BACON INDUSTRY

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 138, 14 June 1933, Page 18

BACON INDUSTRY

IMPROVING QUALITY MARKET REQUIREMENTS

One of the most important displays 'is. that relating to bacon. The display, which is staged by the ManawatuOroua branch of the New Zealand Pig Breeders' Association, is not only educational, but has a definite objective in influencing pig breeders to breed true to type and in conformity with market requirements. This work has been carried out for the last four or five years, and this year's display shows a decided advance in quality and type. The bacon on exhibition was judged as live stock at the spring show at Palmerston last year, and at tho Feilding show in February of this year, the scheme being to note any differences that might occur iv tho carcasses of pigs fattened in the spring, and those fattened at a later period, in the autumn or summer. The pig that is fattened ' for marketing in February reaches maturity in less time than the pig having to be carried through the winter. Tho weight-for-ago ratio is in favour of the pig fattened in the warm weather. These are facts which tho association is accumulating, and they should be of value to the pig breeder. As a result of the work of recent seasons, a definite type of pig is being evolved, and this is reflected in the steadily improving grading figures throughout the district. This year's show card has been altered to introduce a new factor into the competition. Previously, aggregate points were awarded solely upon live judging and the bacon judging, but this year measurements have been taken of the carcass immediately after slaughter— measurements of length, thickness of back fat,: and weight. From these measurements points have boon awarded for the carcass working upon a ratio of length, weight, and back fat. Previously, judging of any carcass or stock of any kind has been solely on tho basis of eye alone. This year's pig movement is an endeavour (probably' tho first of its kind in New Zealand) to eliminate, as far as possible, tho personal.factor in making awards, having in view all the time the actual market requirements.