RURAL TOPICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2146, 31 July 1907, Page 3

RURAL TOPICS.

PIGS FOR EXPORT.

Mr. J. D. Anderson, the managing director of tho Christchurch Meat Company, dealing with tlio question of pies for the export tracio, says. I-igi should bo light in the shoulder, with well-developed hams and good length of body. Depth and thickness of flank is also an essential. It a pig could be produced without any ishoulders it would bo a great triumph for tho trade. No pig should bo more than eight months old when brought to the factory. The Yoik-shire-Tamivorth and Berkshire-Tam-worth are the crosses that come neaioso to tho standard of excellence, llie Tamworth cross comes quickest to maturity, and it takes a much larger, quantity of food to top off a Denshire than a Tamworth. The latter has length of body, weight in belly and middle, and lightness m back. The Berkshire, on the other hand, is to heavy in the shoulder, and too plentifully endowed with back fat. If a pig be cut crossways in two divisions the hinder portion should realise about double the proceeds of the other, a prportionate result, more frequently to be found in tho Tamworth cross than any other variety. In the present condition of the market, where pigs are scarce, prices-a.ro indiscriminate, but if larger supplies were available or market overstocked, the Tamworth would have prior selection. Animals of the latter variety have, in many instances, weighed Id 011; at the early age of 5i months, and this weight, taken at 3Jd per. lb i fair valuo for export competition —gives a return of £2 Os lOd—a very satisfactory figure, surely, all things considered.