SELECTION
The Importance of a Good Underline
1
Mrs. Cecelia A. Heston, Lafayette, Indiana
The very survival of a newborn pig depends on a place to nurse and an adequate supply. And since it’s the nature of each pig to claim a nipple and refuse to share it, there is need for one for each survivor. A large, thrifty litter is the first prerequisite to profit in the swine business .
It is gratifying to see progress, and progress is exemplified in Figures 1 and 2.
In Figure 1, we have an early French print from the 18th century, quite a story in itself of a Primitive Female Pig, with an unbelievable underline.
Figure 1. Early French print from the 18th century
In Figure 2, we see how far we have come with seven well-spaced nipples on a side.
Figure 2. An ideal underline with seven well-spaced nipples
The successful swine breeder must be a competent judge; each time he decides on a boar or replacement gilt for his herd, he is judging. Despite the increased usage of records, we have no substitute for direct inspection of the live animal. One of the most desirable characteristics in selecting breeding stock is a sound underline. Profit or loss can hinge on this factor.
Probably productivity on the part of the sows is the most important aspect of an efficient herd.
The inherited traits of sows to breed regularly and produce and raise large litters can be maintained in the herd only by selecting and ruthless culling of those which do not perform.
1/ This material was reproduced with permission from the author, Mrs. Cecelia A. Heston, and the Hormel Farmer where it appeared in the November 15, 1965 issue.
AS-352 Sept. 1966
Pigs  to Pork