PIG BREEDERS

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21464, 4 May 1935, Page 13

PIG BREEDERS

FIELD DAY AT KAIAPOI INSPECTION AT FREEZING WORKS The great interest being taken to-day by farmers in the possibilities of export trade in pig products was never more clearly evidenced than at the Kaiapoi freezing works of the North Canterbury Sheepfarmers* Co-opera-tive Export and Agency Company, Ltd., yesterday, when approximately 300 farmers attended a field day held under the auspices of the South Island branch of the New Zealand Pig Breeders' Association. The object of the field day was to give farmers an opportunity to study killing operations and to hear expert opinions on the present requirements for pork and bacon on the overseas markets. This was the first gathering of its kind held in Canterbury by the association, and the attendance was most gratifying. Farmers were present from all parts of Canterbury—from Cheviot in the north to Ashburton in the south—and there were some from Oamaru. The large party was conducted through the works and its environs, following the pigs through all phases of their preparation for export —from "on the hoof" to "on the hooks." The party was conducted by Mr H. W. Mcintosh, secretary i'or the South Island branch of the New Zealand Pig Breeders' Association. The day at the works was an extremely busy one for pig killings—there were more than 400 pigs in the pens. These were thoroughly inspected by the farmers' party. Mr J. Simpson, of Southbridge, explained the various desirable qualities,. ..demonstrating the features on the pigs in the pens. He emphasised the need for light heads and shoulders, and heavy hams in really good pigs. Too many pigs carried too much weight in front. It was very, noticeable in the pens that the predominating breeds among the best types of pigs were Tamworth, Devon, and Large White. The Berkshircs were'mixed in quality. The influence of pigs bred by Canterbury Agricultural College, Lincoln, and from other well-known Canterbury breeders, was indicated by the demonstrator. Me advocated the crossing of the Devon with the Tamworth boar for a handy pig suited to export requirements. Singeing the Baconers After the inspection of the piss on the hoof they were followed to the slaughterhouse, where lulling was watched with interest. The most interesting feature of the early treatment of the carcases was the singeing of the baconers. This method is considered to be of great benefit in marketing and is demanded by certain overseas markets. The carcases are passed through a fierce oil burner, in which they are held for approximately 20 seconds. A pic has four skins. When a pig is removed from the singeing plant it has one skin. The scorched remains of the other three are rapidly scraped away. This improves the quality considerably, it is claimed, and leaves a thin rind. On the hooks in the cooling chamber the carcases were inspected under the direction of a works' foreman. It was explained by Mr Mcintosh that baconers were graded first or finest selected for export. It would be most desirable if New Zealand breeders and producers aimed to make a larger proportion of the export baconers grado "finest selected." Last year of an export of 111,000 carcases only 18 per cent, were finest selected. On the other hand, Denmark, the most important bacon competitor on the British market, did not export a porker that could not make the finest selected grade. The Meal Types To-day, lie explained, the ideal porker was between 601b and 801b. and the ideal baconer between 1201b and 1501b. The sides of pork and the rolls of bacon were the most valuable, then the hams, and lastly the shoulders. To make the finest selected gradi a baconer of 1201b had to measure 26in from the aitch-bone to the first rib, with lj[in of back fat; a 1501b baconer had to measure 28in from the aitchbone to the first rib, and have 11 in of back fat to make the finest selected grade. Finest selected brought Jd per lb more than first grade. After the inspection the visiting farmers were entertained at afternoon tea in a large marquee in the grounds. Dr. G. E. Gillett, president of the South Island branch of the New Zealand Pig Breeders' Association, said that he was very pleased to see such a large attendance. Farmers must concentrate on breeding for export—breeding for customers' requirements —and not just as their opinion decided. Farmers would have to concentrate on the bacon section of the trade in which there appeared to be a practically unlimited demand. He thanked the company for its generosity in entertaining the visitors. Mr .1. Simpson supported the remarks made by Dr. Gillett. He appealed for support for the New Zealand Pig Breeders' Association. Mr J. H. Blackwell, chairman of directors of the North Canterbury Sheep Farmers' Co-operative Export and Agency Company, Ltd., said that he was very pleased to see such a large gathering.