Pig

The Large White is an English breed widely used in intensive pig production units. It is large pig with erect ears.

• Highly prolific (Average litter size is 12-14 piglets)

• Fast growth rate

• Good meat quality

• Good fee conversion ratio (FCR)

• Good mothers

• Good confirmation with good hams

The Landrace is a Danish breed and is also widely used in intensive pig production units. It is a medium-large pig, white, with dropped ears. The characteristics of this breed are:

• Long muscular body

• Small shoulders and large hams

• Lean meat

• Good Confirmation

The Duroc originates from the United States. It is used in both indoor and outdoor pig production units as a terminal sire to produce pigs for slaughter. Durocs are red, with a large muscular frame, and are fast-growing. The Duroc improves the eating quality of the meat due to the high level of marbling.

Since the majority of pig production in Ireland occurs indoor units, the most popular breed used in this system is a crossbreed between the Large White and the Landrace.

This crossbreed demonstrates hybrid vigour, since it has the best characteristics of both breeds.