Swine Breeds

Breeds Terminal –Muscling –Leanness –Rapid growth rates

Maternal –M–Maternal abilities –T–To raise and care for a litter of pigs –H–High weaning numbers

Landrace

Originated in Denmark Large, drooped Ears White Long Bodied w/ extra rib

Known for Maternal Traits 7 Teats per Side for Registration

Berkshire

Originated in England Black with white legs, snout, and switch

Erect ears Once kept in Buckingham Palace Known for producing high quality meats

Chester White

Originated in Chester Co., Pennsylvania White with drooped ears

Mothering breed Produce large litters

Duroc

Originated in U.S. Solid red Drooped ears Excellent meat type hog

Hampshire

Originated in U.S. Black with white belt Small, erect ears

Probably the oldest American breed Well-known meat breed

Hereford

Originated in Missouri Developed from Chester, Poland China, and Durocs

Red with white face, legs, and underline Medium-sized drooping ear

Poland China

Originated in U.S. Black with white snouts, legs, and switch Drooped ears

Noted for ability to easily gain weight Quiet dispositions Generally poor mothers

Spots

Developed in Indiana Black with white spots Efficient feeders Noted for rapid weight gain

Tamworth

Originated in Ireland Red Noted bacon breed Erect ears Good mothers

Yorkshire

Originated in England White Large, erect ears “The Mother Breed” Produces large litters

Pietrain

Originated from Germany White with black spots

Erect ears Extremely heavy muscled and lean

Meishan

Slow growing and fat May be the most prolific breed in the world

Puberty at months Average litter size is pigs

Fenjing

Fengjing Chinese breed Black color Wrinkled skin From central China where it is hot Drooped ears

Minzhu

Originated in China Long black hair Come from Northern China where it is cold.

Miniature Pig

Often used as pets Maximum height 22” at withers Maximum weight 125 pounds

Crossbreeding Mating two different purebred animals

Hybrid vigor – gain in growth by crossing two purebred lines Heterosis – effect of hybrid vigor or crossing

Hybrid vigor can potentially –Increase the number of pigs farrowed –Improve baby pig livability

Produce heavier milking sows Most have a faster growth rate to market

Common Crosses F1 females created by crosses such as: –Yorkshire x Landrace = F1 maternal cross replacement female

Terminal crosses –York x Hamp = Blue butt –Yorkshire x Duroc

–Duroc x Hamp –York female x ½ Hamp, ½ Duroc boar