Important Indian and Exotic Breeds of Swine

Indian Swine Breeds:

1. Desi Pig (Country Hog):

• • Native Place: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab.
  • Characteristics: Small-sized, hardy, and well-adapted to the local climate and conditions. They typically weigh between 40-80 kg.
  • Use: Raised primarily for meat production.
  • Note: Desi pigs are known for their resistance to diseases and good foraging ability but have lower growth rates compared to exotic breeds.

2. Ghori:

• • Native Place: Rajasthan.
  • Characteristics: Medium-sized, hardy, and suitable for harsh environments. These pigs are usually black or dark brown in color.
  • Use: Mainly used for meat production.
  • Note: Ghori pigs are often crossed with other breeds to improve productivity.

3. Ankamali:

• • Native Place: Kerala.
  • Characteristics: A small to medium-sized breed, typically used in the traditional farming system of Kerala.
  • Use: Mainly used for meat production, with a focus on high-quality pork.

4. T&D (Tamworth × Desi):

• • Native Place: Developed in India.
  • Characteristics: A crossbreed of the indigenous Desi and the Tamworth pig. Known for lustrous skin and faster growth. It also has a good ability to utilize agricultural by-products and waste materials.
  • Use: Raised for meat production, particularly in rural areas.
  • Note: This crossbreed has shown improved growth and feed conversion efficiency.

Exotic Swine Breeds:

1. Large White Yorkshire (England):

• • Characteristics: Large-sized, white-colored pigs with erect ears and medium-length snouts.
  • Use: Widely used for crossbreeding programs due to its ability to improve productivity.
  • Mature Body Weight: Boar 300-400 kg, Sow 230-320 kg.
  • Note: It is one of the most extensively used exotic pig breeds in India, known for its excellent breeding potential.

2. Middle White Yorkshire (England):

• • Characteristics: Medium-sized, white-colored pigs with short heads, fine skin, and small bones.
  • Use: Known for its good meat quality and used in crossbreeding programs.
  • Mature Body Weight: Boar 250-340 kg, Sow 180-270 kg.

3. Landrace (Switzerland):

• • Characteristics: White pigs with a long snout, drooping ears, and black skin spots. Known for lean carcasses and high-quality meat.
  • Use: Often crossed with other breeds for higher productivity.
  • Mature Body Weight: Boar 300-350 kg, Sow 200-250 kg.

4. Berkshire (England):

• • Characteristics: Black pigs with short unturned noses and erect ears.
  • Use: Prized for producing high-quality meat with excellent marbling and tenderness.
  • Mature Body Weight: Boar 270-320 kg, Sow 200-295 kg.
  • Note: Berkshire pigs are particularly valued for their pork quality.

5. Hampshire (USA):

• • Characteristics: Black pigs with erect ears and a white belt around their shoulders and front legs.
  • Use: Known for their good meat quality and high feed conversion efficiency.
  • Mature Body Weight: Boar 250-320 kg, Sow 200-270 kg.
  • Note: Hampshire pigs are often used for crossbreeding to improve meat quality and growth rate.

6. Tamworth (UK):

• • Characteristics: Golden-brown pigs with long heads and snouts.
  • Use: Known for excellent pork quality, especially bacon production.
  • Mature Body Weight: Boar 200-320 kg, Sow 180-280 kg.
  • Note: Tamworth pigs are hardy and suited for outdoor breeding systems.

Other Notable Exotic Breeds:

1. Duroc (USA): Characteristics: Known for its red color, muscular build, and high-quality meat production. Use: Used for crossbreeding to improve meat yield and quality.

2. Indigenous Crossbreeds (e.g., Ghungroo): Characteristics: Known for utilizing agricultural by-products and kitchen waste for feeding. Use: Primarily for pork production, they are typically hardy and adapted to local conditions.