What is the most profitable pig breed?

According to pork.org, the pig breed that’s most profitable is the Berkshire. This is followed by Chester Whites and Durocs. Many families take on raising these breeds for 4-H and FFA.

What is the best breeding method for swine?

Thus, crossbreeding is by far the most common form of mating strategy used in the U.S. swine industry because of the advantages of heterosis. Heterosis or hybrid vigor is the improved performance of offspring compared to the average of their parents (NSIF, 2003).

How do you pick a pig for breeding?

Gilts should be long bodied, structurally correct, and feminine. Avoid extremely heavily muscled, short or fat gilts. Don’t select gilts with immature vulvas, less than 12 evenly spaced teats, or teats that are too coarse, blunt, or inverted.

Which is the fastest growing pig breed?

The fastest growing pigs are crossbred pigs. Crossbred pigs reach 220 pounds 6.5\% faster on 2.3\% less feed per pound of gain, when compared to purebred pigs. Consider getting your piglets from a small, hands on farmer in your area. You’ll be able to get high quality pigs that are bred to preform well for your area.

How many pigs can you have per acre?

In “The Homestead Hog” it states that 25-35 pigs per acre is a good rule of thumb. I use the lower figure of 25 per acre just to be safe and give them a lot of room to root. This means that you can put 8-9 pigs on a ¼ acre. A single pig can be raised in a lot as small as 34′ x 34′.

What are the best breeds of swine to produce large litters?

Yorkshire. The Yorkshire breed is known as the “Mother Breed” because Yorkshire sows characteristically farrow and raise large litters of pigs.

Can you breed a brother and sister pig?

It should be used only in herds that are superior and only those boars that are clearly outstanding should be the object of a linebreeding program. Mating of close relatives, such as brothers with sisters or parents with offspring, should be avoided in any situation.

How many sows can a boar breed in one day?

Re: Boar Breeding Sows vs Natural Sound reproductive boars in peak physical condition can breed and settle 4 to 5 sows in a heat cycle over 48 to 72 hours of standing heat.

How many months do pigs get pregnant?

Pregnancy lasts for 3 months 3 weeks and 3 days. A well fed sow will produce at least 10 piglets (litter) from each pregnancy and may have 2 litters each year. After studying this unit you should be able to: 1 Care for the pregnant sow.

What is the best pasture for pigs?

Alfalfa
Alfalfa, ladino, sweet clover, red clover and lespedeza are legumes that may be used for swine pasture. Alfalfa and ladino are probably the best of the group and where possible should furnish the basis of any perennial forage mixture for swine.