Guide to Pig Breeds for Meat

Learn about the fascinating histories of, primary uses for, and identifying characteristics of well-loved pig breeds.

By Caleb Regan
Updated on October 11, 2023
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by AdobeStock/Deanna
Berkshire

Follow GRIT’s Guide to Pig Breeds for Meat to learn the fascinating histories of, primary uses for, and identifying characteristics of well-loved pig breeds.

On most farms, pigs are a staple. They are often a hardy bunch, which means care can be simpler than with other livestock, and they’re able to dispose of food that otherwise might go to waste. For what you put into raising swine, the payout can be very good in terms of meat production, grass control with grazing, and the overall joy of raising this smart, jovial type of livestock.

In the March/April 2009 issue of GRIT, we excerpted a book (Storey’s Illustrated Breed Guide to Sheep Goats Cattle and Pigs by Carol Ekarius) to bring you a swine breed guide. The following is GRIT’s Guide to Pig Breeds for Meat, referencing both Ekarius’ book and the folks at Oklahoma State University.

Small Pig Breeds for Meat

Guinea Hog

Ships brought the Guinea Hog to America from the Guinea coast of Africa. The slave trade propagated the breed throughout Europe and the American colonies. In the South, they’d become a common homestead pig, but they are relatively unknown today. Guinea Hogs are gentle and easy to care for, making them a popular choice for children’s zoos.

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