THE DUROC-JERSEY 711 



among Duroc breeders is that of smoothness and quaUty. At the 

 opening of the present century the Duroc-Jersey pig tended to 

 be markedly rough, heavy at the shoulders, and too frequently 

 marked with seams or creases on the head, shoulders, and sides. 

 These defects have been largely removed through selection of 

 breeding stock showing smoothness and quality. 



The color of the Duroc-Jersey pig is red, although the shades 

 vary from light to dark. A medium cherry red is the most popu- 

 lar color, but there is no discrimination against a lighter or darker 

 shade. One unpopular color sometimes seen, though not subject 

 to disqualification, is a more or less dark shade of chestnut. 

 Young pigs may have a bright color, but with age the shade may 

 turn ; especially is this so with a chestnut tint. Among the official 

 objections on color are " very dark red or shady brown ; very light 

 or pale red ; black spots over the body ; and black flecks on the 

 belly and legs." One of the most noted boars of the breed, costing 

 a large sum of money, had a tendency to sire pigs that possessed 

 small black spots in the skin to such an extent as seriously to 

 injure his standing among breeders familiar with the facts. His 

 value was so depreciated as to lead his purchaser to discontinue 

 his use. 



The size of the Duroc-Jersey is somewhat variable and, as has 

 already been stated, at maturity we have essentially two types — 

 the medium and the big type, the latter being the result of more 

 recent development within the breed. The following are given as 

 official weights of Duroc-Jersey pigs at different ages, as adopted 

 by both American and National Associations : Boars two years old 

 or over should weigh 600 pounds and sows of the same age and 

 condition 500 pounds ; boars eighteen months old should weigh 

 475 pounds and sows 400 pounds ; boars twelve months old 

 350 pounds and sows 300 pounds ; while for boars and pigs six 

 months of age 150 pounds is standard weight. Many large animals 

 of the breed are found to-day, and much emphasis is placed on 

 half-ton boars in the breed advertising, a weight rarely attained. 

 Ohio Chief 8727 a, a very noted show boar and sire in his day, ac- 

 cording to S. E. Morton, who owned him, could easily have been 

 fitted to weigh over 1000 pounds. In the January i, 1918, Dtiroc 

 Bulletin advertising, the following weights are credited : John's 

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