Swine Barn

There are over 70 different breeds of swine. These are some of the most popular ones.

*Berkshires - Known for fast and efficient growth, reproductive efficiency, cleanness and meat flavor, and value. They are an average to large breed, with an average weight at maturity of 600 lb. They are short-legged and have prick ears with a relatively short snout with an upturned nose. Distinctive entirely black color, with white on the feet, nose, and tail.

*Chester White - Have droopy, medium-sized ears and are known for their mothering ability, durability, and soundness. A large overall appearance with fatty characteristics and features but with relatively thinner but stout legs; the head is big. White to pinkish-white in color.

*Duroc - The second-most recorded breed of swine in the United States, red pigs with the drooping ears are valued for their product quality, carcass yield, fast growth, and lean-gain efficiency. They also add value through their prolificacy and longevity in the female line.

*Hampshire - The hogs with “the belt,” are the fourth-most recorded breed in the United States. This is a medium sized breed of pigs. It has erect ears and a black body, with a whitish band around the middle, covering the front legs. The body of the animal is well built with long legs.

*Landrace - White in color. Their ears droop and slant forward with its top edges nearly parallel to the bridge of a straight nose. Are noted for their ability to farrow and raise large litters. Known for their length of body, high percentage of carcass weight in the ham and loin, and ideal amount of finish.

How do pigs write secret messages?
-With invisible oink!

*Poland China - Are typically black, sometimes with six white patches, and are known for their large size. Big Bill, the largest hog ever recorded at 2,552 lb, was a Poland China. Ranked highest in U.S. pork production in pounds of hog per sow per year.

*Spotted - Has black and white spots with no red or brown tints, and drooping ears. The desired color of the Spotted Swine is 50% black and 50% white. They were good feeders, matured early, were very prolific and produced these characteristics in their offspring.

*Yorkshire - White in color and have erect ears. They are the most recorded breed of swine in the U.S. and in Canada. They are very muscular, with a high proportion of lean meat and low backfat, in addition to being very sound and durable.

*Oxford - Medium to a large-sized animal. It has a base of sandy brown color with black patches. It has a white blaze, feet, and tassel. Its body is of good length and deep. A hardy breed and very suited for being reared outdoors. It has many good qualities and is usually docile in temperament and the sows have very good mothering abilities.

Interesting Swine facts

A fully-grown pig can consume up to 14 gallons of water a day.

Swine Terms

Barrow- male pig castrated before reaching sexual maturity.

Boar- male hog or pig with intact testicles.

Gilt- young females that have not yet produced a litter.

Hog- a pig that weighs at least 120 pounds.

Pig- a young swine

Swine- a general term used for all pigs.

Sow- female which has farrowed at least once

Feeder Pig- a young pigs, usually 6 – 10 weeks old

Farrow- to give birth to piglets.

Butcher Hog- also known as a market hog, is a pig that weighs between 220 and 260 pounds, is approximately 6 months old, and was raised to for slaughter.

Carcass- the carcass is the body of a pig after it has been dressed out(butchered)