When introducing new pigs to your homestead, it’s essential to select a breed that best meets your family’s needs. There are numerous pig breeds to choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages depending on your specific goals. The breed you choose will impact the quantity of meat and fat you can harvest, the growth rate, ease of management, and forage efficiency. In this post, we will help you navigate the ins and outs of choosing a pig breed for your homestead.
Choosing a Pig Breed for the Homestead
Trying to decide which pig breed to raise on your homestead? Well, do you prefer dark meat or light meat? This should be one of the first questions that you should consider when you think about raising pigs.
There are many different breeds of pigs and researching a specific breed based on meat type is probably one of the most important. You are going to spend time and effort to raise your own and I’d be pretty disappointed if my meat quality wasn’t to my liking at the end of my adventure.
Don’t get wrong, I believe that anything you raise could taste better than store bought and I have said it before and I’ll say it again—homegrown bacon is probably the most delicious and rewarding thing about raising your own. There is nothing like it, but I’m sure you will find this out soon enough!
I laugh at myself, because I am a 30-ish year-old female who stands about 5’2″ and maybe pushing 120 lbs… yes, I am a pig farmer, but if I’m going to be a pig farmer, then I’m going to be the fanciest pig farmer that I can be!
Truth is, I don’t look like a farm girl, but my husband and I understand the value of raising our own and exposing our children to this lifestyle. I’m sure as I continue to write articles you will see a glimpse into my farm life adventures and I’m not afraid to share what has worked for me or has been a total bust.
Which Pig Breed I Raise
Here is what has worked so far. We mainly raise two different breeds of pigs. I have a large growing herd of Mangalitsa pigs and we also dabble in pure Berkshires. A pig is not just a pig when you are discussing meat quality, and my two different breeds are completely different.
I am hands down in it for the flavor and juiciness. We want our pork to stand out and represent our ethical belief in proper care for our livestock. I want to be proud of what I’m cooking and I want my family to value their food. They are very much aware of what it takes to raise our own. I think that is lost in the world today, but I’m getting a little off topic and will cover that on a later day. So let me tell you a little bit more about our breeds.
Why I Chose Mangalitsa Pigs
Remember when I mentioned that I consider myself a fancy pig farmer? Well, here is why I consider myself that—The Mangalitsas!
The Mangalitsa provides the most amazing meat quality for a person who is a huge fan of marbled, flavorful, rich red meat! The meat is compared to the Kobe beef of pork, the Mangalitsa is pretty unique and highly desired among the culinary world. So, if I’m going to go out and feeding my pigs in the rain, snow, heat, freezing cold, and the nasty of days… I want to be darn well sure I’m doing it for a good reason. Now, I’m not trying to say that other breeds are not to the standards of the Mangalitsa, I just prefer them and understand if you feel differently.
Why I Chose Berkshire Pigs
The other breed that we raise is very popular among the heritage pig breeds. Berkshires provide a bright pink sweet meat that is often described as having a nutty taste to it. I have intentions to cross my Mangalitsa Boar with my Berkshire Sow to create a good combination of lard and savory red meat. The Mangalitsas do take longer to finish, so combining the breeds will hopefully bring me flavorful meat that is ready to harvest at a faster rate then my pure Mangalitsa.
Understanding Pig Breeds
When choosing a pig breed, you need to understand the different types of breeds. They can be separated into a few different categories (some overlapping):
- Heritage Breeds
- Commercial/Conventional Breeds
- Lard Breeds
- Bacon Breeds
- Dual Purpose Breeds
None of these categories are inherently better than another, but not every category will serve every homestead appropriately. Let’s go over each one so you can choose which one is the most suitable for you.
Heritage Breeds:
Heritage breeds are traditional pig breeds that have been around for hundreds of years. They are known for their foraging ability, maternal instincts, natural mating ability, disease and parasite resistence, flavorful meat & lard, as well as their hardiness.
Heritage pigs tend to thrive in pasture-based systems, but they are slightly slower growing than commercial breeds.
Common Heritage Breeds
- Large Blacks
- Gloucestershire Old Spots
- Red Wattles
- Berkshire
- American Guinea Hogs
- Tamworth
- Hereford
Conventional Breeds:
Conventional pig breeds, also referred to as commercial breeds, are pigs that have been bred for high efficiency in meat production. These breeds are known for lean meat, fast growth, and high feed-to-meat conversion efficiency. They are more commonly used in large-scale farming operations due to their ability to produce a consistent product when raised in a controlled environment.
Common Conventional Pig Breeds
- Yorkshire
- Hampshire
- Duroc
- Chester White
Lard Breeds:
Lard breeds are renowned for producing a substantial amount of high-quality fat. In the past, lard was a staple in most households, making these pigs quite popular. Although they have a slower growth rate, the abundance of lard they provide for cooking, soap making, and other uses can make the extended grow-out period worthwhile.
Common Lard Breeds
- Large Black
- Mangalitsa
- Ossabaw Island Hog
- Kune Kune
- Amerian Guinea Hog
Bacon Breeds:
Bacon breeds are characterized by their longer bodies and the production of more lean muscle compared to lard pigs. These pigs typically grow faster and are valued for providing high-quality retail cuts of meat.
Common Bacon Breeds
- Tamworth
- Red Wattle
- Yorkshire
- Duroc
- Hereford
Dual-Purpose Breeds:
Dual-purpose pig breeds can provide both quality meat cuts and a substantial amount of lard, making them perfect for a sustainable homestead in need of both resources.
Common Dual-Purpose Breeds
- Gloucestershire Old Spot
- Berkshire
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Pig Breed
Not all pork is the same and a pig is not just a pig. There are many questions that one must ask when deciding on the breed of pig to raise.
Along with breed type (hertitage, conventional, lard, bacon), you should consider other factors such as:
1. Your End Goal
What do you need from your hogs? Are you aiming for retail cuts to sell at the market, or do you need lard for cooking, soap making, salves, and candles? Is your focus on producing sausage and bacon, or are you supplying meat to high-end markets or restaurants? Identify your primary goal and choose a breed that aligns with it.
2. Environment
Take into account your climate and the infrastructure or pasture systems you have in place. Some pig breeds excel in confinement settings, while others thrive when foraging on pasture. Additionally, certain breeds are less suited to hot climates. It’s important to choose a breed that has the potential to thrive in the specific conditions of your farm.
3. Feed Efficiency & Growth Rate
Feed efficiency and growth rate are key factors to consider when choosing a pig breed. If you need a breed that grows quickly for a faster turnaround, a bacon breed might be the best choice. However, if you’re willing to wait a bit longer for higher lard production and richer, more flavorful meat, a lard or dual-purpose breed could be a better fit.
4. Pasture Space
Consider the amount of pasture space available on your homestead. If you’re adding a pig breed that is a natural forager, you’ll need enough pasture to minimize the need for supplemental feeding. On the other hand, if you have a breed that doesn’t forage well, you can manage with less pasture and a more intensive supplemental feeding regimen. If space is limited, consider opting for a smaller breed like the American Guinea Hog.
5. Temperament
Docile breeds are easier to handle, making them ideal for beginners or those raising pigs solo. In contrast, pigs that are more aggressive, territorial, or independent can pose management challenges, especially if you lack experience or the necessary infrastructure. Understanding the temperament of different breeds can help you choose one that fits your level of experience and the resources available to you.
6. Breeding Ability & Maternal Instinct
If you are purchasing feeder pigs to grow out on your homestead, then this one may not be a deal breaker for you. However, if you plan to breed pigs, it is vital that you consider the breeding characteristics of your breed of choice.
If you’re purchasing weaned pigs to grow out on your homestead, this one might not be a deal breaker. However, if you plan to breed pigs, it’s crucial to consider the breeding characteristics of your chosen breed. Understanding traits such as fertility, maternal instincts, litter size, and ease of farrowing will help ensure successful breeding and healthy litters.
Common Pig Breeds & Their Characteristics
When choosing a pig breed for your homestead, consider the individual qualities characteristics of each breed.
1. Large Black
The Large Black is a pig that produces moist pink meat. This breed is known for its wide shoulders and long body with short muscle fiber growth. The belly on this type of pig can grow quite large and is awesome for bacon production. Large Black pigs are known for their floppy ears, flavorful meat, and lard production.
2. Mangalitsa
Mangalitsa pigs provide marbled, flavorful, rich red meat! They have a wooly coat that helps them thrive in colder climates.
3. Ossabaw Island Hog
The Ossabaw is a unique breed of pig that offers a dark red meat and is known for having the healthiest fat. This fat content and red meat combination make for the charcuterie.
4. KuneKune
Kunekune pigs are known for their ability to thrive on pasture. They have flavorful marbled meat and a docile disposition.
5. American Guinea Hog
The American Guinea Hog is a small breed that has become very popular on the homestead circuit. This breed is docile with a high-fat content, natural foraging ability, and flavorful meat.
6. Tamworth
Tamworth pigs are a leaner breed that produces a light meat. Tamworths are known for being the “Bacon Pig!”
7. Red Wattle
Red Wattle pigs are known for their rich taste and beef-like texture, but they are also exceptionally lean all while retaining juiciness.
8. Berkshire
Berkshire pigs provide a bright pink sweet meat that is often described as having a nutty taste to it.
9. Yorkshire
The Yorkshire is a breed that produces a very lean meat with little fat content.
10. Duroc
The Duroc is a breed that is known for having a higher moisture content and yields a nice dark pink appearance.
11. Hereford
Hereford pigs offer a richer red meat breed that tends to have a nice marbled appearance and holds great flavor.
12. Gloucestershire Old Spots
The Gloucestershire Old Spot is known for having a nice pink meat appearance that yields a dense meat with higher fat ratio which adds to the rich flavor.
I commend you for your decision to raise your own and I recommend you to research as much as you can, but start with the question of what quality of meat do you prefer! Happy homesteading my friends!
The Fancy Pig Farmer,
Kaylee Richardson
**Written in 2018 by Kaylee Richardson. Updated in 2024 by Homesteaders of America.
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We raise Meishans. Choosing a breed for a meat that fits your taste is definitely a high priority. I also believe picking a breed that fits your homestead and family is just as important. The Meishans have a highly marbleized tender red meat with a super white silky lard that melts in your mouth. It is amazing for charcuterie but also great for chops, bacon, and Coppa roast. The lard is perfect for baking, cooking, and making soap. The pig itself is so docile, pet like. It is highly prolific, high immune system, large litters with high weaning rates, easy keepers, and probably the safest breed to raise in a family setting. They also get along with other animals so no fear of them eating your chickens, goats, or you.