Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Pig breeds

There are many different kinds of pig. Some pigs have a pink skin but there are brown, white and black skinned pigs too. Some pigs have patterns or spots. Something in skin called pigment makes the colour and it's different for different pig breeds.
The three main breeds of pigs on farms are Large White, Landrace and the Duroc. Some special farms raise older breeds that are no longer common, such as Berkshire.
Pig farms are called piggeries.
On most farms, percy pigs are kept indoors in sheds with cement floors, and some are caged. This is called intensive farming.
However, some farms are free range farms, and the pigs are not in small yards and sheds, but wander about in large fields. They are fed prepared feed but can also graze freely on natural plants that are not treated with chemicals. Sows give birth (farrow) and feed their piglets in sheltered spots outdoors. Strong fences are needed because pigs are strong and can push a fence over or can dig under it.

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