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298 Animal Husbandry 
sows must possess much size and length and a good constitution, 
as shown in sufficient width and depth of the chest region. 
481. The type. — A consideration of prime importance in the 
selection of a breed or type is the likes and the dislikes of the 
breeder. One is much more likely to succeed with the animals he 
likes and to fail with other animals of equal merit that he dislikes. 
Other than this. there is little to choose, as each breed has its weak 
and its strong points. In some sections, however, certain breeds 
will remain the most popular because of their adaptability to the 
climate. Thus in certain parts of the United States, especially 
the West and South, white hogs are not looked on with favor be- 
cause they are more liable to be sun-scalded, to have scurvy, 
and often mangy skins. Again, in the corn-belt, bacon types 
doubtless will never be most popular because the available food 
is not such as to produce bacon. 
482. Uniformity. — In selecting animals for the breeding herd, 
it is very important that they be similar in age, size, color, con- 
dition, and quality. The importance of this similarity among 
market swine cannot be overestimated. To get animals that 
will remain uniform, it is essential to know something of the herd 
from which they come. A herd noted for its uniformity is likely 
to produce animals that are uniform. In addition to the uniform- 
ity, the herd should be prolific. The sows should farrow and 
raise two litters-of six or more pigs each year. Prolificacy is 
hereditary. A prolific herd is likely to produce prolific animals. 
483. Dipping swine. — To free the hogs from lice or other 
vermin, all newly acquired hogs should be dipped immediately 
upon arriving at the farm in much the same way as suggested for 
sheep, p. 248. The hogs should not be permitted to infect the 
quarters or lots before dipping. The same dipping-vat as that 
suggested for sheep may be used, as well as the same coal-tar prep- 
aration, although the solutions may be used somewhat weaker 
for swine. All stock hogs should be dipped at least twice each 
year, or whenever they become infested with lice. 
