Pigs are great animals and love fun. The unique body structure and the offerings they give are more interesting than any other animal. The quality of food they produce has boosted the meat-producing industry.
Adding expensive pig breeds to your farm can be interesting. They are also a good source of income that helps you in making more profits. Looking for a pig to add to your farm for commercial benefits?
In this article, you will go through some most expensive pig breeds in the world and their offerings to satisfy the taste buds. So, without waiting for a minute, let’s dive into the article.
Top 13 Most Expensive Pig Breeds In The World
13) Poland China
| Breed | American domestic breed |
| Price | Not conformed |
| Height | 65-70 cm |
| Weight | 530 lb- 640 lb |
| Lifespan | 6-10 years |
| Origin | Ohio united states |
The Poland China is an American domestic pig breed, first bred in Ohio in 1816. Originating from Chinese pigs cross-bred with European breeds, it is among the largest pig breeds and the oldest American swine breed.
This pig has a bulky body with a weight of 250 kg to 363 kg in boars or males and 226 kg to 295 kg in sows or females.
Talking about its appearance, this pig has a white nose. Normally, these pigs have six white patches on their black bodies. Sows of this species generally give birth to 16–17 litters at a time.
12) Large Black pig
| Breed | British domestic breed |
| Price | Not conformed |
| Height | 75-85 cm |
| Weight | 600-800 lb |
| Lifespan | 12-20 years |
| Origin | Devon and Cornwall |
Next on the list is the large black pig-only pig breed, which is black in Britain. If you notice, this pig breed is long and deep-bodied, which makes it harder and more suitable for extensive farming.
A large black pig is easy to domesticate in fencing because of its large and drooping ears.
Moreover, the pig is known for its long period of fertility and strong maternal instinct. Also, this breed gives 8–10 piglets at one time.
Further, this breed is used mainly for meat production, particularly bacon, known for its lean quality and flavor without excess back fat.
11) Landrace
| Breed | Landrace Pig |
| Price | $100-$120 |
| Height | 90 cm |
| Weight | 450-700 pounds |
| Life Span | 6-10 years |
| Origin | Denmark |
Similar to a Yorkshire, Landrace is another white pig on the list. The distinct point that differentiates it from Yorkshire is its dropping ears. Landrace pigs have a unique body structure that shows a long-shaped body.
Pig meat products are pork chops, bacon, and meat, so the longer the body, the longer the bacon will be. Another interesting fact about Landrace is their high milking ability, it directly brings the best outputs to the breeders.
10) Berkshire
| Breed | British Breed |
| Price | $100-$150 |
| Height | 27-29 inches |
| Weight | 550-600 pounds |
| Life Span | 6-10 years |
| Origin | English Country |
Berkshire is a distinct pig species found in North America, stating them as one of the unique species.
Berkshires are unique as they have six white points in their body. They have white points on their four feet, in their tail, and on their nose. This makes them unique and cute at the same time.
Berkshires are economically good for meat producers as they are equivalent to Angus pigs that give the best steaks in the world. Berkshires gives the best meat and Ace their name in the list.
9) Pietrain
| Breed | Belgium Breed |
| Price | $150-$600 |
| Height | 85-90 cm |
| Weight | 530-570 pounds |
| Life Span | 15 years |
| Origin | Belgium |
Pietrain is a breed of pig that has black spots on white skin. Pietrain is unique due to its appearance, which brings out easy identification. They can produce a high amount of lean meat. So, adding them to consider is a good choice.
They are also known for carrying PSS in their blood, adversely affecting the offspring. However, it is not a big issue as they are good in lean production.
This breed requires a shady area as its skin is susceptible to sunburn.
8) Duroc
| Breed | Duroc Jersey |
| Price | $200-$400 |
| Height | For males: 1.8-1.85 m, For females: 1.65-1.8m |
| Weight | 882 pounds |
| Life Span | 15+ years |
| Origin | Cross of Jersey Red and Duroc |
Duroc is another famous pig breed that is commonly found in North America. It is considered a unique breed because of its red body that can be easily seen from over a distinct distance.
Although this species is quite cute because of its drooping ears, you will surely love to pet them. Durocs are highly preferred as they are fast-growing and produce a bulk load of meat, bacon, pork chops, and many more pig meat products.
7) Tamworth
| Breed | British |
| Price | $200-$500 |
| Height | 50-65 cm |
| Weight | 550-820 pounds |
| Life Span | 15-20 years |
| Origin | United Kingdom |
Looking like a bull, Tamworth is often called the ‘ Other Red Breed’ in the market. This species is different in every way as they have a golden red color with erect ears.
Being the oldest meat-producing breed, Tamworths are excellent in mothering. They produce a good amount of milk to nurture young ones.
Although they have petite bodies, they are highly beneficial for the meat industry.
6) American guinea hog
| Breed | American |
| Price | Around $ 285 |
| Height | 38–51 cm |
| Weight | 150–300 lb |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years |
| Origin | United States |
The American Guinea Pig, commonly found in South America, is also known as the Acron Eater, Guinea Forest Hog, Pineywood Guinea, and Yard Pig. This breed of pig normally grows 38 to 51 cm.
Most commonly, males are taller than females. Considering its body appearance, this pig had a slightly arched back, but variation can be seen. This is a medium-sized to smaller hog with a dished face and upright ears.
In terms of color, this most expensive pig breed has a solid black coat with white spots at the feet and nose. This pig can live for at least 10–15 years. The body is covered with long, curly black hairs.
5) Hampshire
| Breed | Swine Breed |
| Price | $300-$600 |
| Height | 55 cm |
| Weight | 500-650 pounds |
| Life Span | 12 years |
| Origin | England |
Hampshire is a belted breed of pigs. They are easily recognized as they are black with white belts.
Hampshires are considered a profitable breed because of their high-quality production of carcasses. However, Hampshire carries a gene that causes porcine stress syndrome or PSS that causes stress in pigs easily.
Although it is in a recessive gene, the chances of passing it to offspring are high.
4) Hereford
| Breed | American breed |
| Price | $380-$425 |
| Height | 60-65 cm |
| Weight | 600-680 pounds |
| Life Span | 10-15 years |
| Origin | Lowa |
Introducing Hereford, a new breed in the category of pigs that produces quality meat and is distinct in appearance.
The body design is unique as they are red with white patches and a dropping ear.
This species is good as they produce fatty products as compared to other species. Herefords are not susceptible to sunburn, so they can easily handle themselves in the sun.
3) Chester White
| Breed | Chester White |
| Price | $600 per pound |
| Height | 55.5-60 cm |
| Weight | 300-500 pounds |
| Life Span | 6-8 years |
| Origin | United States |
If you want good mothering qualities in the offspring, cross-breeding of any other species with Chester white is the best option.
Chester whites are well known for their mothering qualities that directly give you quality white meat and tasty bacon in return. They are also similar to Yorkshires as they show a white petite body.
They are suitable for cross-breeding as they are well-known for their mothering traits and require less access to shade.
2) Yorkshire Pig
| Breed | Large white breed |
| Price | $350 – $1500 |
| Height | 84 – 91 cm |
| Weight | 550- 750 pounds |
| Life Span | 13 – 16 years |
| Origin | North England |
If we talk about the most expensive pig breeds in the world, it’s Yorkshire. Yorkshire is the most popular breed of pig in America.
This breed is highly economical as their hairs are light in color and don’t show up during the carcass, unlike the red and black pigs. Meat processors prefer Yorkshire over any other breed as their meat is of good quality.
They are good mothers also, unlike other mama pigs who lay on their pigs, leading them to death. They love longer and produce quality meat.
1) Meishan Pig
| Breed | Meishan |
| Price | $6000 |
| Height | 57.8 cm |
| Weight | 275-400 pounds |
| Life Span | 15-20 years |
| Origin | China |
If you are looking for a pig that produces babies for you, Meishan is the right choice. This species is among the most expensive pig breeds in the world.
Meishan is a Chinese breed of pigs that shows slow growth but gives you tasty meat in return. The reason behind their tasty meat can be due to fat or marbling in the meat.
Meishan pigs are not popular in the United States, but considering them is not a bad idea as they give you quality products in return. An interesting point to be noted about them is that they get puberty early.
Conclusion
Pigs are unique animals on Earth. Even though they are not liked by many due to their living conditions, they still taste good. We have come across the most expensive pig breeds in the world that differentiate on the basis of their unique qualities, prices, and appearance.
The meat industry will never stop. Pig meat is liked by many non-vegetarians all over the world.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is the most profitable pig?
Ans: Meishan and Yorkshire are some of the most profitable pigs.
2. How much is the most expensive pig?
Ans: The most expensive pig is the Meishan pig, which costs
3. What is the highest-quality pork?
Ans: The quality of the pork depends upon the breed, diet, and living conditions.
4. Which breed of pig is the most profitable in the US?
Ans: Chester white breed of pig are most profitable in the US.
5. Is there profit in pig farming?
Ans: Yes, it is possible to make a profitable living in pig farming. But it is based on market conditions, input costs, and management.
6. What are the three types of pigs?
Ans: There are many types of pig breeds, but we can only divide them into three main types: domestic, miniature, and wild.
7. What is the largest pig breed?
Ans: The Gloucestershire Old Spot is considered to be one of the largest pig breeds.
8. How much can a pig grow in 6 months?
Ans: On average, a pig can grow about 200–250 lb in weight.
References:
- 10 Most profitable pig breeds for pig farming by savvyfarmlife
- 6 best pig breeds for meat in the world, visit: https://www.markys.com
- Wikipedia
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