1. Breeds of Swine Created by: Tracey Hoffman Topic #3021
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2. Introduction
Agriculture, pigs and humans have coexisted through history
Pigs that look alike and have been bred from common ancestors are recognized as breeds
Purebreds are used in commercial production to generate crossbreds for parent stock or slaughter animals

3. 8 Major Breeds in the United States
1. Bershire
2. Chester White
3. Duroc
4. Hampshire
5. Landrace
6. Poland China
7. Spotted Swine
8. Yorkshire

4. Berkshire Black with 6 white points Ears are erect
four feet
face & tip of tail
Ears are erect
High quality color and marbling
Originated in Berkshire, England
Foundation stock was red

5. Bershire

6. Chester White “Chesters” White breed with small drooping ears
Named for Chester County, PA
Combination of Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Cumberland genetics

7. Duroc Large red breed w/ drooping ears
Developed from Red Guinea, Bershires & Red Rock
Known for genetic growth rate & high pork quality
Used as terminal sires

8. Hampshire Black w/ white belt & upright ears Low amount of fat
Used as terminal sire
Slow growth rate

9. Landrace Long-bodied, lean, white pig w/ large. drooping ears
Most commercial sows have Landrace
Maternal genetics
milk production
wean large, heavy litters

10. Poland China Drooping ears
Today considered too fat for commercial production
Known for
Appetite
growth rate
muscling
hardiness

11. Spotted Swine Black w/ white spots White w/ black spots
Small drooping ears
Outdoor production
rugged
“Spot” boars are aggressive breeders
Considered too fat for commercial production

12. Yorkshires Long-bodied w/upright ears
Most commonly used breed in world
Known for maternal traits
farrow & wean large litter
Most commercial sows contain Yorkshire
“Large White”

13. Another breed: Pietrain
Spotted w/ sm. drooping ears
Heavy & lean muscled
Use Pietrain or Pietrain crosbreds as terminal sires
Meat is sometimes watery & pale
HAL gene

14. Comments & Questions