PIG BREEDING

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVI, Issue 44, 21 January 1926, Page 8

PIG BREEDING

DENMARK’S EXAMPLE. ADDRESS BY~MR DAHL. An address on the bacon industry in Denmark and, in particular, its relation to tho Dominion, was given by Air C. Dahl, Danish Vice-Consul at Palmerston North, to a meeting this afternoon of the recontly-formed Alanawatu-Oroua branch of tho New Zealand Pig Breeders’ Association, whereat Air J. A. Russell presided. At the outset Air Dahl said that he did not speak with the authority of an expert, but rather as ono who had given consideration to tho matter as a layman. . Referring first of all to his recent visit to the old world, the speaker said that undoubtedly tho pig industry had gone back in England. In Denmark tho prevailing class of pig was a cross between the Yorkshire and the Tamworth with something of the Berkshire thrown in. Denmark in recent years had studied the requirements of the available markets and had breeded accordingly, and*, as a result of his observations in England, ho was confident that Now Zealand would have to study more closely the requirements of consumers if it were to compote with the other suppliers. HOUSING AND FEEDING.

Great care was taken in Denmark in regard to the housing and feeding of pigs, for it was realised that these were important factors in determining the price to be afterwards obtained. Here, in New Zealand, not the same care was paid to these two essentials for successful breeding and marketing. Breeding sows there were well looked after, and tho young ones were carefully protected. What had made the Dig industry so successful in Denmark was the cooperative system, tho value of which was also appreciated in Finland. That system had taken many years xo develop to its present stage, and the result now was that farmers obtained absolutely full value both in buying and selling. All available land was used in Denmark for the greatest benefit of the industry, whereas in England there were great areas that could be put to more profitable use. STUDY OVERSEAS REQUIREAIENTS. After describing the Danish methods of killing and dressing, Air Dahl said' that thero was no reason why Now Zealand with all its facilities should not be able to put bacon on the English market quite equal to tho Danish product. Ho could not emphasise too strongly the fact that tho Dominion should study overseas requirements and act accordingly. The market offering was practically unlimited, provided that the right article was supplied. Anything would not do; England wanted the best, concluded Air Dahl, who, on resuming his seat, was heartily applauded. After answering several questions, Air Dahl was accorded a hearty vote of thanks.