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_Durocs have considerable variation in color. An acceptable color may range
from a very light golden, almost yellow color, to a very dark red that approaches
mahogany. The red is a very practical color that suits pork producers, and
since it is a solid color there is not concern about fancy points of proper
markings. Durocs have a medium length and slight dish of the face. The ears
should be drooping and should not be held erect.
_Berkshires
are early-maturing pigs well covered with short black hair, often with
white hair on their legs, faces, and tips of the tails. The snouts are
dished and are of medium length. The ears are fairly large and are erect
or slightly leaned forward. They have fine wrinkle-free necks and
well-sloped shoulder blades. They have short, straight legs and a
straight underline belly. They’re hardy, they have good mothering
capabilities and they perform very well outdoors, especially when
grazing on pasture. Their meat is darker than commercial pork and far
more flavorful than the pork found in your grocery store freezer.
_Yorkshires also known as Large Whites have white skin and are free from black hair. They are a large-framed, late-maturing type and have a long middle and light shoulders. They are longer in the leg than are other breeds and tend to have poor ham development and long deep sides. The head is moderately long with the face slightly dished, and the ears are pricked.
__The strengths of the Chester White breed are: mothering ability,
durability, and soundness. Chester Whites have kept their popularity
with thousands of pork producers. Not only are they preferred by
producers, but packers prefer animals with white skin and proven to be
superior in muscle quality.
_Hampshire hogs are black with a white belt. They have erect ears. The
belt is a strip of white across the shoulders that covers the front
legs around the body. The Hampshire, which is a heavily muscled, lean
meat breed, is the fourth most recorded breed of the pigs in the United
States.
_Landrace are white in color. Their ears droop and slant forward with its
top edges nearly parallel to the bridge of a straight nose. Landrace,
which are noted for their ability to farrow and raise large litters, are
the fifth most recorded breed of swine in the United States.
_The Poland China is unbeatable among various breeds of swine
for the characteristic of maximum weight at any given age. The Poland Chinas
are excellent feeders and they gain readily under conditions of good care
and management. They are hogs that are very quiet in their dispositions and
are rugged in their constitutions. The breed is known for having very substantial
bone and for being sound in its feet and legs.
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Must be black and white. Must possess Spotted Breed character. Must be ear notched within 7 days of birth. Ears cannot be erect. Any red tinted or brown spots are ineligible. No solid black head from ears forward. No distinct white belt pattern (hair or skin) encircling and extending down and onto each shoulder Any signs of weighted ear tags or evidence of past existence of such tags are determined to be not permissible and are grounds for disqualification