Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
are able to do so on less feed. Herefords are adaptable to a variety of different climates, and
because of their quiet demeanors, they are a popular choice for youngsters engaging in 4-H
club and FFA projects. The sows make excellent mothers, producing and weaning large litters.
This, combined with their efficient feed use and rapid maturation rates, also means Herefords
can be profitable.
Poland China
Strangely, Poland China hogs are neither Polish nor Chinese. They originate in the Butler
County/Miami Valley region of Southeastern Ohio. The Poland China is a large, black hog
with white “points” — face, feet, and tail — and lop ears. They tend to be long-bodied, lean,
and muscular, making them an ideal meat type, with average boars of about 900 pounds at
maturity and sows of about 800 pounds. Big Bill, the largest hog ever recorded, was a Poland
China of 2,552 pounds owned by Elias Buford Butler of Jackson, Tennessee, in the early
1930s.
Like Durocs, Poland Chinas are hardy animals that feed well. In addition, they are exceptional
breeders that are well suited to transportation because of their quiet dispositions.
Spotted Poland China
Spotteds are actually so closely related to Poland Chinas that they almost could be considered
the same breed — the spotted looks just like a Poland China but with spots. However, spotted
breeders consider theirs a better pig, and since 1914, they have been organized under their
own breeding association. As their name implies, they have a spotted coloration, either white
with black spots or black with white spots, which they inherited from the Gloucestershire Old
Spots side of their family.
Most feel that spotteds offer only a moderate meat quality, though the sows are known for
their exceptional mothering ability. Not only do they produce a good quantity of milk for their
young, but they also give birth to large litters — one of the largest of the colored breeds. Like
Poland Chinas, they are good feeders; they mature early and grow rapidly.
Landrace
Landrace hogs originated in Denmark, which jealously guarded exportation of these hogs for
centuries. However, in the 20th century, importing these fine animals became possible. They
have a soft white coat with pink skin, long, drooping ears, and flat backs. Although their legs
