Breeds of Pigs
Breeds of Pigs
There are nine main types or breeds of pigs. These are Berkshire, Chester White, Duroc, Hampshire, Landrace, Poland China, Spotted, Pot bellied pig and Yorkshire.Each has different characteristics and traits that give it a different color, appearance, or manner.
Pigs are the fourth smartest animal group on the planet, following only humans, apes/chimps, whales and dolphins. Pigs can be trained to do many tricksand make fabulous companions with their quirky personalities and sense of humor. Pigs can even learn to play video games!
Berkshire
Three hundred years ago, so legend has it, the Berkshire pig was discovered by Oliver Cromwell’s army at Reading, the county seat of the shire of Berks England. The meat
from this breed is most tender and best tasting.
Duroc
This breed had its origin in the Eastern United States and Corn Belt. Durocs have considerable variation in color, but are considered to be the “red” hogs. Durocs have fast efficient gains with good quality meat.
Landrace
This breed, often called American Landrace, began in about 1895, as descendants of hogs developed in Denmark. Landrace are a white hog with long body length. The arch of the back is less pronounced than on most other breeds and the ears are large and carried close to the face.
Spotted
This breed, known today as Spot, descended from the spotted hogs, which trace a part of their ancestry to the original Poland China. The Spotted breed has good feed efficiency and growth gain.
Chester White
By Cushing Memorial Library and Archives, Texas A&M - Box 6- 143, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8832917
This breed originated in Chester County, Penn., in approximately 1812. Not only is this breed preferred by producers, but processing facilities prefer animals with white skin. They have proved to be superior in muscle quality.
Hampshire
By MamaGeek at en.wikipedia, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6227761
This breed of hogs may well be one of the oldest original early American breeds of pigs. Importations were thought to be made to America in 1825 from Hampshire county in England.
Poland China
By State Library and Archives of Florida - http://www.flickr.com/photos/floridamemory/5099513944/in/photostream/, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=14950214
Established from a combination of other breeds. Poland China pigs are heavy boned with large quantities of lean meat. The largest pig on record was this breed weighing 2,226 pounds and 9 feet long back in 1933.Yorkshire
By Mark Peters from Baltimore, USA - Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11762434
Considered the largest breed in the world, originally coming to Ohio in 1830, as the first in the United States from England. The Yorkshire sows are excellent mothers and have large litters.
Pot bellied
By Joshua Lutz - Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2666715
Pot bellied pigs are descended from the wild boars that used to roam through China and
were domesticated during the 10th century AD.
Are used as pets and for food in Southeast Asia.
In the wild they travel and live in groups of up to 50
First came to the United States in 1980's
They are clean, intelligent, easily housebroken
Has loose skin with many folds and sparse hair.
Colors are black, white, spotted or bluish gray
Pigs wallow in the mud to keep their skin cool and moist.
Sagging belly result of natural dip in backbone, not overeating
A true pot-bellied pig has a straight tail that attaches high on the rump
The snout is used to dig up roots and tubers.
A keen sense of smell and hearing, but poor vision.
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