Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1920-08-09
HERE ARE Tips
F0R.SH0W ring.
County Agent Tells how to
Condition Animals for
Show Ring or
Fair.
MUST HAVE EXERCISE
Plenty of Shade is Also an
Essential to Best Re-
suits.
MUST HAVE EXERCISE

Just ut this time wnen attention
ccntcrs about the state and county
fairs, the following advice from County
Agent Kelley of Louisa county, is time
~:
Conditioning The Pig.
IF the pig is fed properly and is
brought to show time in a thrifty and
growing condition, with plenty of bone
and size for age, and up good on feet
and pastcrns. the big job is done so
far as getting ready for the fair is
concerned. The young sows and boars
should not be brought to the show
fat. \ judge has very little use for
fat pigs. The pigs should be given
plenty of shade and exercise. EXer
else tends to build strOn. bone and
develops the feet and pasterns. 1t
tends to make Il good walker of the
pig. which is essential, for pig that
cannot walk well does not as Il rule,
appeal to the judge. Plenty of fresh
green feed. some bran. liliSecd oil meal,
or moasseS. will keep the bowels open
and the skin and hair in a bright con-
ditiOn.
Trimming The Feet.
''This is seldom necessary with the
spring pigs. but with older hogs it is
usually necessary. If the toes grow
out long the pig walks on the rear
part of the foot and there is ten
dency to break down on the pasterns.
If the toes are kept short the pig
walks more upright. In trimming the
toes the pig is thrown on its side and
n sharp jack knife used TO pare off
the surplus. The sole of the foot may
walk flat on his foot. After pairing
need pairing also. so that the pig may
take Il raSp and smooth off the toes.
When the toes begin to show pink
color is the time to quit. Do this work
about Il week before the show.
Clipping Bristles.
"Thc clipping off of the coarse
bristles about the jowl, face and on top
of the neck. adds much to the APP
pearance. especially with the older
hogs. Clipping the entire body Is
hardly advisable except III case or
curly hogs. When this is done II
should be done long enough prior to
the show to allow the hair to grow out
again TO some extent, otherwise any
blcmishes or wrinkles will be conspic-
nous. Hair on insides and outside OF
ears may be clipped or burned off with
n blow torch. Hair from root down.
about the middle of tail may also be
clipped. leaving, however good brush
Brushing and Washing.
by the use of Il scruhbing brush,
the hair and skin can be kept in Il
coed condition. Use tar soap and
water about II week preceding the
show. Keep the pen clean and wash
the pig often. Clean pigs and clean
pen always leaves favorable Impress
ion with visitors.
Oiling The Pig.
after the pig has dried from the
washing. apply with a brush light
application of oil. For black hogs the
following is good: 4 olive oil. u lin
seed OIL Il gasoline. a turpentine-
Gasoline cuts the dirt. turpentine keeps
the flies away and the other oils add
lustcr. Paraffin oil. or good grade
of clear lnsecd oil can be used on
white or red hogs as it will not dis
color. The danger in treating white
hogs comes from the use of oil which
will color the pig ycllowi>h.
Showing at the Fair.
BE on hand with your pig when he
is supposed to be shown. Provide
Yourself with hurdle if possible so
that you can handle your pig without