GENERAL SWINE MANAGEMENT 13 



bred herd can be established. However, this method of creating a 

 pure-bred herd is objectionable because of the length of time required. 



AGE FOE MATING 



The age for mating animals is a question of considerable interest 

 and importance, but from general observation it would appear that 

 mature animals of about the same age generally produce best results. 

 Frequent difficulties arise, particularly in farrowing, when young 

 sows are mated with aged boars, and this should be avoided so far 

 as possible. The mating of aged sows with young boars is attended 

 with fair success, although a mature boar usually produces stronger 

 pigs and a larger litter. 



The length of time to keep breeding animals is also an important 

 question with breeders. Up to four or five years of age is usually the 

 most profitable length of time for the breeding period of both male 

 and female. The best age at which a boar should be put into service 

 varies somewhat, according to the breed of hogs. Generally speak- 

 ing, such animals should not be used under nine or ten months of 

 age. 



Some sows will not take the boar during the period of estrum and 

 others are bred with considerable difficulty. Such sows are of no 

 value as breeding animals unless they produce pigs. This type of 

 sow diminishes the vitality of the boar. It is sometimes desirable 

 to breed a small sow to a large boar or a large sow to a small boar. 

 These various breeding difficulties are largely overcome by the use 

 of a breeding crate. Many different types of breeding crates have 

 been devised. The type selected should be so constructed that it will 

 be convenient and fulfill the requirements. In constructing a breed- 

 ing crate, the one important feature that should be provided is that 

 the sow will be in a natural position when confined in the crate. 



SELECTION OP HERD BOAR 



The quality of a herd boar should be carefully recognized and 

 generally the points sought by the successful breeder are : big bone, 

 large for his age, a long, wide, deep body, properly developed back, 

 short neck and head, wide deep chest, low hams, short legs, and good 

 feet. He should stand well on his toes, have small ears and a wide 

 space between the eyes, have the proper color, fine hair, good action, 

 gentle disposition and show distinct masculinity. 



Care of the boar is also of prime importance for success to the 



