HobbyFarms.com

LivestockCrops & GardeningTools & equipmentFood & Kitchenhome & barnmarketing & mgmtcrafts & nature

Your E-mail:
Hobby Farms - Current Issue
Hobby Farm Home - Current Issue
Urban Farm - Current Issue

Berkshire Pigs

Berkshire Livestock

Use of Berkshire Pigs:  Berkshire pigs are known for their darker, exceptionally tasty meat. Though not as popular among larger farms as they used to be, they are becoming a popular niche breed for small farmers. In tests for sensory qualities (or eating characteristics) performed by the National Pork Producers Association (NPPA), Berkshires have been the hands-down winners, coming in first overall and ranking above all the other breeds in 19 of the 24 tests NPPA performs in its assessment.

Courtesy Goodnight's Berkshires and Boers

Berkshire Breed Profile


History of Berkshire Pigs:  Berkshire pigs are one of the oldest identifiable breeds. These black hogs, with white “points” (white areas on their feet, snout and tail) were documented in the English “shire of Berks” over 350 years ago and made their way to the United States in the early 1800s. In 1875, breeders formed the American Berkshire Association (ABA), making it the first breeders group and swine registry in the world.

Conformation:  Black with white points (legs, face and tail) and pink skin, Berkshires are very deep-sided with a strong, uniform arch of back and muscular, firm build. They have a short neck and short, blocky legs with strong feet-- and a relatively short snout. Seen from the side, the face has a slight dish-shape with a large jowl and an upturned nose. Ears are medium-sized and erect. The medium to large animals, around 600 pounds at maturity, they have an excellent disposition, are friendly and curious.

Special Consideration/Notes on Berkshire Pigs:  Not only are they hardy and active foragers, Berkshire sows are also excellent mothers, averaging eight to 10 piglets per litter.


Product Spotlight
Charming back yard chicken coop KITS. Various sizes hold from 2 to 12 chickens. All the precut parts you need to build your hen house, plus plans for building the yard around it.
Hubbard has invested 100 years into perfecting animal nutrition. Hubbard® Life delivers premium protein, minerals and nutrients. Connect with experts to learn about feline care and nutrition.
Kasco Manufacturing offers Model GT-77 HERD Seeder for ATVs for evenly spreading seed, fertilizer, salt and other materials. This broadcaster features a galvanized hopper instead of plastic and is equipped with a centering pivot plate.
Randall Burkey Company stocks everything you could want or need for poultry. Incubators, Brooders, Nest Boxes, Feeders, Waterers, Medication, Books, Day Old Chicks, Eggs, & much more!
Year-round hatchery offering 160+ varieties of poultry: Chicks, bantams, meat birds, ducks, geese, game birds, juvenile fowl, exotic poultry and more! MINIMUM ORDER: 3 BABY CHICKS! Free color catalog!
IDEAL POULTRY is a family owned business founded in 1937. Our business is built on customer service and quality poultry, from rare egg layers to broilers, ducks, turkeys and bantams. IDEAL is the largest supplier of backyard poultry in the U.S., shipping close to 5 million chicks annually.
Hobby Farm Rewards 
Member Login »

facebook



Information on over 200 horse breeds