) A Hampshire sow with cross-bred piglets | |
| Country of origin | England |
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| Traits | |
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The Hampshire pig is a domestic swine breed characterized by erect ears, a black body, and a white band around the middle, covering the front legs.
The American National Swine Registry notes this as the fourth "most-recorded breed" of pig raised as livestock in the United States, and probably the oldest American breed of hog.[1] It is believed to have derived from English Breed, found in northern England and Scotland. Importations of this hog breed to America were thought to have been made from Hampshire in England between 1827 and 1839.[2] Pigs remaining in this part of England developed later into the Wessex Saddleback. Residents of Hampshire are often colloquially referred to as "Hampshire Hogs", a name which goes back at least to the 1790s.
Hampshire hogs are noted for being well-muscled and rapid growers, and for exhibiting good carcass quality when used as meat animals.[3] When used as breeding stock, the sows of this breed have been praised for their capacity as mothers, having "extra longevity in the sow". Hampshires are good tempered; they do not grow as fast as many cross-breds, but they do grow faster than American Yorkshires.[4]
References
- ^ Hampshire, National Swine Registry, retrieved December 19, 2011
- ^ Hampshire, Oklahoma State University, retrieved December 19, 2011
- ^ "Pig Farming". The Canadian Encyclopedia.
- ^ US National Swine Registry: Hampshire
External links