The Hereford pig is a breed of domestic pig from United States. It is also called Hereford Hog, and it was named for it’s color and pattern. The color pattern of this breed is similar to that of the Hereford cattle breed, red with a white face.
The breed was created from a synthesis of Duroc, Poland China and perhaps some Chester White or Hampshire pig. It was first developed from 1920 to 1925, and it is currently a rare breed of pig.
The breed was selected for both of it’s unique red-brown and white coloration and performance. And it has always been most popular breed in the Midwestern parts of the United States, especially in Illinois, Iowa and Indiana.
The official Hereford registry was opened by 1934. The Hereford pig grew in numbers into the mid 20th century. But their population declined by the 1960s due to the popularity of the highly productive pig breeds which were used for commercial pork production.
Today the breed is listed in the ‘watchlist‘ of the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy. And there are about 2,000 breeding pigs remain. Read more information about the breed below.
Hereford Pig Characteristics
The Hereford pigs are medium to large animals with red-brown and white coloration that resembles the Hereford cattle. They have usual body conformation as other major pig breeds.
Their face is of white color and is of medium length which is slight dished. They have a medium sized dropping ears.
The mature Hereford sows on average weight around 270 kg. And average live body weight of the mature boars is around 360 kg. Photo from Pinterest and info from Wikipedia.
Special Notes
The Hereford pig is an active and hardy animal. It is well suited for both intensive and extensive pig farming system, and the breed also do well in a wide variety of climates.
The Hereford pigs usually have a docile temperament. Their quiet nature, friendly behavior and docile temperament are good for the young people and for the new pig farmers.
They grow relatively faster and reach maturity earlier. They usually reach about 90-110 kg within their five or six months of age. The sows produce large litters and they are excellent mothers.
The breed is very good for producing lean meat. However, review full breed profile of the Hereford pig in the following chart.
| Breed Name | Hereford | |
| Other Name | Hereford Hog | |
| Special Notes | Active, hardy, beautiful, well suited for both intensive and extensive system, do well in a wide variety of climates, docile temperament, quiet, good for young people, grow relatively faster and reach maturity faster, sows produce large litters, sows are excellent mothers, good for lean meat | |
| Breed Size | Medium to large | |
| Boars | Around 360 kg | |
| Sows | Around 270 kg | |
| Climate Tolerance | All climates | |
| Color | Red-brown and white | |
| Rarity | Available | |
| Country/Place of Origin | United States |
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