JUDGING BREEDING SWINE 545 



type of ear, conformation of body as expressed in width of 

 back and depth and length of middle, and in color and coat 

 of hair. Some breeds closely resemble each other in certain 

 things, such as head or color, for example. Between yet 

 other breeds there are striking differences in various ways. 

 The boar should be a good model of the breed, and whether 

 he is or not will depend on how closely he compares with 

 the breed standard. 



(B) THE SOW. 



Sex character in the sow is especially seen in the fem- 

 inine type of head and neck ; the smooth, well-laid shoulder ; 

 length and depth of body, and mammary glands. The head 

 of the sow should show distinct refinement, and lack of the 

 self-assertive character so manifest in the boar. The neck 

 should be free of any thick, heavy crested condition, but 

 should be trim and neat, and appear a trifle longer than 

 with the boar. The shoulders should be smooth and laid in 

 neatly, so that the body will be no wider at this part than 

 further back, excepting when in thin flesh, due to nursing, 

 etc. Any thickness and heaviness of shoulder tends to mas- 

 culinity. The most distinguishing sex features of the sow 

 are the mammary glands or udder, which occupy the entire 

 space of the lower part of the belly. One gland extends 

 along each side, with a series of teats at regular intervals. 

 Six sound teats on each side are to be desired, though there 

 is some variation in this regard. One frequently finds sows 

 with blind or defective teats, due to injury, lack of use, etc. 

 Emphasis should be placed by the judge on the necessity 

 for sound and well-placed teats. 



The temperament of the brood sow is of great impor- 

 tance. A naturally nervous, restless temperament is the 

 cause of great loss in young pigs, injured or neglected by 

 the mother. The model brood sow will lie quietly after pig- 

 ging, and while nursing her young will move about among 

 them with much care and quietness. She is not startled 

 by every noise, and grunts in a soothing, contented manner 



