SHOWING SWINE 117 



The use of bulky feeds during the early life of the pig is 

 especially desirable, since it tends to produce and stimu- 

 late growth and general development without excess 

 fattening. Bulky feeds enlarge the digestive organs and 

 promote digesti\'e activities in general. A full stomach 

 and intestines in the show ring does a great deal toward 

 giving the blocky appearance demanded. 



Securing proper hair condition. — In order to show to 

 the best advantage, swine intended for show purposes 

 must have a smooth, lustrous coat of hair or bristles. In 

 order to have a good hair coat the animal must be in the 

 best of health, for when an animal gets off feed or in poor 

 physical condition one of the first places that it shows up 

 is in the hair coat and skin. Show fitters resort to several 

 means to secure the condition of hair and skin required. 

 On black hogs lamp black and oils are used to some 

 extent. Rubbing and washing tend to give the coat a 

 luster, and the use of oil dressings of several sorts is re- 

 sorted to. Frequent washing with soap and water will 

 keep the hogs cool and comfortable and tends to promote 

 hair grow^th and condition. To obtain the proper condi- 

 tion of the hair and skin is no small matter, yet if one is 

 to show and win in strong competition, we are compelled 

 to resort to such impractical methods in self-defense. 



General care previous to showing. — After the proper 

 condition and weight has been secured to fit the hogs for 

 the ring, care must be continually exercised to see that 

 they maintain themselves, or even improve, until they 

 come under the eyes of the judge. One of the main things 

 to watch is to see that they take ample exercise. They 

 should be encouraged to take this in the cool of the day. 



