534 JUDGING FARM ANIMALS 



form and activity of limb, freedom of motion, quite in con- 

 trast with the shorter, thicker, more phlegmatic lard hog. 



The weight of the bacon hog naturally depends on the 

 age, condition and purpose. For market purposes, from 

 160 to 200 pounds is most acceptable, although individuals 

 may reach 225 pounds and meet with favor. When espe- 

 cially fed for bacon production, however, it is conceded 

 that the farther the animal passes beyond the 200 pounds 

 weight, the more the tendency to produce an undesirable 

 amount of fat. Therefore, in judging market weight, these 

 figures must b given careful consideration. With five 

 points as a perfect score for weight, an animal weighing 

 250 pounds might be graded off 30 per cent, giv- 

 ing a score of 3.5 points, thus indicating undesirable 

 weight. In case one is scoring breeding hogs of this type 

 these figures would not apply. Persons scoring breeding 

 stock on weight might adopt 300 pounds for twelve months 

 of age, with 600 pounds for mature females and 700 pounds 

 for boars. Yet these weights are frequently exceeded, espe- 

 cially by Large Yorkshires and Tamworths. 



The form of the bacon hog, as has already been expressed, 

 should show great proportionate length, with strongly sus- 

 tained back, though but little arched. From a side view, 

 the form appears very smooth, free of creases, and having 

 fair depth, though with plenty of daylight below, and with 

 back and belly lines rather parallel. As the form is sur- 

 veyed from either in front or behind, it seems narrow, with 

 opposite sides parallel from shoulder to ham. Roundness 

 and fullness are distinctly lacking in any great degree. 



Quality in the bacon hog is not essentially different in 

 character from that of the lard type. However, much em- 

 phasis is placed on smoothness and freedom from creases 

 or wrinkles, for a side thus affected would be quite impos- 

 sible for making prime bacon. The judge should discrim- 

 inate sharply against any roughness and creases about the 

 shoulder and sides. A fine coat of hair, uniformly and 

 smoothly distributed over the body, is an indicator of su- 



