Swine Industry

Swine Facts Swine are popular because of their

meat - pork. They reproduce at a high rate, grow

fast, require low amounts of labor, and give a fast return on investment.

Pork is referred to as: the other white meat.

Swine Facts Swine were first domesticated in Asia

about 9,000 B.C. Swine were brought to America by

Christopher Columbus in 1493. These swine were not wild, but of

European and Asian breeding.

Swine Industry 3/4 of the hogs

produced in the U.S. are produced in the Corn Belt.

Swine Industry More than 60% of the hogs in the U.S.

are grown in confinement buildings. Many of these are produced under

contract with a processing company.

Swine Industry Hogs are the 2nd

largest livestock population in the U.S., with nearly 70 million head.

Favorable Factors

Swine are very prolific. Meaning they will produce

a large number of young. Sows will farrow 7 to 12

piglets twice a year. Gestation is 114 days. (3 months, 3 weeks, 3 days)

Swine Terms Review Piglet

Young swine Barrow

Castrated male Sow

Mature female Gilt

Young female Boar

Male hog

High-Quality Meat Hogs

Barrows and gilts are used for high-quality meat.

Sows and boars may be made into sausage or cooked food products.

Meat-Type Hogs Swine are produced for meat. People want lean meat without much fat. Meat-Type Hogs give the greatest amount of

lean meat in high-value cuts, such as the ham.

Meat-Type Hogs Major meat products:

Ham Bacon Loin Cuts Roasts

Swine Breeds Berkshire - Black w/ 6 white points(4 white feet, snout, tip of tail) Upright ears

Swine Breeds Chester White - White Small droopy ears

Swine Breeds Duroc - Red- light to dark Medium droopy ears

Swine Breeds Hampshire - Black w/ white belt

around shoulders and front legs Upright ears

Swine Breeds Landrace - White Large droopy ears - cover most of

the face.

Swine Breeds Poland China - Black with Six White

Points (snout, feet, tail tip) Ears Droop

Swine Breeds Spotted/Spot - Spotted about 50%

each black and white

Swine Breeds Juan was here

Yorkshire - Large, White Hog Slightly dished face and upright ears

Swine Breeds Hereford - Red with a White Face and

Belly Droopy ears