164 Forty Ybaes' Experience of a Practical Hoq Man. 



Much care should be taken in fitting the show herd not to break them 

 down, and as a help in this matter as well as in keeping them In better 

 condition, it is necessary that the show herd be giiven some special 

 exercise other than that which they will naturally take in their en- 

 closure. 



It is my opinion that what is known as "strong breeding condition," 

 i. e., flesh enough to round out every point without overloading, is the 

 proper show condition. 



What I have said about the feed to be used in fitting the show herd, 

 need not be considered as an absolute, iron-clad rule. Any of the mix- 

 tures of grain, grasses, etc., that will come close to being a balanced 

 ration, is all that is necessary. I merely name these feeds as among 

 what we have found to be the most satisfactory. The real object is to 

 feed what will flesh them rapidly and not add too much fat, but more 

 red meat or flesh. 



The foot and pastern , of the show pig can be improved one hundred 

 per cent by proper trimming. 



The good herdsman and care-taker does not lie in bed until late in 

 the morning, but is up and has his show animals out on the grass some- 

 where about the Pair Grounds. 



Many successful exhibitors, when they have finished the show circuit, 

 won their laurels and arrived home safely with their herds, seem to 

 think that the animals now need no further attention, except feed. This 

 is a great mistake, and if these show animals are expected to go on 

 and prove what they should be, desirable and regular breeders, they 

 must be handled very carefully. 



A large per cent of bran and oats mixed with a small amount of mid- 

 dlings and cornmeal is an excellent feed to use during the reducing 

 period. They must have exercise, and if necessary, see that they get 

 it by driving daily. This is very important and must not be overlooked. 



Weaning time is a very critical period in the life of the pig. We will 

 suppose that the pig has been fed in addition to what he received from 

 the mother, so that he is well started, and without changing the rations 

 he has had, he should be fed at least twice daily all that he will eat up 

 clean. It is a bad custom to feed any animal more than it will eat and 

 clean up thoroughly. The pig should have, in addition to what it is 

 fed in concentrated ration, at all times of the year, the run of a good 

 fresh pasture of green feed. The different varieties are treated in an- 

 other chapter. 



