Red pig: description of the best breeds, content features, pros and cons

Every farmer who raises piglets knows that there are a great variety of breeds of these domestic animals. Thanks to the efforts of breeders, more than 100 types of pigs are distinguished in the breed classifier with different characteristics, color and composition of the meat obtained. The red breed of pig is a rarity for private farms in Russia, but in vain, piglets of such breeds are very decorative and have high meat productivity.

Red pig breeds

The original orange coat color of domestic pigs is often called red by many breeders. Consider the most popular varieties of handsome redheads:

• Temworth.
• Duroc.
• Red Guinea.

The most popular breed of red meat-greasy direction, grown everywhere, is the Duroc. Pigs of this variety are distinguished by a strong physique and a fairly long body. The original reddish-golden color of the bristles makes representatives of this breed noticeable among other types of pigs. Legs in adults are quite long and strong. Ears droop, Duroc pigs are considered precocious, the average daily weight gain can reach 950 grams.

Temworth - representatives of the bacon direction. The variety was bred in England and is considered one of the most ancient. Tamworth pigs rarely get sick and are distinguished by strong immunity and endurance, animals are able to live in regions with a harsh climate. The ears are erect, the color of the bristles is uniform, light red, sometimes there are individuals with curly bristles. The offspring of one female averages 10 piglets.

Red Guinean pigs are the progenitors of Duroc, the breed belongs to the American selection. This ancient species is not productive, so it has been improved by breeders and breeders.

Note! Breeds of pigs with a red color are distinguished by a peaceful disposition, lack of aggression. Pets can be kept together with other pets in the common yard.

Among the ancient Hungarian variety of pigs - the Mangalitsky breed, you can also find red specimens. In this breed, the color may be different, a distinctive feature of the pigs is a thick, curly coat. In Russia, grown in the North Caucasus, popular in the Moscow region.

Advantages and disadvantages of breeding

The main advantages of Duroc include:

• Yield of pure meat is above average - 65-70%.
• Early maturity, subject to growing conditions and proper nutrition, piglets gain up to 950 grams per day.
• The original bright red color of the bristles endows Duroc with decorative qualities.
• Powerful legs and meaty hams.
• The thickness of the fat is not more than 1.9 centimeters.
• Peaceful disposition.

The following characteristics are considered disadvantages of the species:

• Fecundity of females is below average, one sow rarely produces more than 10 piglets.
• Not recommended for growing in harsh regions, Duroc pigs are prone to colds and often suffer from atrophic rhinitis.
• The diet of pigs must be carefully balanced, with a low protein content in the feed, the positive genetic qualities of the species are not revealed.

The Duroc was introduced into the state breed classifier in Russia in 1993, the breed is recommended for cultivation in the southern regions and temperate zones.

Content Features

If you are going to keep pigs in a common yard, choose peaceful, non-aggressive, but mobile and active species. It is to these species that Duroc belongs. In order for the breed to reach its full potential and achieve maximum productivity, provide and properly formulate a diet for animals. Duroc needs a high protein content in the feed, it is recommended to provide the pigs with the opportunity to walk. At the same time, a covered canopy is placed next to the entrance to the pigsty so that the animal can independently enter and exit the barn.

Be sure to vaccinate animals and deworm. Pigs must have constant access to fresh drinking water. Regularly ventilate the room where the pigs are kept, change the bedding in time.Provide lighting in the pigsty, insulate the walls, floor and ceiling.

It is important to keep the fattening animals not too crowded, it is necessary to provide the pigs with enough space during feeding. In the hot season, the amount of drinking water is increased by a quarter. Separate feeders are made for small piglets.

Pig breeding is a thriving productive livestock industry in our country. When choosing a species for cultivation, it is important to take into account all the features of the content, experience and recommendations of breeders. In regions with severe winters and cold climates, it makes no sense to grow Duroc, animals will get sick a lot and will not be able to demonstrate high productivity rates.

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