DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL SCIENCE

College of Agriculture and Food Science

Visayas State University
Visca, Baybay City, Leyte 6521-A, Philippines

AnSc 22
(PRINCIPLES OF ANIMAL PRODUCTION)

Name: Score:
Lab Sched.: Date Submitted: ____________

CLASSIFICATION AND SELECTION OF SWINE BREEDS

Laboratory Exercise No. 5

I. Introduction

Wild pigs of the present day represent as many as 6 genera and 31 species. The ancestors of
the domestic pig are traceable to the genus Sus and several species, which are recognized under
three common names: pigs, hogs and swine- terms that are used interchangeably. The genus Sus
scrofa contributed to the domestic breeds of swine, primarily through the following subspecies or
races: Sus vittatus of the Malayan region; Sus scrofa cristatu, the Indian wild boar; and Sus scrofa
scrofa, the Europian wild boar (Holden and Ensminger, 2006).

A breed is defined as a group of animals presumably related by descent from common

ancestors and visibly similar in most characteristics, especially such a grouped under domestication
as differentiated from the wild type, or a group within a species developed by artificial selection and
maintained by control propagation. Producers however have a wide selection of breeds depending
on the type of hogs to be raised. Swine types are the result of three contributing factors: the
demands of the consumer; the character of the available feeds; and the ability of the breeder to
develop pigs that can meet consumer demands, use the available feeds and be productive and
profitable.

II. Objectives
At the end of this laboratory the student will be able to:
1. Identify common breeds and types of swine.
2. Identify the distinguishing characteristics including the place of origin for each breed
of swine.
3. Know the factors to consider in selecting a breed of swine to be raised.

VISION
A globally competitive university of science, technology and environmental conservation.
MISSION
Development of a highly competitive human resource, cutting – edge scientific knowledge and
innovative technologies for sustainable communities and environment.
III. Materials and Methods

1. The laboratory instructor will discuss the different breeds of swine as well as the
criteria in selection of breeds to be raised.
2. Students must identify the pigs breed raised in DAS swine project.
3. Determine the breeds present at DAS swine project and identify the distinguishing
characteristics.

IV. Questions

1. Why should you select breeding stock raised in environments similar to yours?
2. Explain the relationship of soundness of hogs and longevity.
3. Fill up the table below.

BREEDS OF SWINE CHARACTERISTICS

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

V. References

Holden, P.J. and M.E. Ensminger. 2006. Swine Science. Pearson Prentice Hall Upper
Saddle River New Jersey 07458

http://www.thejudgingconnection.com/pdfs/Swime_Breeds.pdf

http://www.ansc.purdue.edu/stages/stg_user.html

VISION
A globally competitive university of science, technology and environmental conservation.
MISSION
Development of a highly competitive human resource, cutting – edge scientific knowledge and
innovative technologies for sustainable communities and environment.