Selecting Bkood Sows. 39 



If he is going to raise hogs to sell on the market or to 

 follow cattle, he need not be as particular about blood lines, 

 but should be just as particular regarding individual type 

 and characteristics. Let him make a careful study of type, 

 size and general conformation, and always remember the 

 desirability of getting as much size as possible without 

 sacrificing quality. 



First let him see a number of the breed he wishes to 

 purchase, that he may have no reason afterwards to regret 

 his selection. This rule will be necessary no matter what 

 breed he selects. No better place can be found to study 

 breed characteristics than at county and state fairs, at the 

 International, and at public sales of pure-bred swine. 



It is well in making the selection of a foundation herd 

 of brood sows to secure only those that show good length 

 of body, well-sprung ribs, with deep sides ; a full loin ; long 

 deep hams, with as straight legs as possible; not too high 

 above ground when in ordinary condition, and with a full 

 heart girth giving plenty of room for the vital organs 

 such as heart, lungs, etc. The head should be character- 

 istic of the breed. The neck short with a reasonably 

 full jowl but not heavy and hanging — especially not flabby. 

 This should connect with the shoulders smoothly ; the crest 

 should be reasonably short without crease or deep wrinkle 

 laying both on top and sides smoothly to the shoulders. 

 Shoulders should be well filled but not too broad on top to 

 give flat appearance, but should be round and smooth with- 

 out crease back of them at the heart girth. It is better 

 always to select a sow that is strong in the back, somewhat 

 arched, so that even when carrying a heavy litter her back 

 would show no sign of sagging. From the loin coupling, to 

 what is known as the tail head, or where the tail sets, should 

 not be too steep or drooping, giving the top line a bad ap- 

 pearance, but should on the other hand, be well up or nearly 

 on a line with the loin — at least but slightly drooping. 



It is common with some farmers and even with breeders 

 who have had years of experience, to select a brood sow 

 that is too short and thick throughout; such an animal is 

 not apt to be as good a producer as one with more length, 

 more depth and mellowness in her general make-up. One 

 should look well to the bone, pasterns and feet. It is not 



