Characteristics That Make Large White Pig Profitable To Rear

First recognized in 1868, the breed is the progenitor of the American Yorkshire in North America. The Large White is a British breed of domestic pig. It derives from the old Yorkshire breed from the county of Yorkshire, in northern England.

The Large White is a big, white pig, with erect ears and a slightly dished face. He is an exotic breed of pig that has its origin in Yorkshire in England. It is also called English Large White or Yorkshire. The Large White breed of Great Britain is known in Canada and the United States as the Large Yorkshire, or Improved Large Yorkshire.

The Large White is one of the most numerous of all pig breeds, widely used in crossbreeding for intensive pig farming around the world. It was originally developed as an outdoor breed, but today it is one of those favored by commercial pig breeders, lending uniformity to pigs produced for meat on a large scale. The original Large White pig was extremely large and coarse, but the type has been considerably modified by selection, and possibly by the judicious use of other blood.

Owing to the improvement effected in the breed, the term “improved” is commonly inserted in the name. Large Yorkshires occupy a prominent place in Great Britain, where they are regarded as the leading bacon producing breed.

In Denmark, they are used exclusively for crossing on the sows common to the country, and the very finest bacon brought into England comes from this cross. In Canada, they are more numerous than any other breed, and they are being imported into the United States in large numbers.

Large White Pigs Feeding Management

Large White pigs usually need feed which is nutritious as well as satisfies their hunger. They love to eat fresh food and enjoy a variety of food having a variety of textures and tastes. They will eat a wide variety of food such as water plants, fruit, nuts, meat, bush and all kinds of vegetables especially cabbage. They also love to eat soil for taste and texture. They will even eat happily all the unfinished food and scrap.

The pig type eats an average of 2-3kg of food per day. Diet will vary upon age and weight of the pig. Their diet must include grains and protein supplements.

Mainly the healthy diets of the pig which fulfill their requirements include a mixture of cassava, sorghum, oat, wheat, rice, cottonseed cake, fish meal, meat meal, maize bran, pre-mixed vitamins, and water. Vitamin B12 as a supplement is necessary for pig diet. Mineral supplements should also be given for good growth.

Farm grains are the most common and best source of food to feed Large White pigs. Most typically corn-based feeds are used because they are high in digestible carbohydrates, low in fiber, and cost-effective. However, the pig diet must include grains and protein supplements.

Mainly the healthy diets of the large white pig which fulfill their requirements include a mixture of cassava, sorghum, oat, wheat, rice, cottonseed cake, fish meal, meat meal, maize bran, pre-mixed vitamins, and water. Vitamin B12 as a supplement is necessary for pig diet.

Just like many pigs, milk, fish, meat, in general, aren’t advisable to feed to large white pigs. There are a lot of foods that you should avoid for one reason or another, but high carb, high sugar, obviously high sodium foods should be avoided.

Characteristics of Large White Pig (Large Yorkshire)

As the name suggests, the Large White pig is large and of pure white coloration. It has white or pink skin, a dished face, and erect ears of pink color. The breed is easily distinguished by its large size, picturesque bearing, erect ears, and a dished face. The average live body weight of the mature boars is between 350-380 kg. And average live body weight of the mature sows usually varies from 260-300 kg.

It has excellent conformation with good hams. It is huge in size and coarse boned but is quite sound in feet and legs. Their length of legs and extra height helps them to remain active and they have long useful lives in the breeding pen.

Other important characteristics of the large white pigs include:

  • Mature boars have weights between 300 kg and 450kg and mature sow weighs between 250 kg and 350 kg.
  • Large White pigs possess good carcass quality.
  • The breed is entirely white.
  • A Large White pig has a moderately long head, has a slightly dished face, and a broad snout.
  • Its neck is fine, long, and evenly full to shoulders with deep and wide chests.
  • Additionally, they have long, level, and wide back.
  • The breed is highly prolific and an efficient feed utilizer.

Large White Pigs Health Management

For pig’s good health, proper vaccines at proper times should be given. Updated vaccines as well as de-licing every time are required to maintain its good health. Some vaccines such as deworming are required once every year. Some major vaccines or medicines which are required for maintaining pig’s good health are listed below:

  • Within 24 hours of birth oral iron paste which contains iron is put in the mouth of the piglet.
  • Vaccinate the pig when they are 2-4 weeks old to prevent swine.
  • 3 and 10 days after the birth of piglet, iron injection at 1ml and 2ml respectively is given on neck muscle.
  • If any symptoms are seen related to any diseases then immediately consult the vet.
  • Wood ash is also given as it gives important minerals to the animal.
  • Feed compost of good quality is given daily for good health.

Large White Pig House Requirement

For the farming of Large White pigs, suitable land which is free from noise and is calm should be selected. It is also necessary that all the facilities and environment which is necessary for pig farming should be there in selected land.

One needs to ensure that nearby markets and veterinary services are there. Choosing the land which has a good ventilation system, suitable weather, and all the necessary facilities is a good idea too.

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