Pig breeds for meat selection are key to the success of any pig farming business. These top nine selected breeds listed in this article are fast growers, disease resistant, and produce large litter sizes.
You may have an excellent pig farming business plan, but with poor pig breeds, you may not see any good results.
In selecting your pig breeds, you must consider your consumers and the type of production the pig farm markets to the public. For instance, if you are a pig breeder, you must look for pig breeds that are good for parent stock.
If you raise pigs for bacon, sausage, ham, or just pork for market consumption, you will need pigs that are prolific growers.
Pigs come in various breeds; the best breed for you depends on your specific needs and circumstances. Popular pig breeds include the Yorkshire, Duroc, Hampshire, and Tamworth.
These breeds are well-known for their high meat quality and are widely raised in the pig business. Other breeds, like the KuneKune and the Gloucestershire Old Spot, are recognized for their calm temperament and are often kept as pets.
List of pig breeds for meat
List with classifications and pictures to identify the breeds of pigs. The weight of the pigs at the maturity stage, and the country of origin for easy sourcing.
- Yorkshire or Large White
- Duroc
- Hampshire
- Tamworth
- Landrace
- Gloucestershire Old Spot
- British Saddleback
- Berkshire
- Chester White
1. Yorkshire or Large White
The Yorkshire pig, sometimes called the Large White, is a special pig breed that originated in the English county of Yorkshire. This breed is known for its huge size and white color and is widely employed in the pig business.
Yorkshires are well-known for their high meat quality, and they are frequently used to make bacon and ham. They are also known for their calm temperaments and ability to survive in various surroundings.
2. Duroc
The Duroc pig is a well-known pig breed developed in the United States. This breed is noted by its reddish-brown coat and robust, muscular frame. Durocs are well-known for their high meat quality and are frequently used to make pig products such as bacon, ham, and sausage.
They are also recognized for their calm temperaments and ability to adapt to various environments. Duroc pigs are often used in crossbreeding operations to create hybrid pigs with higher growth rates and meat quality.
3. Hampshire
Hampshire pigs are a common breed of pig that originated in the English county of Hampshire. This breed is characterized by its black coat and a striking white stripe across its shoulders and front legs. Hampshires are well-known for their fast growth and lean flesh and are widely used in the pig sector.
They are also known for their cleverness and adaptability to various environments. Hampshires are frequently used in crossbreeding operations to create hybrid pigs with higher growth rates and meat quality.
4. Tamworth
Tamworth pigs are a common breed of pig that originated in the English county of Staffordshire. This breed is characterized by its red coat and long, narrow nose. Tamworth pigs are well-known for their toughness and ability to thrive in harsh conditions.
They are also well-known for the quality of their meat, and they are frequently used to manufacture high-grade pork products. Tamworth pigs are frequently used in crossbreeding programs to produce higher growth rates and meat-quality hybrid pigs.
5. Landrace
The Landrace pig is a popular pig breed that originated in Denmark. This breed is well-known for its huge size and white color and is widely employed in the pig business. Landraces are well-known for their high meat quality, and they are frequently used to make bacon and ham.
6. Gloucestershire Old Spot
This breed is known for its white color with black spots and large, round build. Gloucestershire Old Spots are known for their docile temperaments and ability to thrive outdoors.
They are also known for their meat quality and are often used to produce high-quality pork products. These pigs are sometimes kept as pets due to their friendly personalities.
7. British Saddleback
British Saddlebacks are well-known for their rapid growth and lean meat, and they are widely used in the pork industry. They are also known for their intelligence and adaptability to various circumstances.
8. Berkshire
Berkshires are well-known for their fast growth and lean meat and are widely used in the pig industry.
9. Chester White
The Chester White pig is a well-known breed originating in the United States. This breed is characterized by its white coat and robust, muscular frame. Chester Whites are commonly used in the pork sector due to their strong growth rate and lean meat.
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