Duroc Pig Breed All You Need to Know: Origin and Characteristics

Just before you go out to buy a Duroc pig for your farm, make sure you read this article to the end.

This article holds everything you need to know about his pig breed.

As a result, you will have more data that will guide your buying decision.

In this article, you will learn about the origin and characteristics of the duroc pig breed.

Also, you will get to see concrete reasons why this is the best pig breed for your farm as well as some of its disadvantages.

Not only that, you will find answers to many of the questions people ask about duroc pigs which you may not have considered.

So, without further ado, let’s get right into it.

What is a Duroc pig?

Duroc pig is one of the different types of pig breeds in existence today.

This breed was first developed in the United States.

They are the more mature breeds of domestic pig breeds.

Their large liters have made them one of the best breeds for pig farmers to rear.

When talking about the quality of meat produced by pigs, this breed has one of the best you can think of, both for commercial and private use.

Here’s another great pig breed: Landrace Pig Breeds– Characteristics, Origin, Breed Info and Lifespan

What is the origin and history of duroc pigs?

Duroc pigs first originated in Africa and were transported into England during the slave trade era.

In 1800, the duroc breed was developed in New England as a result of mixed breeding.

Although this breed is popularly known for different colors, the red-colored duroc was believed to have emanated from the Berkshire pig from Britain which was formerly reddish brown.

Its name “Duroc” was believed to have been named after Napoleon Aide’s (Gen. Duroc)  racehorse or Harry Kelsey’s stallion.

The Duroc pigs of recent times are known to have originated from the mixed breed of Jersey Red and New York’s older Duroc in 1850.

At that time, it was called the”Duroc-Jersey pig” because of crossbreeding.

In 1950, this breed was used for entertainment purposes.

Why choose duroc pigs?

Rearing this breed of pig can be highly beneficial to you as a pig farmer.

You cannot go wrong when your piggery is occupied by Duroc pigs.

The reasons are:

1. Duroc pigs are fast-growing animals:

This breed of pigs takes a shorter time to grow, unlike other pig breeds.

2. Their reproduction is in large litters:

Unlike some other breeds of pig, the sow of Duroc can produce pig liters of 10 to 15 piglets.

3. They are easily reared and highly profitable:

Pig farmers these days are in search of pig breeds that are less stressful to rear with high productivity.

Duroc is definitely a good breed that can be reared easily and can consistently produce high profit for you.

4. Duroc pigs can adapt to any weather condition:

In whatever part of the world you wish to rear this breed of pig, the good news is, it can be reared in areas of hot or cold climatic conditions.

5. They are good as farm companions:

While some animals cannot do well with other animals, the Duroc pig can grow well on your farm with other companions.

6. Duroc pigs produce large quantities of meat:

One exciting thing about this breed is that after you slaughter one Duroc, you will be amazed at the large meat quantity that will be cut out.

Read also: How To Start Commercial Pig Farming Business [Complete Guide]

What are the characteristics of Duroc pigs?

This breed of pig has a lot of characteristics that will attract you to want to fill your piggery with it.

In this article, you will see 20 characteristics of Duroc pigs.

They will be classified into two:

Physical characteristics of duroc pigs

1. Size:

Although this pig breed was known for its large structure, its sizes today have changed.

Duroc pigs of today are medium-sized with their moderately long body structure and thorough muscle growth.

2. Colour

Though Duroc pigs are known to be dark red in color, their colors are ranging from a light golden shade to deep reddish-brown.

3. Head

Duroc pigs usually have slightly curved faces and moderate heads.

Their eyes are usually small and their sight is poor.

4. Body

Their body structure is moderately longer than other pig breeds.

They become muscular as they grow.

5. Ears

The ears of this breed are big shaped and are not upright; they are bent.

Their sense of hearing is very active and sensitive.

6. Weight:

Originally, a Duroc pig could weigh up to 1,000 pounds.

In modern times, an older and matured male Duroc pig (boar) can weigh up to 882 pounds (about 400kg), while the matured female Duroc pigs (sow) can weigh up to 772 pounds (about 350 kg).

7. Snout:

The snout of a Duroc pig, otherwise known as their nose, can be very sensitive.

Also, note that there about is large sized.

8. Teeth:

With their teeth, they can chew foods very well, but those teeth are not sharp.

Their teeth may be very sharp at birth but will lose their sharpness sometime after birth.

You may not be threatened by their teeth that are not sharp but avoid exposing yourself to their bites.

9. Tusks:

The growth of tusks is a general characteristic of all pigs.

The female Duroc is made up of short tusks that barely grow.

This feature can be used to differentiate the sow from the boar.

10. Hooves and claws

Just as some pet animals need trimming of their nails, so do Duroc pigs.

If you desire to grow Duroc pigs as pets, then their hooves and dewclaws should be trimmed often.

Meanwhile, if you train this species of pig breed outdoor, then they will need to be trimmed at least once annually.

11. Tail

A major necessity of the pig’s tail is to chase off insects in places where their legs and mouths cannot be used.

Their tails are often curly and short.

Read Also: Benefits of Starting a Commercial Pig Farming Business

Intrinsic characteristics of duroc pig

12. Temperament

Rearing an animal will demand a lot of supervision and control.

However, Duroc pigs are easy to control due to their compliant nature.

Although this breed is less aggressive, it can suddenly become aggressive if it is not exposed to social life.

13. Climate adaptability

Unlike some other breeds, Duroc breeds have thick-coated and hard-skinned bodies that give them the ability to withstand both hot and cold weather conditions.

Their coats during cold conditions can get very thick to prevent the negative effects of the cold weather.

Meanwhile, when the weather is hot, they do shed their thick coat to look almost bald.

15. Behaviour

Duroc pigs are not aggressive, thus making them a friendly breed if groomed in a habitation that helps their social life.

They are also attractive and clean.

Furthermore, they can be independent animals as they are exposed to socializing.

16. Growth

As stated earlier, this breed grows fast.

A well-matured Duroc pig can take 2-3 years of grooming.

The more you keep them healthy, the more likely they are to grow.

17. Intelligence

You will be shocked to know that pigs are ranked on the top list of most intelligent animals.

It may interest you to know that they are number five (5) on the list, making them smarter than even the chimpanzee.

Scientifically, it has been discovered that the intelligence of a pig can be equated with that of a two (2) years old child of a human.

This fact is yet to be understood by a large number of the human population, yet, some people say dogs are smarter than pigs.

The Duroc breed is not left out of this intelligence, they are highly intelligent creatures.

This can be seen in the speed at which they assimilate things, including common gestures.

Also, they are focused and are quick to learn.

18. Compassionate

The level of intelligence of the Duroc breed has also made them compassionate.

They are smart enough to feel both negative and positive emotions.

Just like humans, they can be depressed, happy, or sad.

19. Breeding/reproduction

It is always important to feed this breed of pigs properly and keep them healthy.

This is because their healthy state affects their litter production.

Though the litter that some pig breeds can produce is 5-10 piglets, Duroc can produce 10-15 piglets and even more, depending on how well you feed them.

In addition, Duroc sows are good and very caring mothers for their children.

They can mature sexually when they become six (6) months old and can breed between six (6) months to one (1) year.

20. Meat quality

One reason why they have one of the best and large pork meat quality is that they weigh so much.

Another reason is that the fat distribution of their meat is even.

Also, the wastage level of their meat after they have been slaughtered is very minimal.

Their meat is usually dark red in color, reflecting their outer color.

Read Also: What do Pigs Eat? [Most Essential Food for Pigs]

What is the lifespan of Duroc pigs?

The Duroc breed is a much stronger breed of pigs when compared with other breeds of pigs.

This has made them able to live long, not minding whatever the weather condition may be.

On average, their life expectancy spans from 15 to 20 years.

Giving your Duroc breed care and a healthy lifestyle can possibly make them live longer.

What is the habitat and environment of duroc pigs?

They are animals that move freely in an environment.

Their compatibility with their environment is highly commendable.

This is because they can easily adapt to whatever condition they are in.

Yet, they will strive better in an environment with enough healthy food, a clean environment, comfortable housing for all climatic conditions because they are negatively affected when the weather is at its extreme, and a cool atmosphere.

It is preferable to house Duroc pigs in a cool environment.

This is due to their inability to sweat, and their sensitivity to extreme weather conditions.

You may also read: What Is The Best Equipment For Pig Farming?

What is the space requirement for Duroc pigs?

Duroc pigs, like every other breed of pigs, would rather love to be in an environment where they can be free to move around.

If you decide to make them pets, then they will need enough room for easy movement.

Know that the bigger they get, the more space they will need.

The fact that they need enough space to survive does not mean that they can live in places with not enough space.

However, they will not be comfortable, and this will affect their social life.

These pigs are curious in nature and would want to socialize.

Remember to separate Young’s pigs from matured ones, this will help maintain orderliness.

Thus, your pig will need enough space to socialize, eat and excrete.

What are the advantages of rearing duroc pigs?

1. Duroc pigs are clean animals:

This pig cannot live comfortably in an environment that is dirty and untidy.

They are clean enough to have a specific part of their residence assigned as their toilet, this is how clean they can be.

Ensure to always bathe them and provide a pool of water for them, as they love to cool off in the water.

Providing a water pool will make them not seek a pool of muddy water to cool off.

2. Duroc pigs are good pets:

Duroc pigs are interactive and emotional animals.

Their ability to be obedient and intelligent has given them an edge over some other animals as pets.

Proper love and care for them will make them have a healthy and peaceful living.

3. Duroc pigs are not high maintenance animals:

Duroc breed of pigs can be easily maintained at a low cost.

This is because they do not get sick easily and are not selective with what they eat.

As long as their environment is kept clean, eat well, and are comfortable, they barely fall ill.

Although they can eat whatever you give them, there are some foods that may be dangerous to their immune system and their health in total.

4. Duroc pigs are independent:

With or without your supervision, Duroc pigs can take care of themselves if their necessities are provided for them.

These necessities include good and healthy food and water, a clean environment, properly arranged and comfortable shelter, and enough space for movement and socialization.

What are the disadvantages of rearing duroc pigs?

1. Duroc pigs need enough space

Duroc pigs need freedom and exposure.

They can go to the extent of breaking free from their houses to gain such freedom.

Keeping them in a secluded place will eventually make them aggressive.

If you are ready to rear pigs, then provide enough space for them.

Also, if you have been caging your pigs in a place without space, have a change in plan to rear a healthy pig.

2. Duroc pigs can get sick

Although this breed is strong enough not to get easily sick unlike other breeds, you need to be mindful of what they eat.

If they are permitted to go outdoors, they can eat food that may have been contaminated with certain diseases.

Also, they are not permitted to eat meat or meat products, as this is very harmful to their health.

This can get them infected by a disease that will not cause harm to the pigs but can be transmitted to humans.

3. Duroc pigs are very sensitive:

Little gestures can be remembered and further interpreted by this breed of pigs to be either negative or positive.

They are highly emotional and sensitive to your attitude.

Always make sure your pigs have companions for socialization and interaction.

4. Duroc pigs can be aggressive if not properly trained:

It is true that Duroc pigs are emotional animals and can be sensitive to certain gestures, this does not mean that you have to pamper them.

This alone passes the wrong information to the pigs that they can be stubborn without consequences, thereby making them aggressive and destructive.

Also, they can be destructive as a sign of depression and stress in older pigs, and playfulness in younger pigs.

When they are abused or maltreated, they can also get aggressive and destructive.

To correct these, you will need to let them socialize with other pigs and animals and show them proper love and care.

Frequently Asked Questions About Duroc Pigs

Conclusion

Duroc pigs are one of the most common pig breeds that are reared.

This is because they do not require high maintenance.

They are also friendly and interactive, both with pigs and other animals, and humans alike.

Also, they grow fast and produce larger litters of piglets.

In addition, they eat virtually everything you eat, except for meat and meat products.

Though they require much space, if they are on a good diet and are properly cared for, then you have no problems.

Of course, they rarely get sick, which means you save a lot from trying to treat them.

Keeping them in a neat and cool environment with a water pool will make them happy.

So do not forget to let them socialize with other pigs and animals.

You will definitely be happy when you rear Duroc pigs.

References:

• Northern Nester
• Wikipedia

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