BREED LONG PIGS

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 62, 31 March 1937, Page 15

BREED LONG PIGS

Thinner Back-Fat With Lengthy Baconers ENGLISH EXPERIENCES Although other methods are being tried out, the best single indication of good-quality bacon at the njement ia the length of the pig, writes a London correspondent. A detailed study of nearly 7000 baconers proved that the longer pigs practically always have thinner baekfat than the shnrter type and thin baekfat is the most important single attribute of a good bacon pig. This is not the only advantage of , 'ength. Measurements have shown that at ten score pounds live-weight long pigs possess as thick streaks as, 5f not - thicked than, short pigs. On the basis of quality also (of which belly thickness is no criterion) streaks from good, lengthy pigs are more suited to the Wiltshire side than those from shorter and thicker animals; lengthy pigs tend to have that leanness throughout whichis in such great demand nowadays. It is also found that, generally speaking, long pigs havo lighter shoulders than short pigs at the same weight^ TJndue length, of course, has disadvantages. /The framework tends to be rougher and the hams not so fully fleshed. There is a tendency also lor their flesh to ba wealcer. In spite of this— under the present grading- system — the advantage undoubtedly Ues with long pigs. At a Boyal show recently a distinguished Continental visitor provided much interest by finding much use for a flexible steel rule.