Every farmer who raises piglets knows that there are a great variety of breeds of these domestic animals. Thanks to the efforts of breeders, the breed classifier identifies more than 100 types of pigs with different characteristics, color and composition of the resulting meat. The red breed of pig is a rarity for private farms in Russia, but in vain, piglets of such breeds are very decorative and are distinguished by high meat productivity.
Breeds of red pigs
The original orange color of the skin of domestic pigs is often called red by many breeders. Let's look at the most popular varieties of red-haired beauties:
- Tamworth.
- Duroc.
- Red Guinea.
The most popular red-colored, meat-and-greasy breed, grown everywhere, is Duroc. Pigs of this variety are distinguished by a strong physique and a fairly long body. The original red-golden color of the bristles makes representatives of this breed noticeable among other types of pigs. The legs of adults are quite long and strong. Ears hang down, Duroc pigs are considered early maturing, the average daily weight gain can reach 950 grams.
Tamworth are representatives of the bacon trend. 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; the animals are able to live in regions with harsh climates. The ears are erect, the color of the bristles is uniform, light red, sometimes there are individuals with curly bristles. The average litter of one female is 10 piglets.
Red Guinea pigs are the progenitors of Duroc, the breed belongs to American selection. This ancient species is not productive, so it was improved by breeders and breeders.
On a note! Red pig breeds are distinguished by their peaceful disposition and lack of aggression. Animals can be kept together with other pets and allowed to walk in a common yard.
Among the ancient Hungarian variety of pigs, the Mangalitsa breed, you can also find red specimens. In this breed, the color may be different; a distinctive feature of pigs is thick, curly hair. In Russia it is grown in the North Caucasus and is popular in the Moscow region.
Advantages and disadvantages of breeding
The main advantages of Duroc include:
- The yield of clean meat is above average - 65-70%.
- Early maturation, subject to proper growing conditions and proper nutrition, piglets gain up to 950 grams per day.
- The original bright red color of the bristles gives Duroc decorative qualities.
- Powerful legs and meaty hams.
- The thickness of the lard is no more than 1.9 centimeters.
- Peaceful disposition.
The disadvantages of this type include the following characteristics:
- The fertility of females is below average; one sow rarely produces more than 10 piglets.
- It is not recommended to grow in regions with harsh climates; Duroc pigs are prone to catching 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.
Duroc was included in the state breed classification in Russia in 1993, the breed is recommended for cultivation in the southern regions and zones with a temperate climate.
Content Features
If you are going to keep pigs in a common yard, choose peaceful, non-aggressive, but at the same time mobile and active species. Duroc belongs to these types. In order for the breed to reach its full potential and achieve maximum productivity, provide and properly formulate the diet for the animals. Duroc needs a higher protein content in the feed; it is recommended to provide the pigs with the opportunity to walk. In this case, a covered shed 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 them. Pigs must have constant access to fresh drinking water. Regularly ventilate the room where the pigs are kept and change the bedding on time. Provide lighting in the pigsty, insulate the walls, floor and ceiling.
It is important to keep fattening animals not too crowded; it is necessary to provide the pigs with enough space during feeding. In the hot season, increase the amount of drinking water by a quarter. Separate feeders are made for small piglets.
Pig farming 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 the breeders. In regions with harsh winters and cold climates, there is no point in growing Duroc; animals will get sick a lot and will not be able to demonstrate high productivity rates.
