Duroc pigs are one of the best breeds for commercial farming in Nigeria and worldwide. They have temperament, large litter size, and rapid growth that farmers will always benefit from. Talking of meat quality, they have abundance of well-streaked meat always in demand at the market.
WHY CHOOSE
DUROC PIGS
If you’re looking for a breed of pig that is easy to rear and produces consistent quality meat, then, Duroc pigs is the answer.
Duroc pigs are very easy going and also do well in both hot and cold climates. They won’t complain and instead are quite docile. Duroc pigs have everything on a large scale.
They grow fast, they produce large litters, and they make great farm companions. Their distinct red colouring is exhibited both inside and out.
Pork cuts from Duroc pigs are deep red and highly streaked. You can get a lot of meat after slaughter and there is very little wastage.
CHARACTERISTICS OF DUROC PIGS
SIZE
They are classified as medium-sized pigs, although they tend to be at the high end of this category.
WEIGHT
Male Durocs (boars), can weigh up to 360kg or more while female Duroc (sows), can weigh up to 318kg. Their weight might seem like a lot, but it is said that, before the final breed was established, Duroc pigs could regularly weigh above 453kg. Their large weight is said to be one of the reasons they are so popularly bred for their meat.
COLOR
Duroc pigs are outstanding, which they owe to their dark red colour. Although, these red pigs can vary slightly in colour, from light ginger to a brownish red, but they will always be some shade of red to distinguish themselves.
They can stay healthy and happy in both warm and cool climates, again, making them a versatile pig to have.
The Duroc breed is not aggressive. They are friendly, affectionate, and quite personable. However, these pigs can be aggressive if they are not raised in a social environment.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise, but if you treat Duroc pigs well and give them proper, nutritious food, they will grow faster and produce larger litters.
These are pigs that want to establish relationships with you and become part of the farming family.
Duroc pigs are very hardy animals. They grow quickly but evenly.
Duroc pigs are perfect for breeding in large part to their litter sizes. While typical pigs will produce litters of 5 to 10 piglets, Duroc pigs will produce litters of 10 to 15 piglets.
What’s more, if you treat them right and feed them nutritious food, the size of litters usually increases.
Duroc sows take excellent care of their young so there are no issues to be concerned about.
If they have access to a proper diet, Duroc pigs will grow very fast.
They also do well outside making them a versatile animal to have on a farm.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Duroc pigs often have slightly longer bodies than similar-sized pigs. Their ears have a drooping quality and will not stay upright.Their faces are slightly dished in shape, meaning their faces are concave in the middle.
Duroc pigs can also withstand cold climates thanks to their hard skin and thick coats.However, they can actually shed their coats in the summer, making them also adaptable to hot climates.
