Hereford pigs are a relatively new breed of swine that originated in the United States in the early 1990s. They were developed by crossing two heritage pig breeds – the Duroc and the Hereford cow. The goal was to create a pig with the fast growth and leanness of the Duroc, combined with the hardy constitution and grazing ability of the Hereford cattle. Hereford pigs have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their excellent carcass quality and efficient feed conversion.
Origins of the Hereford Pig
The development of the Hereford pig is credited to researchers at Kansas State University in the early 1990s. At the time, the swine industry was moving towards leaner, faster growing pigs. However, many of the older heritage breeds lacked the carcass traits desired by consumers and processors. The Duroc breed was known for its lean carcasses and efficient growth, but lacked some of the hardiness and foraging abilities of older breeds.
Researchers decided to cross the fast-growing Duroc with the hardy Hereford cattle breed in hopes of getting the best traits of both. The resulting offspring were called Hereford pigs. After multiple generations of selective breeding, the Hereford pig was standardized as a new breed by 1995.
Characteristics of Hereford Pigs
Hereford pigs exhibit many of the best qualities of their Duroc and Hereford parentage. Here are some of the key characteristics of Hereford hogs:
- Lean and muscular carcasses – Hereford pigs are prized for their long, thickly muscled loins and large hams. They produce very trim and lean carcasses.
- Efficient growth – Herefords are fast growers, reaching market weight quicker than many heritage breeds. They have excellent feed conversion rates.
- Docile temperament – Herefords have a reputation for being docile and easy to handle.
- Good maternal abilities – Hereford sows are productive breeders and attentive mothers.
- Durability and hardiness – Herefords are a hardy breed and can withstand temperature extremes well. They are good foragers.
- Red and white coloring – Herefords have the distinctive red body with a white face and belly like Hereford cattle.
In terms of growth performance and carcass quality, Hereford pigs are quite similar to Durocs. However, they do possess the leg soundness, grazing ability, and longevity typical of the Hereford cattle.
Uses of Hereford Pigs
Hereford pigs are used in many different pork production systems:
- Commercial pork production – Hereford’s fast growth and lean carcasses make them ideal for large-scale confinement pork operations.
- Outdoor production – Small farms appreciate Hereford’s ability to forage and withstand temperature swings when raised outdoors.
- Pasture raising – Herefords are well-suited to pasture raising systems because of their history as grazers.
- Niche and heirloom markets – The heritage background of Herefords appeals to consumers looking for rare and specialty pork.
- Crossbreeding programs – Hereford boars are used frequently in crossbreeding to impart hybrid vigor and carcass quality.
The versatility of Hereford pigs allows them to thrive in many different production environments. Their meat quality satisfies consumers seeking tasty and tender pork.
Hereford Pig Weights and Growth
Here are some typical weight and growth benchmarks for Hereford pigs under average feeding and management:
| Age | Weight |
|---|---|
| Birth | 2.5-3.5 lbs |
| Weaning (6-8 weeks) | 30-40 lbs |
| 10-12 weeks | 65-85 lbs |
| 16 weeks | 125-150 lbs |
| 24 weeks | 240-280 lbs |
| Slaughter/Market | 250-300 lbs |
Hereford pigs are typically ready for market at 5.5-6 months of age when they reach 240-280 lbs. By keeping pigs a week or two longer, heavier carcass weights of 250-300 lbs can be achieved. Herefords have excellent lean gain and feed efficiency.
Hereford Pig Breeding and Litters
Here are some key facts about breeding Hereford sows and their litters:
- Puberty – Gilts reach puberty at 6-8 months of age.
- Heats – Hereford sows cycle every 18-24 days.
- Gestation – The gestation period is 112-115 days.
- Litter size – Average litter sizes are 8-12 pigs.
- Litter frequency – With good care, Hereford sows can farrow 1.8-2.2 litters per year.
- Mothering ability – Hereford sows are attentive mothers with good milking ability.
- Longevity – Hereford sows remain productive breeders for 5-7 years if managed well.
The maternal strengths of Hereford sows make them a popular choice for breeding stock. They excel in outdoor farrowing and lactating systems.
Hereford Pig Feeding
Hereford pigs have excellent lean growth efficiency, reaching market weights quickly with good feed conversion. Here are some feeding guidelines for Hereford hogs:
- Newborn pigs – Suckle sow’s milk for warmth, nutrients, and passive immunity.
- 2-8 weeks – Transition pigs from sow’s milk to solid feed. Provide starter feeds with 18-20% protein.
- 8 weeks – market – Ad libitum feeding of high quality 16-18% protein grower feed balanced for amino acids.
- Market pigs – Limit feed 16% protein finisher feed the last 2-4 weeks before slaughter. Avoid overfatting.
- Sows – Flush gilts and gestating sows with 16% protein feeds. Provide higher protein lactation feeds while nursing.
- Pastured pigs – Provide grain supplement to balance nutrients in forage.
Hereford pigs utilize feed very efficiently for lean muscle growth. Avoid overfeeding, as Herefords can become overweight if overfed.
Housing and Fencing for Hereford Pigs
Hereford pigs are well-suited for a variety of housing systems thanks to their versatile nature. Some guidelines for facilities include:
- Farrowing pens – Minimum space of 6 x 8 feet up to 10 x 12 feet per sow. Provide piglet protection and supplemental heat.
- Nursery pens – Allow at least 3-4 square feet per pig up to 50 pounds.
- Finishing pens – Minimum of 8-12 square feet per market hog over 150 pounds.
- Pasture – Rotate pigs frequently to prevent overgrazing. Provide adequate wallows, shade and shelter.
- Fencing – Herefords respect electric fencing. Permanent fencing should be sturdy, at least 49 inches high.
Hereford pigs are adaptable and do well in intensive indoor production or relaxed outdoor systems. Focus on providing adequate space, dry bedding, and ventilation.
Health and Disease Resistance
Hereford pigs have very good health traits and disease resistance. Their Hereford cattle ancestry provides a hardy, robust constitution. Important health considerations include:
- Parasites – Herefords have good resistance to internal and external parasites. Use dewormers only when needed.
- Feet and legs – Herefords have sound feet and leg structure. Avoid leg problems by providing proper nutrition.
- Farrowing problems – Hereford sows typically have few birthing issues due to their wide pelvis shape.
- Heat tolerance – The Hereford background provides adaptation to hot, humid climates.
- Cold tolerance – Their hairy coats help Herefords tolerate cold stresses well.
With their robust health, Herefords require fewer interventions like deworming and antibiotics compared to more fragile breeds.
Pros and Cons of Hereford Pigs
Here are some of the key advantages and disadvantages of raising Hereford pigs:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Very lean, muscular carcasses | -Can become overweight if overfed |
| – Efficient lean growth rate | – Limited availability compared to some breeds |
| – Durable, hardy constitution | – Require more space than confinement breeds |
| – Excellent maternal abilities | – Not suitable for complete confinement production |
| – Good temperament | – Need access to pasture or outdoors |
| – Good foraging skills | – Do not tolerate poor management well |
Hereford pigs offer the carcass leanness desired by the industry along with the hardiness associated with older breeds. They perform best with access to pasture and in welfare-friendly systems.
Availability and Breed Associations
Although not as common as breeds like Yorkshire and Landrace, Hereford pigs are available from breeders across the United States. Sources to find Hereford swine include:
- Hereford Hog Association – The Hereford Hog Association maintains the breed registry and has a breeder directory.
- Coffey Cattle Company – This Kansas-based company was instrumental in developing the Hereford breed.
- Local breeders – Contact farmers and homesteaders in your area who may keep Herefords.
- Livestock sale barns – Ask sale barn managers to watch for Herefords.
- Online livestock sites – Sites like Craigslist or Ranch World Ads sometimes have Hereford pigs.
When sourcing Hereford pigs, look for health, proper conformation, and pigs from proven bloodlines. Purchase from experienced breeders whenever possible.
Price of Hereford Pigs
As a relatively rare breed, Hereford pigs tend to sell for higher prices than commercial production breeds. Some approximate Hereford pig prices:
- Feeder pigs (40-60 lbs) – $80-120 per pig
- Weaned pigs (15-25 lbs) – $50-100 per pig
- Suckling pigs – $35-60 each
- Proven adult breeders – $300-600 per head
- Weaned piglets – $50-150 each, depending on quality
Factors like supply and demand, pedigree, and pig quality can significantly influence price. Be prepared to pay a premium for the Hereford breeding.
Conclusion
With their unique red and white coloring and hardy characteristics, Hereford pigs offer compelling advantages for small farms and pasture-based production. Their excellent carcass leanness and efficient growth make them suitable for meat markets demanding quality pork. Although not yet common, Hereford pigs are gaining popularity among sustainable agriculture farmers seeking an alternative to conventional production breeds.
