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SOUTIIERiN- PORK PRODUCTION 



Condition of breeding swine. — High condition is in- 

 compatible with the best results in breeding. In general, 

 the breeding animals should possess an abundance of 

 natural fleshing rather than high condition. Under no 

 circumstances should they be excessively fat, nor should 

 they be excessively lean. Show animals in show condi- 

 tion are nearly always below par in breeding capacity. 

 Especially is high condition to be guarded against in the 

 sow, as an excess of internal fat is apt to result in crowd- 

 ing these organs and shutting off the normal blood 

 supply, preventing normal functioning. Also, high con- 

 dition causes a lymphatic disposition, which is not con- 

 ducive to the most desirable breeding qualities. Es- 

 pecially is this true of boars, and they should never be 

 fattened to the point where they become sluggish and 

 inactive. 



Size and vigor. — In the selection of swine for breeding 

 purposes size and vigor are vital points to be considered, 

 as they largely control heavy and economical gains. 

 Vigor is especially to be desired to conform to our 

 grazing methods. Vigorous hogs are also less subject to 

 parasites and diseases in general. As to size, what is 

 wanted is not a large animal, but we do want a large 

 one for its age, for this indicates early maturity and 

 economical production. We can only have early- 

 maturing animals when they have proper vigor and 

 vitality. Thus, size and vigor are of importance from the 

 standpoint of economical production, and these qualities 

 must be taken into account in the selection of our breed- 

 ing animals in the future if we are to secure hogs best 

 .suited to our conditions. 



