Breed of Swine - Landrace

What are Landrace pig breeds?

The Landrace pig is one of the best pigs for commercial pig farming.

The way this pig was produced was by crossing the native pig in Denmark with the Large White pig
breed.

Several years later, the crossbreed has gone through a lot of testing and breeding under strict
government control

Today, what we have is the Landrace pig breed.

• The Landrace pig originally got its name from the Danish Landrace pig.

• It is from this pig that the other Landrace varieties were derived through development and
crossbreeding. 

• The breed was named Danish Landrace because the foundation stocks were specimens from the
local, free-breeding Landrace native to Denmark. 

• The modern breeds are not themselves Landraces, since they are formal breeds maintained
through selective breeding rather than natural selection.

• In the mid-20th century, when people talk about Landrace, they are often referring to the
Danish Landrace swine in particular.

What are the characteristics of Landrace pigs?

The characteristics of the Landrace pigs make them different from other breeds. 

Also, knowing their characteristics will allow you to make a well-guided decision.

Here are some of the characteristics of the Landrace pig breed;

• Landraces have white skin and are free from black hair. 

• They are lop-eared pigs, meaning their ears droop and slant forward.

• They have long snouts and long body

• The average mature weight of the sow is 450-600lbs (204 to 272kg), and the average weight of
the boar is 500-700lbs (226-318kg).

• It lacks the wrinkles and excess fat found in some other breeds

• Landrace pigs are excellent in ham development.

• A high percentage of the meat in their body is found in the ham and loin.

• They produce a large litter.

• They also have the ability to cross well with other breeds of pigs.
What are the common types of Landrace pig breeds?

The most common Landrace pig breeds are:

• American Landrace pig Belgian Landrace pig

• British Landrace pig Bulgarian Landrace pig

• Canadian Landrace pig Danish Landrace pig

• Dutch Landrace pig

• Estonian Landrace pig (a.k.a. Estonian Bacon pig)

Why choose Landrace pigs?

Here are some of the best reasons.

1. Landrace pigs can cross well with other breeds:

The Landrace pig breeds have the ability to cross well with other breeds. 

2. They are prolific breeders:

Besides being able to cross with other breeds, Landrace sows are prolific breeders that farrow large pigs.

3. Landrace is good for meat production.

The Landrace pig breeds are also known for the long length of their body.

As a result, they have a high percentage of carcass weight in the ham and loin.

4. They grow very fast:

Landrace pig breeds are fast-growing pigs.

5. They produce plenty of milk:

One of the major advantages of the Landrace pig breed is its high milk production rate. 

6. Landraces are good mothers:

Besides producing a lot of milk to feed their baby pigs, Landrace sows are good mothers. They have an
amazing way of taking care of their piglets.

7. They raise large-sized litter: 

• This breed is not like many other pig breeds that produce piglets that are smaller in size than
they are.

8. Landrace pig breeds make good pets:

• If you are a pet lover, then you will definitely love to keep a Landrace pig as a pet.

• Landraces are really smart and pick things fast. 

 • They are social and like to interact with people. 

9. They are good for generating income.

• Landraces produce a lot of litter which you can sell to make profits.

• Also, you can butcher them and sell the meat as well.

• You can also sell their manure to crop farmers and still make more money.

Frequently asked questions about Landrace pigs

A lot of different questions have been asked about the Landrace pig breed. Here are a few of them and
their corresponding answers.

1. How fast do landrace pigs grow?

• Landrace pig breeds are capable of reaching a body weight of 220 lbs or 100 kg within 142 days
after birth.

2. Are Landrace pigs good for meat?

• Landrace pigs produce lean meat in their ham and loins which is very good for consumption. 

3. How many piglets can Landrace pigs have?

• Landraces are prolific breeders that are able to produce up to 10 – 15 piglets in one
farrowing. These piglets usually grow large in size as well.

• When the sow is giving birth to the piglets, you may need to assist the sow to bring forth her
first offspring. This will help to prevent any major complications or deaths. 

4. What is the lifespan of Landrace pigs?

• Normally, the Landrace pig breed will live for an average of 10-15 years naturally. 

• However, farmed pigs become ready for slaughter after just six months of life.

5. How big do Landrace pigs grow?

• An average mature Landrace sow weighs about 450-600 lbs (204 to 272kg).

• While an average mature Landrace boar weighs 500-700lbs (226-318kg).

Advantage and Disadvantages of Landrace Breed

Advantages: Disadvantages:

1. Multiple calving 1. Poor resistance (weak hind legs)

2. Fast growth 2. Higher requirements for the feed
3. Province feed
4. Carcass lean meat rate higher