BREEDING OF PIGS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21165, 23 April 1932, Page 19

BREEDING OF PIGS.

INDUSTRY IN BRITAIN. INFLUENCE OF IMPORTS. Somo of the benefits that would result from a flourishing pig industry were referred to by Alec Hobson, secretary of tho British National Pig Breeders' Association, when he proposed the principal toast at the annial dinner of the Midlothian Pig Breeders' Association in Edinburgh. Mr. Hobson said that on tho extreme belief that £.ll p ; sj products now imported wero produced in Great Britain —in which case tho number of sows would be raised by about 800,000 —it was estimated that reguli.r employment would bo provided for about 68,000 men, of whom somo 48,000 would be engaged on work on the farm. The looked-for development of a national pig industry depended upon fivo principal requirements: Tho right type x of mail to produce the right pig; right feeding and nanagement; efficient marketing; the co-cperation or understanding between producers on the one hand, and butchers and curers on the other; and a satisfied consumer.

In regard to breeding, it was of fundamental importance to select the kind of pig which would mature early, and sows which were reasonably prolific. This was where the pedigree breeder came in with his carefully recorded pedigrees and records of important breeding data. Pedigree breeders spent much time and money in improving their heards. As the producers of food for the people they asked a fair reward for labour and for the responsibility attaching to livestock breeding. Tluy did not expect, or even desire, extravagant profits, but they did want a fair cht.uce. Mr. J. E. B. Cowper, Gogar Mains, president of the Midlothian association and president of tho National Pig Breeders Association, said that, in Great Britain they had the finest market for bacon in the world, and the finest breed of pigs. When they considered that their competitors had to cono here for the stock that produced the typo of bacon the British public desired, was tjiero any reason why tho producers in this country should not produce the article themselves ? Referring to litter-testing and recording, Mr. Cowper expressed disappointment that the Government had not putup sufficient money for the establishment of this important branch in connection with the industry. They wero hopeful, however, that with :he assistance of breed societies a station for tho purpose would bo established, and so bring about one of the most essential adjuncts of successful pig-breeding and feeding in Great Britain.