The Large White pig is a breed of domestic pig originating in Yorkshire. It is also known as the Yorkshire pig and the English Large White pig. It is one of the most popular and most numerous of all pig breeds, and widely used in crossbreeding for intensive pig farming system around the world. As the name suggests, the breed is truly big in size and pure white in coloration. The Large White pig breed was one of the original founder breeds of the National Pig Breeder’s Association and the breed was first recognized in 1868.
First herdbook for the breed was published in 1884. Although earlier history of the breed in Yorkshire is difficult to trace. The development of the modern performance testing programs led to an increase in worldwide demand for the Large White pig breeding stock from the United Kingdom in the early 1970s. And more than 8,500 pedigreed Large Whites were exported to all parts of the world in the first three years of that decade. Currently the breed is very popular and mostly raised commercial pig breed around the world. Read more information about the breed below.
Large White Pig Characteristics
As the name suggests, the Large White pig is large in size and of pure white coloration. It has white or pink skin, dished face and erect ears of pink color. The breed is easily distinguished by it’s large size, picturesque bearing, erect ears and dished face. It has excellent conformation with good hams. It is huge in size and coarse boned but is quite sound in feet and legs. Their length of legs and extra height help them to remain active and they have long useful lives in the breeding pen.
Average live body weight of the mature boars is between 350-380 kg. And average live body weight of the mature sows usually vary from 260-300 kg. Photo and info from Wikipedia.
The Large White pig is a rugged and very active and hardy breed. It can withstand variations in climate and do well in other environmental factors. These animals have been known for decades as a favorite market animal where high quality bacon and pork are sought. The sows are known for having excellent maternal instincts, large litters and also for heavy milk production. When the breed was developed, it was actually developed as an active and outdoor breed which was good for extensive pig farming system. The animals are also very good for crossbreeding. And their ability to cross with and improve other breeds has given them a leading role in commercial pig farming system and breeding pyramids around the world. However, review full breed profile of the Large White pig in the chart below.
Large White Pig | Breed Profile
|Breed Name||Large White|
|Other Name||English Large White, Yorkshire|
|Special Notes||Rugged, very hardy, active, can withstand variations in climate, do well in other environmental factors, produce high quality bacon and pork, sows have excellent maternal instincts, large litters, good for both intensive and extensive pig farming system, good for commercial production, also good for crossbreeding and improving other pig breeds|
|Climate Tolerance||All climates|
|Color||White with pink or white skin|
|Country/Place of Origin||United Kingdom|