The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1898-03-24
Breeding and Feeding Hogs.

a Z
Breeding and Feeding Hogs.
From Farmers Review Special Re-
port OF Kansas Improved Stock
Breeders Association.)
j. T. Lawton said: In discussing this
question shall confine my remarks to
my own practical experience while
breeding and feeding hogs. I have
found that to be successful the breeder
has great many points to- study, that
there is considerable more to do than
to permit animals to mate or couple
at will. The successful breeder must
be possessed Of the closest and keenest
discrimination that his judicious selec-
tons will perpetuate only the survival
OF the fttest. He must bear in mind
that the same physical defects occur
ring in both parents will likely be in
tensified in the offspring, defect
which will at least be doubled. I will
mention a mistake of my own that
made a few years ago. purchased a
boar OF one of the most prominent
breeders in the country. He was adj
mired by everyone who saw him. They
told me I had a hog now that would
be hard to beat in the show ring.
thought so, too. crossed that hog
with some of my best sows, expecting
to get something fine, something that
would bring me fancy prices. Imagine
my surprise when most of my pigs
from him showed defect that | had
not noticed in either of the parents,
81 hit
in the offspring. We might find some
defect every hog but the successful
breeder must study close the defects
OF his own herd, and when he makes
a selection be sure that the hog bought
does not have the same defects as his
own, or it will sooner or later be seen
In his herd, defects that will not take
an expert to show them to him. One
mistaken cross may, require three or
four years of, the most careful breed
ing to regain loss occasioned by it and
to. win back the herd to be las good as
it was two or three years before. A
great many breeders do not pay as
strict attention as they ought to when
they purchase new blood for their
herds. They recognize at the time that
there are defects plain to be seen even
by the inexperienced eye. They make
the purchase, knowing well that the
same defect EXISTS in their own herds.
But then the individual traces to some
hogs that have gained a reputation.
Hence the pig must be all right. I
have always looked upon inbreeding
as unsafe, the breed may likely have
good results for a while, but I must
acknowledge that I, do not consider
myself competent to steer clear of all
the physical defects that are hidden
and which are likely to show when we
mate related animals: There may be
some who consider that they possess
the ability to guard against any bad
effects. l would be afraid that sooner
or later I might be like the sea-tossed
mariner without a compass, drifted on
to some unknown rock, where all hope
of a prosperous voyage would be dash
ed to pieces, nothing remaining but
| the wreck. AS there is vast amount
of credulity in the young breeder, it
is absolutely cruel to start them out
without warning. 1t is necessary that
the young breeder exercise some skill
in order to achieve his purpose. It is
a mistake that some make in thinking
that the breeder has nothing to do but
to sit down and watch the stock grow.
The remark is often made that there
is money in hogs. There is if you know
how to get it out. To the breeder who
exerts himself there is sure reward.
Now, for brood sows, l prefer animals
that are not coarse, but growthy. You
might perhaps call them a little coarse,
but I want them for mothers, good
nurses and suckers. If they are lit
tie too growthy world correct that
tendency with vigor> is, compact and
blocky male. The dam should be
looked to for vitality and constitution.
Water in Cow Foods.-Milk contains
an average of SO per cent of water. 1t
follows, therefore, that the dairy COW
requires an abundant supply of liquid
food. The required quantity may be
obtained partly from ordinary foods.
tho Wotor/cOntantS 0f which NAV varyss