268 ILLINOIS STATE DAIRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION 



The same score card may be used for both classes. The fol- 

 lowing points mentioned on the score card are emphasized here 

 because of their importance. 



Size is important in breeding stock. A mature sow should 

 weigh about 400 pounds, and the male about 500 pounds. Gilts 

 (young sows) should be well grown before breeding. As a result 

 of breeding undersized young sows we can expect smaller pigs 

 that probably will be lacking in constitutional vigor. As a guide 

 or suggestion as to what pigs at various ages should weigh, the 

 following is given : 



Pigs 10 to 12 weeks of age should weigh 35 to 45 pounds. 



Pigs 5 to 6 months of age should weigh 100 to 125 pounds. 



Pigs 8 to 9 months of age should weigh 205 to 240 pounds. 



Pigs 12 months of age should weigh 300 pounds or more. 



Form or Type 



Since ''like produces like," it is important that the breeding- 

 stock be true to type, or, in other words, that its body make-up 

 and general appearance be very similar to the description on the 

 score card. If the breeding stock is off t3^pe the market hogs will 

 be of such character that the butchers will cut prices. This would 

 result in loss of profit. 



Feet and Legs 



The feet and legs are very important. They should be short, 

 straight, strong, of medium size, and placed wide apart. If the 

 pig stands up well on its toes and the dewclaws are an inch clear 

 of the ground we can be sure the bone is strong and that the 

 pasterns are strong enough to carry the weight of the animal 

 when fattened. 



Quality 



One important cause of a high dressing percentage is quali- 

 ty. Evidences of quality are soft, fine, silky hair; smooth, soft 

 skin, free of folds or wrinkles; bone of medium size, strong, and 

 dense. The general appearance of the pig should be smooth and 

 refined. These external signs are an indication of the quality 

 of the meat and of the percentage of offal when the animal is 

 dressed. 



