HOMESTEAD HOG PRODUCTION
(Page 3 of 8)
Swine breeds are divided into two major categories: [1]
lard hogs and [2] bacon hogs. Poland China, Chester White
and Duroc-Jersey are the leading lard hog breeds, while
bacon hogs are represented by the Hampshire, Tamworth and
Yorkshire. Here on Toowoomba, where we are interested
primarily in bacon and ham production for our own table
rather than in excessive lard that most "lard" varieties
produce, we favor the long-bodied Hampshire with its
tremendous length of bacon and its ability to carry more
lean meat than fat and we are most happy with the "Canadian
Bacon" that we fashion from the pork loins of these
handsome animals. Yet again this will be a personal choice
and the amateur who is interested mainly in home production
for home consumption will do well to consider both types
before purchasing his sow or sows. But regardless of type
or breed, one should select the finest individuals
available even though the original cost may be a few
dollars higher. It is always to be remembered that even
though but one sow is purchased the speculative chances are
excellent that she will produce some gilts (young females)
that will be maintained on the farm and she will therefore
influence the type of hogs produced for years to come.
RELATED CONTENT
The beginner may find it simpler and safer to purchase
either bred sows or gilts. In this way he will avoid the
necessity of either maintaining or borrowing the services
of a boar, and by careful selection he may purchase a good
young female who is already carrying a litter.
She should be of good quality, showing considerable
femininity. She should be judged much in the manner as the
horse as to leg development, for she will be asked to carry
considerable weight and her legs must be strong, straight
and long enough so that her udder will not drag on the
ground when she is producing milk. Attention should also be
given her disposition for it is sometimes necessary for an
attendant to be present and helpful during farrowing time
and a sow of poor disposition will fight a man and will
sometimes devour her litter. She should be of arched back
and she should be of smooth flesh evenly layered over her
entire body. The seller should also be asked to produce
proof that she has been vaccinated for hog cholera and to
guarantee that she be fertile and free from worms.
In order to assure large litters the sow should have at
least six teats on each side, and if possible the
prospective purchaser should examine her dam and sire to
see that quality carries throughout the family. She should
not have been bred previous to her eighth month and many
hog fanciers prefer to wait until a young gilt has reached
a year of age before taking her to the boar.
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