468 



THE PIG 



to do with determining whether the animal is a desirable breeder 

 or feeder. Size or weight have a bearing on the market price, 

 and pigs of this type for size weigh heavy. Generally speaking, 

 at the present time the average weight of the pig sold on the 

 market ranges about 225 pounds. 



The head is short and broad in the best specimens, without 

 much length of snout. Between the eyes the width should be 

 fair in proportion to the rest of the head. Excessive fat about 

 the eyes is quite undesirable. The ears should be placed well 

 on the head, be neatly attached, and show refinement in quality 

 of hair and texture. A large ear is undesirable, one of medium 



Fig. 220. A type of the fat or lard hog, a cross-bred Berkshire-Poland China, 

 bred by the Ohio State University. Photograph by the author 



size and neatly pointed being preferred. A smooth, round jowl, 

 full and firm, yet not heavily fat and flabby is desirable. Wrinkles 

 or seams on any part of the head are distinctly objectionable. 



The neck should not be long, but rather broad and short, with 

 a smooth blending at head and shoulder. The tendency is 

 toward a narrow neck on top ; too much width or depth does 

 not often occur. 



The breast and chest indicate constitution. When the breast is 

 wide and deep, the breastbone carried well forward, and the curve 

 about the chest good and strong both above and below, plenty of 

 room for the heart and lungs is shown. A narrow chest is incon- 

 sistent with vigorous development and good feeding qualities. 



