Commercial pig farming is important because it provides essential food sources for humans and other animals, helps to maintain the health of pastures, and contributes to the sustainability of the environment. Pigs are highly adaptable animals that can be raised in a variety of climates and environments.
They are also relatively easy to manage and require minimal resources, making them an attractive option for small-scale farmers. The meat from pigs is highly nutritious, a source of essential vitamins and minerals, and an excellent source of protein. Pigs also produce a valuable byproduct of manure, which can be used as a natural fertilizer for crops.
There are more than 100 pig breeds, but only 20 to 25 of them are farmed commercially. Choosing the right breed is important, as it will define many aspects of the production process commercially, such as (a) the size of the litter, (b) feed efficiency, (c) and meat quality. In this article, we discussed ten of the best pig breeds for commercial pig farming on the basis of information from FAO.
Some of the pig breeds are poor feed converters whereas some are good. Some of the pigs have low mature body weights, whereas some have poor carcass quality, produce small litters, and attain maturity late. Here we have tried to find out the detailed information or the characteristics of pigs that you are thinking of for the pig farming business. So if you want to start a pig farm commercially, begin with any of the following exotic breeds of pigs:
Table of Contents
Best Pig Breeds for Commercial Pig Farming
1. Large White (Yorkshire)
The Large White is a breed of domestic pig originating from Britain. It is one of the most popular breeds of pig in the world and is farmed extensively for meat production.
It is a large, white pig with a long, straight body and a long head. Its ears are short and its snout is long and pointed. The breed has a deep chest and well-developed hindquarters. It has a short, white coat with a thick undercoat and is relatively low maintenance.
They are known for their high productivity, with adults producing more than 10 piglets in a single litter. The breed has an average body weight of 800-1,000 lbs. and can reach up to 1,500 lbs. when fully grown.
It’s also known for its friendly nature and is often kept as a pet as well as a farm animal. It is also a popular choice for show pigs due to its impressive size and good looks.
In terms of nature, the Large White is a social animal and enjoys the company of other pigs. It is a relatively clean animal and does not require much grooming.
Its high productivity and resistance to disease make it a popular choice for farmers, while its friendly nature and good looks make it a popular choice for pet owners.
2. Landrace
Landrace is a domestic pig breed originating from Europe, specifically Denmark and Germany. It is characterized by its white color, long body, and upright ears. It is a docile and hardy breed, known for its good foraging ability and exceptional mothering capabilities.
They are highly productive and can produce large litters. The average body weight for an adult Landrace pig is between 250-450 kg (550-990 lbs).
Landrace pigs are omnivores, meaning they eat both plant- and animal-based foods. Their diet typically consists of grains, hay, roots, and tubers, as well as insects, fish, and other small prey. They have a strong preference for fresh, natural foods and can be picky eaters.
In terms of temperament, Landrace pigs are generally calm and docile, making them an ideal choice for small farms and homesteaders. They are also known for their intelligence and can be easily trained.
Overall, this pig is a great choice for small farms and homesteaders looking for a productive, hardy, and intelligent breed of pig. With proper care and nutrition, they can be a great addition to any farm or homestead.
3. Duroc
Duroc is an old breed of domestic pig that was developed in the United States in the early 1800s. It is a medium-sized animal with a long body, a large head, and a dished face. The breed has a red coat and drooping ears.
It is one of the most productive breeds of swine, and it is valued by farmers because of its excellent carcass quality and hardiness. The average body weight of a mature boar is around 500-800 pounds, while a mature sow usually weighs 900-1,200 pounds.
In general, the Duroc is a hardy, productive, and gentle breed of swine that is widely used in the pork industry. Its high level of productivity and excellent carcass quality make it an ideal animal for commercial and backyard farmers alike.
4. Poland China
Poland China is a heritage breed of domestic pig originating in the United States. It is a black pig with white spots on its face, feet, and legs. The breed is known for its high productivity, hardiness, and excellent meat quality.
The average body weight of a mature Poland China is around 540 to 600 pounds, with some males reaching weights of up to 1000 pounds. The pigs are generally docile and intelligent, making them easy to handle and train.
They have a healthy appetite and are able to efficiently convert feed into lean, high-quality pork. They require a diet of balanced feed with plenty of fiber and protein and can handle both indoor and outdoor conditions.
The nature of Poland China is generally friendly and calm, though they can display aggression if not properly managed. They are also known for their curiosity, so it’s important to keep them occupied with stimulating activities in order to prevent boredom.
Overall, it is an excellent choice for farmers and homesteaders alike. They are hardy, productive, and have excellent meat quality, making them a great choice for those looking for a high-quality pork product.
5. Camborough
The Camborough is a breed of domestic pig originating in the United Kingdom. It was developed in the early 20th century by crossing the Berkshire, Tamworth, and Large White breeds. The breed is known for its white coat and distinctive black head, ears, and feet. This pig is well-suited to outdoor living and is known for its hardiness and strong foraging ability.
It has an average weight of 600 to 700 pounds, with some individuals reaching up to 1,000 pounds. It has a short, broad body and short legs, with a deep chest, a short neck, and a large head. The coat is white, and the head, ears, and feet are black.
It can eat both grains and grasses, as well as fruits and vegetables. It is important to provide it with a balanced diet to ensure optimal health.
The Camborough is a great choice for both small and large farms. It is a hardy breed that is easy to care for and requires minimal maintenance. This breed is also well-suited to outdoor living and has a friendly and docile nature, making it a great choice for farms and pet owners alike.
6. Hampshire
Hampshire is a breed of pig that is a cross between the Berkshire and Yorkshire breeds. It is characterized by its white body with a black head and legs, and a black saddle or patch over its back.
They are known for their hardiness, good health, and calm temperament. They are also known for their productivity, with a good growth rate and lean, high-quality meat. Hampshire pigs usually weigh between 275-400 pounds and have an average lifespan of 8-10 years.
It is mainly raised for its meat and is well-suited for commercial pork production due to its fast rate of growth, lean meat, and good feed efficiency. They are also used in crossbreeding programs to improve the quality of meat and the growth rate of other breeds.
Overall, Hampshire pigs are a reliable and hardy breed that is well-suited for commercial pig production due to their fast rate of growth, lean meat, and good feed efficiency. They are also known to be highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of climates and conditions.
7. Chester White
Chester White is an American breed of domestic pig, originating in the United States in the early 19th century. It is a large, white pig, similar in appearance to the Berkshire, and is a popular choice for hog farmers. The breed is known for its good temperament and feed efficiency, which makes it an excellent choice for commercial operations.
The average body weight of a Chester White is around 600-800 lbs (272-363 kg). Chester Whites are typically white in color, although some may have black spots.
They have medium-length snouts and drooping ears, and their legs are short and straight. They grow to a large size, making them ideal for meat production.
They are famous for their excellent feed efficiency and good temperament. They are also known for their high productivity and excellent carcass quality, making them a popular choice for commercial operations.
They are calm and docile in nature, which makes them an excellent choice for farms, petting zoos, and other animal-related activities. They are also known for their intelligence and trainability. This makes them an excellent choice for activities such as truffle hunting and obstacle courses.
Overall, the Chester White is an excellent breed of pig, with good temperament, feed efficiency, and carcass quality. They are a great choice for both commercial and pet owners and can make a great addition to any farm or petting zoo.
8. Hereford
Hereford is a breed of beef cattle that is primarily used for the production of high-quality beef. They are a polled breed, meaning they do not have horns. Herefords are known for their hardiness and adaptability to a variety of climates and conditions.
The average body weight of a Hereford is between 1,100 and 1,400 pounds. Herefords are mainly fed on grass and hay, with some grain being added for energy. They are a docile breed and are easy to handle, making them a popular choice for ranchers and farmers.
Herefords are also known for their fertility, with cows often producing three to four calves in their lifetime. They are a long-lived breed, with cows often producing calves well into their teens. Herefords are also known for their good nature, making them a great choice for those looking for a family cow.
In terms of nature, Herefords are known for their calm temperament, making them great around children. They are also very intelligent and are easily trained to perform a variety of tasks. All in all, Herefords are a great choice for those looking for a reliable and productive breed of cattle.
9. Berkshire
The Berkshire is a medium-sized pig breed, developed in England for producing high-quality bacon, ham, and pork. It has a white body with dark, black spots. The average body weight of adult Berkshire pigs is around 300-400 pounds.
They are able to thrive in any environment and often produce a higher amount of meat than other breeds. They are very productive, producing milk also. They are also very docile and can be easily handled.
Berkshire pigs are social animals and they need regular interaction with other pigs. They are highly intelligent and can be trained to do tricks. They are very active and love to explore their environment.
Berkshire pigs are a great choice for farmers looking for a productive, healthy, and hardy breed. They are also well-suited for small farms as they require minimal space and feed. With proper care and nutrition, these pigs can produce high-quality meat and milk for years to come.
10. Tamworth
Tamworth is a breed of pig originating in the United Kingdom. It is an old, traditional breed that has been around since the early 19th century. Tamworths are hardy, robust pigs with a reddish-brown coat. They are an excellent breed for outdoor rearing and have a good appetite for foraging.
The average body weight of a Tamworth pig is around 250-300 pounds. They have a well-defined shoulder, a long snout, and a slightly dished face. Tamworths are known to be quite active and have an inquisitive nature. They are also social animals and do well in groups.
They are used for bacon and ham, as well as for fresh pork. They are also popular for breeding, as their hardiness makes them easy to keep and manage.
Tamworths are an ideal choice for small-scale farms and backyard homesteads. They are an excellent choice for sustainable and ethical farming practices. They are a great choice for anyone looking for a hardy and productive breed of pig.
So if you think that you will choose any breed from the above mention it is not a good job. The determinants you should follow in choosing pig breeds for commercial pig farming are local or international market demand, climate, availability of required food, availability of required health facilities, cost factor, etc.
As a commercial farmer, you have to research also your target consumer’s demand. A Pakistani farmer can think of goat farming, and a Bangladeshi farmer can think of aquaculture or poultry farming.
A Chinese, an American, or a Brazilian farmer may think of pig farming commercially because of the local huge market demand. As a commercial farmer, you have to make a proper plan for it and if you want, you can visit here
