THE PIG INDUSTRY

Waipa Post, Volume 44, Issue 3182, 26 May 1932, Page 3

THE PIG INDUSTRY

CONDITIONS AT WESTFIELD WORKS. VISIT TO WELL-APPOINTED PIG FARM. One day last week a party of Te Awamutu district farmers, intent upon learning something about some aspects 01' the pig-breeding industry, undertook a motor journey to the Westfield freezing works, primarily to see how porkers and baconers are dealt with after they leave the farms in the Waikato prior to being despatched overseas as important items on the average Englishman's breakOn arrival at Westfield the party was welcomed by one of the senior officials at the works, and courteously shown over the huge factory. They had explained to the manager that a day or two previous they had disposed of porkers and bacone.s in Te Awamutu, and were rather curious to know h'ow the carcases were treated, and were also inquisitive to pick up any points that would assist them in raising the very best type of pig for the market. The officer agreed that that was a laudable endeavour', pointing out items of interest en route. They were surprised at some things they saw, and interested in all; but it was the chat with officials that made the most impression. After viewing a great number of carcases in their various stages of preparation, one of the visitors asked which breed, or cross-breed, of pigs was considered to be the most economical for purposes of export—in short, could a guide be given that would enable the farmers to get better results than they had been obtaining in the past. The reply was that the Large White breed is held in highest estimation at the works; other breeds are good in some respects, but the breed of the most excellent all-round type is the Large Wb)'.te. That fact was noted, and a little later on in the tour the party came in contact with another man highly placed at the works, and the same question was put to him —with an almost identical reply. Thinking hard, the party continued through the works, and all they saw was very interesting indeed. Getting away from the pig-handling section of the works) and having in mind confirmation of the statements made in that the Empire Marketing Board had some time ago appointed a sub-comimittee to advise just which breed of pigs was the most economical to handle, they asked questions about the number of pigs rejected at the works, and some of the chief causes. They were much surprised to find that tuberculosis is not the reason for (rejecting most of the pigs. Surprise was expressed when the officials mentioned that faulty castration was one of the most prevalent causes for rejection, and he confirmed the remark by showing a large collection of carcases that have had to be specially dealt with. In some cases junks of meat weighing several pounds have had to be cut out of the carcase and sent to the boiling-down and fertiliser works. "If farmers could only be made to realise what they are losing through faults in a very simple operation they would soon adopt approved methods," he said—and the visitors could only agree. It was also pointed out that fat pigs are not in demand. The taste of customers not only in England but in this Dominion has changed in recent years, and it is the exception to find a customer who prefers fat to lean in bacon. Nor are big carcases wanted. Later in the afternoon the Te Awamutu farmers were shown over the up-to-date farm of the Waione Pigbreeding Company, where Large Whites predominate in numbers, although there are representatives of six other breeds in various pens and small paddocks kept chiefly for experimental purposes, to try out resu.ts crossed with the Large Whites. The farm is a model of its kind, and well worth inspection by anyone interested in pig-raising. There are dozens of small pens and well-Ventilated houses for the pigs to sleep in. The sows and small pigs are kept in styes, with a restricted area outside for the mother to move about in, while her progeny obtain exercise and fresh grass in a largerenclosure. The visitors expressed admiration for the up-to-date methods employed at "Waione," and sincere thanks to the management for the courtesy extended.