THE BREEDING OF SWINE 491 



too immature, he cannot be expected to get vigorous pigs. 

 He should not be used before eight months of age, and it will 

 be more profitable in the long run to defer using him until one 

 year of age. When once a satisfactory boar is found, he should 

 be kept in service as long as he gives satisfaction. When of no 

 use as a boar, he should be castrated, and fattened for the 

 market. 



THE SOWS 



As suggested for the boar, when at all possible the sows that 

 are to form the foundation herd should be chosen on the farm 

 where raised. This personal inspection may call for an extra 

 outlay in expense, but it will be well worth while, as it enables 

 one to know the herd from which they sprang and in this way 

 gain an idea as to the kind of offspring that may be expected. 

 Furthermore, if the sows are purchased from a successful 

 breeder, the beginner can get much information as to the care 

 and management of swine. 



The age at which to purchase foundation animals is a much- 

 discussed question, many preferring to buy as soon as the pigs 

 are weaned, since usually they can be purchased more cheaply, 

 others preferring to wait until the animals are bred and to 

 purchase sows in pig. Purchasing sows already in pig will save 

 to the beginner a considerable outlay at the start, and, all 

 things considered, it is perhaps the most -desirable time to 

 acquire them. 



A good brood sow is a roomy animal, with rather long deep 

 body and well-developed pelvic region. The back should be 

 strong and well supported, as a weak or sagging back is very 

 objectionable in breeding or market swine. There should be 

 evidence of thrift and constitutional vigor, as these indicate 

 prepotency. A good brood sow will have many of the char- 

 acteristics of a good milk cow. She should be motherly, with 

 a gentle quiet disposition ; she should be a good milker, thus 



