Common Pig Breeds in the US

By Lianne Derocco


Most people are probably unaware that there are hundreds of varieties of breeds of domestic pigs. While some breeds do look alike, there is a wide variety of interesting types of pigs that are raised in the United States, and each breed has its own unique characteristics.

It is very likely that you would choose an American Yorkshire to breed in your farm since it is one of the most common in the country. In fact, it is very probable that you already have this breed in your farm. This variety is not an original in the United States though since it actually came from York in England. It was only in 1830 that such variety was introduced in the country and was bred in the state of Ohio particularly. If you want to know what an American Yorkshire looks like, just take a glance at the skin's color. It should be white and it should have erect ears, which is its most distinctive trait.

While its name may not tell one so, the Poland China is another common breed found in the US. It is believed that this breed is first bred in Ohio in 1816, which is why it is considered as the oldest breed in the country. The Poland China though is a derivative from two other breeds, the Berkshire and the Hampshire. One can easily identify a Poland China because of the black and white colors it may have, especially on the face and feet. The tip of its tail is also white.

The Spotted Pig is another common sight in the US pig pens. Its origin is the combination of two other breeds, which are the Gloucester Old Spot and the Poland China. The said breed is actually very popular among farmers in the country because it is very viable commercially. Its meat is of great quality and it is very easy to grow. In fact, many butchers consider it as a good pork source. One can tell a Spotted Pig because of its black and white spots.

The Landrace is probable that most easily remembered type of pig because of its distinctive appearance. It has large drooping ears that point upwards and it is also found in many farms all over the United States. When it gives birth, it is always in great litters. It is because of such characteristic that breeders would one to have this. The origin of this variety is the Danish Landrace.

No matter what breed may be in the farm, one of the major headaches that a farmer may have is managing the waste of such animals. Because sludge and crusting are common problems with pig manure, it is wise to apply some products on the waste, including choices like the AgraSphere LGT and the AgraSphere. These products actually break down sludge, eliminate deep pit foaming, stop crusting and even reduce odors and flies. The AgraSphereLGT and AgraSphere are chemical-free solutions for agricultural waste and contain only beneficial strains of bacteria and absolutely no chemicals.




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