Duroc Outdoor Pigs
If they are given a consistent and nutritious diet, Durocs will grow fast. The hardy hogs are preferred by farmers who wish to keep the pigs outdoors. Durocs tend to do well in both warm and cold climates.
The Advantages Associated with Raising the Breed
Duroc pigs produce large litters, especially if a Duroc boar is crossed with a sow of another breed. Therefore, the pigs are a popular choice for crossbreeding or for enhancing swine breeds. Duroc sows take excellent care of their piglets.
Summation
Durocs are the second-most recorded swine breed in the US. The red pigs, with droopy ears, are valued for the quality of their meat, carcass yield, lean to gain efficiency, and fast growth rate. They also are considered worthwhile for the longevity and prolificacy of the females. Improvement of the breeds has mainly occurred in the states of Kentucky, Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, Nebraska, and Iowa.
The Development Of the Duroc Strain
The Duroc strain of hogs was begun in New York in Saratoga Country by Isaac Frink, who resided near Milton. He obtained hogs in 1823 from Harry Kelsey. Because the pigs did not have an official breed name, he referred to them as Duroc. The name originated from a thoroughbred horse that Frink went to see on Mr. Kelsey’s farm. The pigs captured his eyes during the visit, so he asked if he could purchase them.
The modern Duroc pig is the result of over 150 years of a scrutinized breed and crossbreeding. According to the National Swine Registry, red pigs were first bred in 1812. Since 1860, Durocs have been produced for their red color, size, and meat quality – attributes that attract the notice of hog farmers and breeders.
The Development of Landrace Hogs in the US
The different strains of Landrace hogs originate from Landrace hogs, developed in Denmark. The development of the Landrace breed started around 1895. It resulted from the crossing of indigenous swine with the large white hog from England. Because of the Landrace, Denmark became of large exporter of bacon, with England being the primary market.
The US Department of Agriculture received Landrace pigs in 1934 from Denmark. Many of these pigs were crossbred by the USDA or agricultural experimental stations and became the ancestors of various new breeds of hogs.
Landrace Features
The American Landrace is white and exhibits a long body, featuring 16 or 17 pairs of ribs. The arch of the back on the Landrace is less pronounced than it is on other hog breeds. In fact, some Landrace hogs display backs that almost appear flat. The head of the swine is long and somewhat narrow and the jowl is clean. The ears, which are heavy and big, appear close to the face.
Desirable and Undesirable Features
The hair color of the Landrace must be white. If dark spots appear on the skin, the animal is considered undesirable. While a few freckles on the skin are permitted, black hairs are disallowed. As a result, black spotted swine cannot be registered in the breed’s registry. The Landrace’s toes point downwards. Therefore, the pig walks on its tip toes when walking rather than the entire foot.
Summation
Landrace hogs are therefore noted for their white color and droopy ears. They are the fifth-most recorded swine breed in the US. They are referred to as “America’s Sowherd.” That is because the females farrow large pigs and are voluminous milkers. The hogs cross well with other pig breeds. As a result, the Landrace frequently displays a high percentage of carcass weight in the loin and ham as well as a longer body and the preferred amount of finish.
