Hampshire (pig)
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The Hampshire pig breed is a domestic swine breed identified by its black body with a white belt around its middle, covering its legs. Additionally, it exhibits the erect ears characteristic of the 'shire' breeds (that is to say, the swine breeds whose names end in 'shire').
The National Swine Registry notes that this is the third "most recorded breed" of pigs in the United States, and possibly the oldest American breed of hogs today. It is thought that importations of this hog breed were made from Hampshire county in England between 1825 and 1835 [1], the county providing the basis for the name of the breed.
Hampshire hogs have been noted for being well-muscled [2] and for exhibiting good carcass quality in their capacity as meat animals. When used as breeding stock, the sows of this breed have been praised for their capacity as mothers, having "extra longevity in the sow herd."[3]
[edit] External links
- National Swine Registry: Hampshire
- Breeds of Livestock: Swine
- The Canadian Encyclopedia: Hog Farming
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