Swine Breeds and their Characteristics - Pets - http://maxpages.com/myzoo/Swine

This page will tell you about seven different breeds of swine: Berkshire, Chester White, Duroc, Hampshire, Yorkshire, Landrace, and the Poland China. It aslo includes descriptions about the type of pig.

Berkshire:

This is one of the oldest breeds around. It was developed in the Shire of Berks, England. A mature Berkshire is medium size, smooth and solid. They are characteristically black with white feet, and a splash of white on the face. Their dished face makes them look like somewhat of a pug dog. The snout is also medim length, and the ears are erect (as opposed to flopped).

Chester White:

The Chester White is an American breed, originated in Chester County, Pennsylvania. This is the most durable of the white breeds, and obviously, they are white. Their ears are lopped.

Duroc:

The Duroc originated in the Northeast, as a cross between two types of red hogs. This breed is always red, but the shade can vary. Their ears are floppy. This breed adapts well to any environment, and is nicknamed the "growth breed". This is so because they will grow faster than any other breed of swine.

Hampshire:

This early American breed might just be the oldest breed existing today. It is one of America's most popular breeds. This type of breed is distinctively marked by a white belt circling the body at the front legs. Their ears are erect, and their skin smooth. Today the breed is more active and efficient than in the past.

Yorkshire:

This breed originated around Yorkshire County, England, about two hundred years ago. White is the predominant color of this pig, but there are occaisionally ones with black spots. The Yorkshire is the longest of all pig breeds, and they have small erect ears, and short snouts. Some people call the Yorkshire the "mother breed", because they raise large litters of piglets. Even so, this is hte dominant breed registered in the US.

Landrace:

The American Landrace is a descendant of a Danish breed, imported in the 1930's. This white breed has large floppy ears that almost cover their eyes. Their ears are the largest of all pigs. Sows of this breed are docile and easily managed.

Poland China:

Really, the Poland China breed didn't originate in Poland or China! They were bred in Ohio, by a man of Polish descendants. Actually, the pig's original name was "Big China" but no one knows is this has anything to do with the country. A Poland China hog is usually black, but some are spotted with white. Their ears are lopped. This breed is lean, sturdy, adaptable, and shows efficient weight gain.

That's it for my pig breeds page!! I hope you learned a lot about pigs, and maybe even decided on the proper breed for yourself!

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Page Updated Sun Sep 3, 2000 2:56pm EDT