This weeks, hooved animal is the pig also called swine or hog, is an omnivorous, domesticated, even-toed, hoofed mammal. It is named the domestic pig when distinguishing it from other members of the genus Sus. Some authorities consider it a subspecies of Sus scrofa; other authorities consider it a distinct species.
Including outbred and inbred breeds, there are currently approximately 730 pig breeds or lines worldwide of which two-thirds reside in China and Europe and over 270 are considered as being endangered or at critical levels.
Wild Boar
The most common pig species in the world is the wild boar (Sus scrofa ). This species is also known as the common wild pig and is native to Eurasia and North Africa. It has been introduced to the Americas and Oceania as well.
The most common pig breeds in Australia are the Duroc, Landrace, and Large White. These breeds are commonly used in commercial pork production and are often crossbred to create hybrids with desirable traits. Here is a little more about these three.
Landrace
Duroc: This breed is known for its fast growth rates, good maternal abilities, and excellent carcase quality.
Landrace: Landrace pigs are known for their large litters and good mothering skills.
Large White: This breed is a popular choice for meat production due to its lean carcass and fast growth rate.
While other breeds like Berkshire, Hampshire, and Tamworth are also available, they are generally less common than the Duroc, Landrace, and Large White. Many commercial producers choose to utilize crossbreeding to benefit from the strengths of multiple breeds, resulting in pigs with desirable characteristics like faster growth rates, leaner carcasses, and higher litter sizes.
American Yorkshire
The most-recorded breed of swine in North America, is the Yorkshires which are white with erect ears. They are found in almost every state, with the highest populations being in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska and Ohio. Yorkshires are known for their muscle, with a high proportion of lean meat and low backfat.
The British Landrace is one of the most common pig breeds in the UK. It’s a pink breed known for its heavy, drooping ears that cover most of its face. Other popular breeds include the Welsh pig and the Berkshire pig.
The most common pig in Asia, both in terms of wild and domestic populations, is the wild boar (Sus scrofa). While domestic pigs are also prevalent, particularly in regions like China, the wild boar remains the most widespread native species in the continent
Visayan Warty
The Visayan warty pig is the rarest pig in the world and there are fewer than 200 left in the wild.
Jo-AnneRamplings 