Farmpally ranks Large Pig Breeds for Meat Production

Although pork meat is not as highly consumed as beef or chicken because of issues to do with religious beliefs and other factors, various pig breeds are raised specifically for meat production Pigs are one of the richest sources of nutrients.

Pig farming is very lucrative since a sow can give birth to 8 or more babies at once, and hybrid pigs can grow faster in weight and pound flesh.

If you’re looking into raising pigs for meat, it’s important to raise hybrid swine that grows faster and has a high conversion food rate, according to Chaktty.

Large Pig Breeds for Meat

THE LARGE WHITE (YORKSHIRE)

The large white breed was first developed in Yorkshire, England in the middle of the 19th century, and has since become a very popular breed throughout the world.

It is fast-growing, a strong-framed pig with good length, and is renowned for its strength of the leg.

Females are prolific, good mothers and adapt well to confinement conditions.

The breed is widely distributed throughout the tropics and is used extensively for crossbreeding.

For instance, in Africa, the large white X Landrace female is the most popular cross for commercial production.

It is also used as grandparent stock in some of the main hybrids produced in Europe.

In common with the Landrace, unless provided with adequate shade or wallows, the white skin renders it particularly susceptible to sunburn under tropical conditions.

On the other hand, the white hair and white skin render the skin on the carcass more acceptable to the consumer than that from the colored breeds.

THE LANDRACE

This breed originates from Scandinavia and is characterized by its forward-pointing lop ears.

It was specifically developed for the bacon trade and typically possesses a long, smooth body with light shoulders and well-developed hams.

It is a prolific breeder with excellent mothering qualities and produces lean, fast-growing progeny.

The landrace has a higher level of susceptibility to stress than some other breeds.

Although not as numerous as the largely white, it is also common throughout the tropics and is highly favored for crossbreeding purposes.

THE DUROC

This breed has been developed in the USA, although there have been suggestions that the British Tamworth breed was involved in the original stock.

It is characterized by its deep red or rusty color. The Duroc is a fast-growing, large breed that has been selected specifically for overall muscle and meat production, according to Farmpally.

One important characteristic is its ability to grow to heavier weights without depositing too much fat.

In the female, litter size and mothering ability are only average. It is claimed that the Duroc possesses a higher proportion of marbling fat in the meat.

An outstanding trait of the Duroc is its hardiness and resistance to stress, which results in lower levels of mortality.

In tropical zones, this is an important consideration, and the breed is consequently increasing in popularity.

In commercial production in parts of Africa, it is frequently used as a terminal sire on white cross-bred females.

THE HAMPSHIRE

The Hampshire is a medium-sized, black pig with a distinct white saddle that enriches the forequarter.

Originally a native of England, it has been developed as a modern breed in the USA.

Hampshire sows are prolific, good mothers, and possess above-average milking ability.

They are also better able to cope with more extensive conditions than white breeds.

It is a meaty, well-muscled breed that shows good efficiency of food conversion.

The Hampshire is very popular in crossbreeding programs, both to produce a cross-bred female and as a terminal sire.

THE BERKSHIRE

Although the Berkshire Breed is on the decline on a worldwide basis, it remains popular in crossbreeding programs in parts of the tropics.

It is a smaller, early-maturing pig that was first developed in England for the pork trade. It has a black coat with characteristic white feet and a nose.

In the tropics, it has proved very hardy and crosses well with indigenous stock.

In certain areas, for instance in Burma, it is prized for its fat content, as fat is used extensively for cooking purposes.

Conclusion

If you’re planning pig farming, getting full breeds of some of these breeds can help you maximize your productivity.

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