Hereford pig

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Hereford
Other namesHereford Hog
Country of originUnited States
Traits
Weight
  • Male:
    800 pounds (360 kg)
  • Female:
    600 pounds (270 kg)
  • Pig
  • Sus domesticus

The Hereford, often called the Hereford Hog, is a breed of domestic pig named for its color and pattern, which is similar to that of the Hereford breed of cattle: red with a white face.[1]

They are medium-size with drooping ears as well as a curly tail.

Origins and history[]

Originating in the United States, the Hereford is a rare variety of swine which was created from a synthesis of Duroc, Poland China, and perhaps some Chester White or Hampshire.[2] It was first developed from 1920 to 1925,[2] and by 1934 the official Hereford registry was opened.[3]

The Hereford was selected for both performance and its unique red-brown and white coloration that resembles Hereford cattle.[1] The breed has always been most popular in the Midwestern United States, especially Illinois, Iowa, and Indiana. The breed grew in numbers into the mid 20th century,[3] but by the 1960s populations plummeted due a shift in preference by commercial pork operations away from purebred hogs and towards hybrids. Today the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy includes the breed in its watchlist, and estimates about 2,000 breeding animals remain.[4]

Characteristics[]

The Hereford pigs’ size ranges between medium to large, and generally weighs 200 to 250 pounds (90 to 110 kg) at five or six months of age.[3] Mature sows weigh about 600 pounds (270 kg) and boars about 800 pounds (360 kg).[4]

Their main coat coloring is red-brown with a white face, ears, underbelly, and socks. Hereford pig ears are drooping. Their physique is similar to other big pig breeds. Both the Herefords’ color and build are suitable for outdoor production, but you should provide them with shade to protect them from sunburn.[5]

Hereford hogs are hardy animals suited for either extensive or intensive production. It has a docile temperament, and is suited to use in 4-H and similar programs.[1]

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ a b c Ekarius, Carol (2008). Storey's Illustrated Breed Guide to Sheep, Goats, Cattle and Pigs. Storey Publishing. p. 195. ISBN 978-1-60342-036-5.
  2. ^ a b Gillespie, James R.; Frank B. Flanders (2009). Modern Livestock and Poultry Production. Cengage Learning. p. 394. ISBN 978-1-4283-1808-3.
  3. ^ a b c Dohner, Janet Vorwald (2002). The encyclopedia of historic and endangered livestock and poultry breeds. Yale University Press. pp. 197–198. ISBN 978-0-300-08880-9.
  4. ^ a b "Hereford Hog". albc-usa.org. American Livestock Breeds Conservancy.
  5. ^ "Hereford Pig Breed: A-Z Animal Information". Sand Creek Farm. 2021-05-10. Retrieved 2021-05-16.

External links[]

  • Hereford, Oklahoma State University Dept. of Animal Science


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