Horticulture
Spots hog
Description: The National Spotted Swine Record Inc., was formerly the National Spotted Poland China Record. At the 1960 Annual Meeting, the breed’s Board of Directors and members voted to change the name of the association from the National Spotted Poland China Record to the National Spotted Swine Record, Inc. Further, it was voted to refer to the breed as Spotted Swine, or SPOTS, rather than the longer previously used name for the breed. Read the rest of this entry »
Saddleback
Description: The Saddleback has the striking color marking of a white belt on a black body. However, the coloring of the modern day Saddleback still varies widely as it apparently has through the entire existence of the breed. Unfortunately, the belt is a marking of low heritability. Littermate markings may range from a very wide white belt that covers almost the entire body to the opposite extreme where there is little white. The ears of the breed are drooped. Read the rest of this entry »
Fengjing
Description: The Fengjing breed was introduced into the United States under a cooperative effort of the USDA, the University of Illinois, and Iowa State University. Meishan and Minzhu were also introduced with this program at the same time. A total of 144 pigs of these breeds were brought to the U.S. with this program. Iowa State University received 8 Fengjing males for research on July 27, 1989. Read the rest of this entry »
Red Wattle
Also known by: Red Waddle
The hogs came from New Caledonia, which is a French Island in the South Pacific by Australia. They were to New Orleans in the late 1700′s by the French. The breed was a lean meat type and the flavor excellent. The Red Wattle has never been very popular, years ago people wanted pigs for their lard, of which the Red Wattle had very little. The breed got some interest in the 1980’s for it’s reputation for a lean carcass. They sold for a high price and many people were breeding them. This unfortunately didn’t last too long. The meat is still good, and it is a gentle natured hog. They are easy to work and farrow. Read the rest of this entry »
Poland China
Description: It should be kept in mind that the founders of the Poland China of swine were no more conscious that they were forming a breed of livestock than any other practical producer of livestock who made great efforts to bring in improved seed stock to accomplish needed improvement. It is very difficult to evaluate the exact contribution that any particular breed or type may have made to the breed that was formed from the crossing and recrossing of many different kinds of breeding. Read the rest of this entry »
Pietrain
Description: Pietrain, Belgium, the village from which the breed takes its name, was the birthplace of the breed. The exact origin is unknown but the local breed was “brought to the fore” during the difficult period of the swine market in 1950-51. The breed became popular in its native country and was exported to other countries, especially Germany.The breed is of medium size and is white with black spots. Around the black spots there are characteristic rings of light pigmentation that carries white hair. Read the rest of this entry »
Philippine Native
Description: The Philippine Native pig is either black or black with a white belly. Varieties include Ilocos and Jalajala. The Berkjala, Diani, Kaman, Koronadel and Libtong breeds were all developed from this breed. It is now thought to be extinct.
The breed is very prolific, in average the gilts could exhibit signs of sexual maturity as young as 4 to 5 months. Read the rest of this entry »
Oxford Sandy and Black
Description: At one time a breed called the Oxford Sandy and Black was found in Oxford County, England. The Oxford Sandy & Black Pig sometimes referred to as the “Plum Pudding or Oxford Forest Pig” is one of the oldest British pig breeds, it has existed for 200-300 years. A traditional farmers and cottagers pig, of the middle part of the country, especially around Oxfordshire.It seems to be closely linked to the old Berkshire and Tamworth. Did it diverge from them? Or was it the result of crossbreeding between them? Or crossbreeding with an entirely different breed no-one is entirely sure. Read the rest of this entry »
Ossabaw Island Hog
Description: The hogs of Ossabaw Island, off the coast of Georgia, are descendants of Spanish pigs brought to the New World over 400 years ago. They were small range pigs with prick ears, heavy coats and long snouts. Over time, some of the Spanish pigs escaped and became feral in southeastern forests. While most feral pigs eventually mixed with domestic pigs, the Ossabaw Island animals are an exception, having remained a distinct and isolated population. Thus they reflect their Spanish heritage more closely. Read the rest of this entry »
Norwegian Landrace
Description: Norwegian Landrace is the leading breed of swine in Norway. Since swine are not as numerous in Norway as in most countries that have a registered strain, the number registered each year is limited. Norwegian Landrace, as well as most of the swine in Norway, are raised in the southern part of the country. Most are found in the area of Hamar. They are white in color and have a heavy drooped ear. Read the rest of this entry »