The Breeds of Pigs

There are over 180 breeds of pigs recognized across the world. However, breeders opined that there are still many unrecognized pig breeds distributed in various locations around the globe. Each pig breed has its distinctive or specific features or characteristics and these differentiate it from other breeds.

Types of Pigs

There are three basic types of pigs. They are:

1. Lard pigs e.g. Poland China
2. Bacon pigs e.g. Landrace
3. Meat (pork) pigs e.g. Duroc

Before we proceed to the list of pig breeds, it is vital to mention that there are also local pig breeds and exotic pig breeds.

Local pig breeds are pigs that since time immemorial have been developing due to the influence of the environment in which they live. Due to their perfect adaptation to the environment, it is not considered necessary to improve them. An example of local pig breeds is the black Iberian pig,

Exotic pig breeds are breeds that humans have been creating from existing breeds, using convenient variations or mutations and the influence of food and other races, to develop outcrosses that are considered convenient. Examples of exotic pig breeds include the Large White, Berkshire, Poland China and Tamworth. These breeds, if well fed and properly housed and managed, are perfect for achieving high economic yield.

Breeds of Pigs

Large White

The most raised pig breed. A white pig breed that excellently converts feed into meat. It is used both for meat and breeding purposes.

Landrace

White breed, elongated and lean conformation with hanging ears and short legs. It’s very docile. Sows of this breed are excellent mothers. It is a very prolific breed and an excellent milk producer. It has a good feed conversion rate.

Duroc

Resistant, rustic and adaptable breed. It is native to the United States. Reddish in color. Their ears are medium-sized, erect with a slight tilt forward. It’s a meat pig type but it has good prolificacy and mothering ability.

Piétrain

It is a not very prolific breed and has low growth, but produces very tasty lean meat and gives good hams.

Berkshire

It has black fur with some white or white mottled spots. It is very precocious but has low prolificacy. It produces meat of excellent quality.

Hampshire

A rustic pig and very similar to duroc from the productive characteristics angle. It is also leaner.

Vietnamese Pot-bellied

It is being raised as a pet pig. That is why they are now found in many American homes and have also been introduced to Europe.

Other breeds of pigs are as follows: