Performance of Pig Breeds
Feed Selection
To be profitable, a pig production enterprise should use Sows and Boars from high quality animals from improved breeds. Farmers should choose breeds that are common in their area since it eases the process of buying and selling breeding stock.
Table 2 below gives a list of pig breeds in Uganda from which a farmer can select.
| Table 2: Different breeds of pigs in Uganda, their traits and average maturity age and weight | ||
| Breed | Performance traits | Maturity1 weight (kg) |
| Large White
or Yorkshire |
White with erect ears, good mothering ability, produces
many litters, fast growing and fairly hardy |
Male 310 – 400; Female:
250 – 330. |
| Landrace | White, lopped ears, fast growth rate, high quality
carcass |
Male 310 – 400; Female:
250 – 330. |
| Duroc | Dark brown, fast growth rate, good mothering ability.
It is tolerant to stress and is adaptable to various environmental conditions |
Male 300; Female 250. |
| Hampshire | Black, good carcass quality, high meat yield | Male 300 Female 250 |
| Comborough | Superior weaning capability, robustness, increased
weaning weights, short re-breeding intervals, higher conception rates, improved farrowing rates |
Male 310 – 400; Female:
250 – 330. |
| Local pigs | Different colors, hardiness, adaptability, large litters | 100-150 |
| Crosses | Crosses of Large white and Landrace are common. They
are very good when used as Sows for breeding |
200-300 |
| Footnote – 1 – Average age or weight under recommended good feeding | ||