BERKSHIRES

North Canterbury Gazette, Volume I, Issue 1, 12 August 1932, Page 11

BERKSHIRES

NOTES ON A FAMOUS BREED FAMILY HISTORY OF A HUNDRED YEARS

( Reprinted from the “ North British Agriculturist ”). JJERKSHIRES are known to have meen cultivated for upwards of one hundred years. They have been consistently developed with strict reference to commercial requirements, and to this is due the wonderful record of the breed, a record which cannot he surpassed in the history of British live stock. The “Grazier” dated 1808 published—with a brief article on the breed —-a print of two 1 ‘ Berkshires ’ ’ exhibited at a cattle show in 1807, described as being in excellent condititon and “ very active.” During the first half of the eighteenth century their principal home was among the small w.oods on the famous downs in the west of Berkshire. From here they were taken in droves by road to Oxford, Reading, and other markets.

The first exportation of the breed was made by a settler who took several head to U.S.A. in 1825. Following this, in 1841, a Mr. Allen took forty head to the same country. At about the middle of last century the colour of he Berkshire was known to be black and white, with a preponderance of the former. The origin of the present black body with white hair on the extremities was brought about by the owners of small herds making friendly competitions to breed the white hair off the body, and with such good effect that as early as 1856 the first prize pen of three Berkshires were described: “Colour mostly black, with white legs and tails, and a few splashes of white about the body.” By 1869, through the activities of a few prominent pioneers, the markings as we know them to-day were general in the best herds, excepting that small patches of white hair were allowed on the lower parts of the shoulder. In 1847 the snout was moderately dished, long, and fairly pointed. The first known pedigree record for Berkshires is dated 1859, which shows that much care was taken in the selection of darns. The first volume of the

Herd Book was issued in 1885 from a collection of records made by the late Mr He her Humfrey, one of the most prominent of pioneers, breeders, exhibitors and judges of that day (18591904). The first entry in Vol. I. was a boar bred by His Grace the Duke of Westminster. / Berkshires are hardy and may be relied upon to thrive under almost all conditions. In the Argentine, Australia and New Zealand, countries in which the commercial aspects of live stock breeding are alone of importance, and where the most up-to-date methods, are successfully employed, Berkshires constitute nearly two-tliirds of the pure-bred population, which is a striking tribute to the suitability of the breed for all climates and conditions. In South Africa and Canada, Berkshires are second in order of popularity ; and they are found in increasing numbers in Central Europe, Japan, India, and the Malay States, as well as in Brazil and many other parts of the world. , In U.'S.A., Berkshires have their own breed society. The value of the Berkshire breed for crossing purposes, especially when (sows are crossed with a Large White boar, is widely recognised. Whether either the boar or sow is used to mate with other breeds, the progeny may be relied on. to bear the stamp of the Berkshire’s fine quality, and to inherit its early maturing properties.

Standard of Excellence Character.—A combination of the following definitions, denoting type, quality, breeding and masculinity m the case of boars and femininity in the case of sows and gilts. Head.-—Moderately short, face dished, snout broad. Wide between the eyes and ears. Ears fairly large, carried erect or slightly inclined forward and fringed with fine hair. Jowl light. Neck.—Fine, evenly set on shoulders and free from wrinkles. Shoulder Blades.—Fine and well sloping. Special notice to be taken regarding this point in * the case of females. Legs and Feet.—Short, straight and strong, set wide apart, standing well on toes, and a good walker. Back.—Long and level. Tail set high. Sides.—Level and deep, ribs well sprung. Hams.—Broad, wide and deep to hock. Belly.—Thick with straight underline, and deep through the heart. Bone.—Well developed in males and tine in females. Flesh. —Firm without excessive fat Skin. —Fine and free from wrinkles. Hair.—Long, fine and plentiful, with absence of mane, especially in females. Colour.—Black, with white on face, feet and tip of tail. Imperfections.—Crooked jaw and rose back.