Pig Breeds November 2021
There are currently nine pure breeds of pigs in Australia. Most pigs used in commercial production
are Large White, Landrace and Duroc breeds or crossbreeds of these breeds. Breed is chosen based
on traits such as growth rates, litter size, temperament and carcase quality.
All the breeds were originally imported into Australia. However, for biosecurity reasons there are no
imports of live pigs or pig semen permitted into Australia today. The Australian Pig Breeders
Association provides registration services, produces a herd book, administers memberships and
promotes pure breed pigs.
With free range production becoming more popular, many other breeds are considered more
suitable due to their ability to do well outdoors. There is also a niche market for some of these
breeds based on different carcase qualities such as finer grained meat, better taste and more
intramuscular fat.
When deciding on which breed will be most suitable, there are several factors to consider. However,
regardless of which breed you choose, some pigs will always do better than others and there will
always be variation within each breed. Management, nutrition and housing also have a significant
influence on pig performance. Pigs that have been born and raised outdoors will mostly cope better
within that environment than pigs born and raised indoors. Those raised indoors need to learn to
adapt to temperature changes and the seeking of shade and shelter. Young pigs will adapt more
quickly. All pigs can suffer from heat stress, but white pigs are more prone to sunburn than coloured
pigs.
Pigs should be purchased directly from breeders with a high herd health status. Avoid purchasing
pigs with obvious deformities or behavioural issues.
Landrace – White haired with lop ears. Breed originally
developed in Denmark. Imported from 1959 until 1973. Most
came from Great Britain and New Zealand. Noted for their
ability to farrow (give birth) unassisted and raise large litters.
Local Land Services
|www.lls.nsw.gov.au
Tamworth – Golden or red haired with erect ears. Originally
came from Great Britain. They are hardy and suited to
outdoor production. Excellent mothers but their progeny
are slow growing compared to other breeds. The piglets are
vigorous and usually all survive.
Large Black – Black hair with lop ears. Originated in England.
Usually crossed with other breeds for pork production as
they tend to get very fat.
Berkshire – Black with white face, feet and tip of tail with erect
ears. They are hardy and docile. Popular with outdoor producers.
They are the oldest registered breed in the world.
Large White – White haired with erect ears. Originally came from
England. Commonly crossed with Landrace.
Wessex Saddlebacks – Black with a continuous belt of white over the
forelegs and shoulders and lop ears. They have a docile nature, are
good forages are excellent mothers.
Hampshire – Black with a continuous belt of white over forelegs
and shoulders and erect ears. They are an American breed. Used
as a terminal sire in cross breeding programs.
Duroc – Mahogany red, golden red or chocolate with small lop ears.
Used in cross breeding with large white or Landrace. Better as a
terminal sire. Not a good maternal sire. Originated in the United
States. Imported in 1981 from Canada and New Zealand.
Welsh – Generally yellow-white, but some are spotted black and
white.
© State of New South Wales through Local Land Services 2019. The information contained in this publication is based on
knowledge and understanding at the time of writing November 2021. However, because of advances in knowledge, users are
reminded of the need to ensure that the information upon which they rely is up to date and to check the currency of the
information with the appropriate officer of Local Land Services or the user’s independent adviser. For updates go to
www.lls.nsw.gov.au
Local Land Services
|www.lls.nsw.gov.au
Local Land Services
|www.lls.nsw.gov.au
