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Characteristics
The Duroc pig is mainly famous for its typical red coat and drooping ears. Durocs however come in a great variety of colours. The colour may vary from a very light golden, almost yellow colour, to what seems like a very dark mahogany.
Origins?
The actual origins of the Duroc pig remain unclear however. According to some sources, the red breed was originally transported from Africa to the American continent via the slave trade. Other sources mention import from Europe with Columbus’ 2nd American voyage, which landed at Nova Scotia.
In 1812 the so-called “Red Hogs” were being bred in New York and New Jersey in America. These pigs displayed some specific characteristics, not only were they of a substantial size, but they also had sizeable litters and high fertility. Our present-day Duroc pigs are descended from these Red Durocs from New York and Jersey Reds from New Jersey.
Trotting stallion ‘Duroc’
The origin of the name Duroc is less uncertain. In 1823 Isaac Frink from Milton, New York purchased a red boar from a litter of ten from Harry Kelsey. Kelsey was the owner of a famous trotting stallion named ‘Duroc’. Frink named his red boar in honour of this horse. This particular boar was renowned for the tenderness of his flesh and the quality of his carcass.
The boar’s descendants kept the name Duroc and many of them inherited his colour, precocious growth and maturity, broad ham and shoulder and easy-going nature. The Duroc was smaller than the Jersey red, with a more slender bone structure and a better quality of carcass.
Fame
At the 1893 world fair in Chicago Duroc pigs gained great fame with the first successful Duroc show. This was merely the beginning of the Duroc pig’s increasing popularity.
Distribution
Today the Duroc breed has seen worldwide distribution and is enjoying ever-growing success. |
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