336 JUDGING SWINE 



attention should be given in overcoming this objectionable 

 characteristic. The shoulders should be broad, level, smooth, 

 and compactly covered over the top and sides. The depres- 

 sion characteristic of the so-called open shoulder indicates 

 lack of condition and coarseness of quality. 



Chest. The chest measurement is determined by the 

 width and depth of the animal attained through the body 

 part back of the shoulders. There should be no depression 

 in this region, as such would interfere with the normal 

 constitutional capacity and therefore with the future useful- 

 ness. Good width and depth in the heart-girth region are 

 significant of strength and vigor. Any tendency toward 

 narrowness at the base of the chest is extremely objectionable. 



Back. The back should be long, uniform in width from 

 shoulders to hindquarters, smooth, and slightly arched. 

 There is a decided tendency for hogs to narrow as the hind- 

 quarters are approached. Special discrimination should be 

 made against an animal of this conformation. 



Sides and Ribs. The length and depth of the body are 

 determined largely by the formation of the ribs. They 

 should spring squarely from the back to give width of body, 

 and be long and extend low to give depth of body. The coup- 

 ling should be short. The sides should be smooth, extend on 

 a direct line with the shoulders and thighs and be free from 

 wrinkles, creases, or any other characteristic rough condition. 



Flanks. The flanks should be full and low. High flanks 

 detract from the usefulness and general appearance of an 

 animal. They give the impression of ranginess which is 

 objectionable. They also indicate weak constitution, espe- 

 cially the foreflank, which determines chest capacity in a 

 large measure. An animal cut high in the hindflank seldom 

 breeds or feeds well. 



Feet and Legs. The legs should be short, straight, strong, 

 and squarely placed under the body. The pasterns should 

 be upright and the animal stand well up on the toes. Low, 

 weak pasterns are very undesirable. 



