The Norwegian Landrace Pig is the most recognized Norwegian breed. Norwegian Landrace Pigs are a part of the Landrace line and their name comes from this and where they originated, Norway. As well, there are not many pig breeds in Norway – usually, Norwegian Landrace Pigs can be found in the southern region of the country. Studies that were conducted in 1970 showed that Norwegian Landrace Pigs had a good growth rate as well as feed conversion efficiency when compared to other breeds.
Norwegian Landrace Pigs are derived from the introduction of other breeds to Norway and were selectively bred for adaptation over time. The Norwegian Boar Testing Station is important in this process as they test 2300 boars annually with 2700 siblings on-station testing done every year too. As well as these tests, pigs also undergo breeding evaluations at various farms where only those who perform best will be used for broodstock improvement!
This breed was created with the importation of landrace breeds to Norway, with the crossing of autochthonous breeds. For this, an extensive selection was made to create new strains, and to create a unique combination.
Characteristics of Norwegian Landrace Pig
The Norwegian Landrace pig is a medium-sized breed. The females usually weigh a maximum of 200 to 280 Kg. While the males are heavier and larger than the females, so they weigh between 220 and 320 kg. The ears of this breed are large and by their weight, the direction of them is down. The head of this race has a small head in proportion to its body, while the shoulders are narrow. It also has a long back. You may also read Finnish Landrace Pig
Another characteristic of this breed is that it has white fur. The legs of this species are thick, and also have the particularity that the hind legs are larger than the front legs. So you see a very steep inclination, which is higher in its back, even the head of this breed is lower. The tail of this species is short and has a certain curvature and is direct downwards. At 4 months and a half of age, this breed can weigh 100 Kg. Farmers come to sacrifice this breed at this age.
Another characteristic of this breed is that it is a very precocious race, being able to be suitable for sexual reproduction from an early age. This breed is fertile, so it gets to reproduce between 2 and 3 litters per year. The litters of this breed are made up of 6 and 10 piglets. And they have a good cup of young that survive after weaning, surviving between 8 and 9 offspring after the weaning period has elapsed.
In addition, the females of this breed are very docile, so they serve and are very good as mothers. And the females also have good dairy skills, producing a lot of milk that serves and fits perfectly with the size of the litter. The highest peak of milk production is the fifth week after childbirth so that the offspring of this breed get good weight for weaning.
Usage
The Norwegian Landrace pig is a breed used mainly for meat production. Also, something that stands out in this breed is that its meat is lean. Even it is the leanest among the landrace breeds that are available in the European continent. Another reason why this breed is used is to cross this with other species and thus provide good characteristics to their offspring. You may also read Czech Improved White Pig
Food
The Norwegian Landrace pig is a breed that takes advantage of the food that is available in the area. That is why added to all the characteristics of the race so farmers prefer it. In addition, this breed takes very good advantage of everything they eat, getting to gain weight and taking advantage of all the nutrients in the food. They can take advantage of the pastures easily, the reason why they can be several hours under intense grazing.
Special Features
Farmers from neighboring countries have found this breed so efficient that it has served to export it. That’s why countries like England, Ireland, France, Sweden, Denmark, and even Canada have this specimen. Although in the aforementioned countries they have indigenous breeds, and usually produce good quality pigs. This indicates that the Norwegian Landrace pig breed meets the quality standards of those countries.
In addition, they also use it to cross with other species and improve the offspring of the species, by providing greater quality. Due to the characteristics of this breed, since the 90s a program of conservation of semen of the males of this breed has been implemented. To then use it as artificial insemination. Getting to have per year, about 20 doses of semen to store. However, these samples are not only taken from this breed but from the porcine breeds in Norway.
It should be noted that this breed has the most population in Norway, so they form a large population within the sample that is taken. 90% of the females of this breed get pregnant by artificial insemination.
FAQ
What is the landrace pig known for?
The landrace pig is known as a breed of domestic pig originating in the region of Landrace, Denmark. The breed was developed mainly for outdoor production and is known for its high quality pork with superior flavor, texture and marbling. This type of pig has an impressive history that goes back to the late 1800s when farmers in the area started selectively breeding their pigs to meet certain desired characteristics related to meat production qualities.
What breeds are Norwegian swine?
Norwegian swine are a large-bodied pig native to Norway and Sweden. They have been bred for centuries in these countries, often as part of traditional cultural practices. Today, Norwegian swine include five distinct breeds: the Santroc, Hallandgarthersorren, Langrigg, Nordlandsvin and Norsksveis.
What are the types of Landrace pig?
Landrace Pigs are a group of pig breeds that were traditionally developed for either solitary or communal grazing and foraging in open landscapes. These pigs are also raised for their meat, lard, leather, and bristles. There are a variety of Landrace pig breeds from around the world that have adapted to different climates and environments over hundreds of years.
Conclusion
Norwegian Landrace Pigs can be found in the southern region of Norway and are part of the Landrace line. They have a good growth rate as well as feed conversion efficiency when compared to other breeds. These studies were conducted in 1970, but today there is more research on them because they are one of few pig breeds that exist in Norway. If you want to learn more about this breed or see pictures, visit their website! We hope this guide has helped you out – good luck with your search for information!
As a reference: Wikipedia
