst pig from a good 

 litter and a good ancestry, there is almost certain to be a marked ad- 

 vantage in favor of the latter as a breeder. Particularly in selecting 

 boars is it important to buy from a good herd, and to select pigs from 

 a large litter, a good litter, a good sire, and a good dam. In other 

 words an effort should be made to obtain prolific stock of good type 

 and with an inheritance that insures ability to breed on. In breeding 

 for the market, the sows should be purebreds or high grades. ' None 



iPor definitions of purebred and grade and for discussions of the importance 

 of good ancestry, the utility value of purebred live stock, and the grading process, 

 see Chapter IX. 



