Swine Breeds

Like other livestock, different breeds are better used for different applications. Swine breeds are no different as some are better purposed for different cuts of meat and each breed has its own unique characteristics.

American Yorkshire

The American Yorkshire is the American version of the English Large White pig, which was developed in England around 1761. The American Yorkshire is the most recorded breed in the United States, known to be muscular with a high proportion of lean meat and is renowned for its mothering ability.

Some of the breed’s characteristics include:

Upright ears with a long, clean neck and face
Long and lean, well-shaped top and wide-based from front to back
Seven prominent, well-spaced and functional teats on each side
Good hip structure with long, developed muscle
Hind legs that set down square with a flexible hock

The American Yorkshire’s meat is mostly used for bacon and ham

Berkshire

The breed originated in the English county of Berkshire but as of 2008 it was estimated only 300 breeding sows were left in existence.

Characteristics of Berkshire pigs include:

Black with white points and pink skin
Very deep-sided, uniform back arch with a muscular build
Short snout, large jowl and erect ears
Can be as heavy as 600 lbs when mature

Berkshire pigs are used for Berkshire pork, known for their high milk production and mothering ability.

Duroc

Durocs are versatile in that they form the basis for many mixed-breed commercial hogs. They have many unique features including:

Drooping ears with a long, clean face and neck
Big, even toes and are wide-based from front to back
Seven, prominent and functional teats on each side
Excessively-muscled top

The meat produced by Durocs will appear dark red with good fat marbling. Because of its lean muscle composition, the breed is known to produce high quality meat.

Hampshire

Hampshire pigs originated in Kentucky and are distinguishable by their appearance. They are black with a white belt that encompasses the front legs. Other unique features of the breed include:

Upright ears, a long level rump with a high tail
At least 12, evenly spaced and prominent teats

This swine breed is well muscled, known for growing rapidly and having high carcass quality when used for meat. Males are used as terminal sires and sows are praised for their mothering instincts.

Hereford

The Hereford swine breed originated in Iowa and Nebraska and is known for its red body and white face, similar to the Hereford cattle breed. Other features of this breed of swine include:

Drooping ears and curly tail
Can weigh up to 250 pounds in six months
Mature sows can weigh up to 600 pounds; boars as much as 800 pounds
Good foragers to the point where they can be used for tilling
Hereford sows are considered average mothers with decent milk production.

Large Black

This hog breed is the only British-originated pig to be all black in appearance. The black hair protects the animal from sunburn. They are considered good foragers and very good mothers. More characteristics about the Large Black breed include:

Large, dropping ears that obscure the animal’s vision
Sows are able to have litters with as many as 13 piglets
Sows can weigh up to 700 pounds, but obesity can cause cystic ovaries and a loss of fertility

The lean meat, mixed with well-marbled fat make the Large Black a popular choice for bacon production.

Large White

The Large White is also known as the Yorkshire pig, which originated in England. The breed is quite versatile as it’s able to cross and improve other breeds of swine. Other Large White characteristics include:

Erect ears and dished face
White color, pink skin and long, deep sides

The Large White breed is known for large litters, heavy milk production and excellent mothering instincts. Most of the meat from the Large White pig is used for bacon.

Mangalitsa

The Mangalitsa is a Hungarian breed known to grow thick, woolly coats similar to sheep. However the hair is quite coarse and typically isn’t used by outside industries. The hog breed was bred almost exclusively for its lard because nearly 70% of its body weight is fat, which also makes it a favorable swine breed for bacon, sausage, salami or ham. The breed has even been considered the Kobe beef of pork products. Mangalitsas are known to be robust and resistant to some diseases and stress. Mangalitsa sows can have between five and seven piglets per litter.

Meishan

Meishan is a swine breed that originated in China and is known for flavorful meat with lots of fat. Other unique features about Meishans include:

Black in color with a wrinkled face and skin
Adults can weigh up to 130 pounds and are resistant to some diseases
The breed can reach puberty in as little as three months
Sows are known to have as many as 16 piglets per litter and two litters per year

Tamworth

Tamworths originated in the United Kingdom and are also known by the names Tam or Sandy Black. Its red color, long, narrow body, elongated head, pointed and erect ears make it stand out compared to other hog breeds. The pig’s mix of fat and lean meat make it one of the best pig breeds for bacon.

Vietnamese Potbelly

Known as a potbelly pig, the hog originated in Vietnam. It will appear black, or a mix of black and white. Litter size can vary greatly with the breed, ranging from one to 12 piglets per litter and full growth can take nearly five years. The Vietnamese Potbelly breed is generally smaller in size, ranging around 200 pounds. The breed is able to produce high amounts of fat, making it good for bacon and other cuts of meat and sausage.