Small Litters Worry Northland Pig-Breeders

Northern Advocate, 27 April 1939, Page 11

Small Litters Worry Northland Pig-Breeders

Concern at the small litters of pigs being born in the Kaitaia district was

expressed by Mr J. M. Thompson, Kaitaia Pig Club delegate at the annual meeting of the Northland District Pig Council yesterday. Mr Thompson was speaking to a remit from his club reading: “That it be a recommendation to the Now Zealand Pig Breeders' Association that no jugs be registered from maiden sows with litters of less than six. and from mature sows with litters of less than eight."

“Our club is an active body, and lias given this matter full consideration,” said Mr Thompson.

“We are not satisfied with the number of pigs we arc getting from our pedigree stock, and we understand neighbouring clubs are in the same position. “Litters are getting progressively smaller, and this is a matter we should lake up seriously from the breeder's point of view. May Do Away With Pigs. “We are seriously thinking of scrapping our pigs in Kaitaia, although we have the best blood in New Zealand,” went on Mr Thompson. ‘So far as piglets are concerned, we are very disappointed.” ‘The comparisons of weights, etc., set out in the annual report is notlftng to be proud of. Wc have to live on money, not on one or two good-looking pigs.” Mr If. E. Johnson (Kiripaka) explained that a great deal had to do with management in not putting the boar out on the right day. Correct mating had a great deal to do with Ihe matter, he said. Education Needed. Mr D. G. Morrison, representing the Pig Breeders’ Association, said that he did not think the scheme would meet with the approval of his association. “Our job Is to educate the farmers to the consideration of their pigs, not as pigs only, but by a study of their pedigree, etc.,” he said. “Education is what is wanted to ensure that the pedigree of a pig is investigated before purchase.” Mr Arthur Cates (Okahu) considered the idea of the remit a good one. He suggested, however, that the Kaitaia Club should withdraw its remit and put in its place a recommendation for the establishing of , a system of certificates. Mr Thompson, in reply, said that the position seemed to be going downhill. “It is time we were put on a surer basis,” he said. "Wc want something more concrete so far as the number of litters is concerned.”

On being put to the meeting, the remit was defeated.