What Are the Breeds of Pigs Used in Intensive Pig Farming?

Pigs are raised in the United States for meat production. Four swine breeds provide 87 percent of the U.S. purebred pigs: Hampshire, Yorkshire, Landrace and Duroc. Four additional major breeds are Berkshire, Chester White, Poland China and Spotted. Intensive or commercial pig producers often raise crossbred pigs. Pigs of two or more breeds exhibit heterosis (also called hybrid vigor) and may have increased growth and production. Some intensive pig farms follow a terminal crossbreeding system. Sows of maternal breeds are bred to boars of sire breeds and all offspring sold for meat.

  1. Hampshire

    • A black body, a white belt around the shoulder and white front legs are characteristics of the Hampshire breed. Hampshire boars are lean and meaty with a rapid growth rate and are considered to be a sire breed. The breed was first imported into the United States from England between 1825 and 1835.

    Yorkshire

    • Yorkshire sows are well known for their mothering ability. They have large litters. Yorkshires are white with erect ears. The breed was brought to the United States from England in 1893.

    Landrace

    • Landrace pigs have an extremely long body, a white color and large, drooping ears. The sows are excellent mothers and produce large litters. The American Landrace breed originated from Danish Landrace pigs brought to the United States in 1934.

    Duroc

    • Durocs are large red pigs with drooping ears. The breed was developed in the Midwest and eastern United States. Duroc boars are often used as sire breeds in crossbreeding programs.

    Berkshire

    • For 100 years, the Berkshire breed had a great influence on the U.S. swine industry. The breed arrived in the United States in 1823. Berkshires are black with six white points. The lower legs, the head and the tip of the tail may be white. The ears are erect. Berkshires are often used as a sire breed.

    Chester White

    • The breed registry for the white pigs with small drooping ears was established in 1884. The breed was developed in Chester County, Pennsylvania, and is a maternal breed.

    Poland China and Spotted

    • The Poland China breed originated in Ohio. The pigs are black with a white face, white feet and white on the tip of the tail. The Spotted breed descended from the Poland China. The black and white spotted pigs are known for fast weight gain and quiet dispositions. The Poland China and Spotted breeds are sire breeds.