Major Breeds
Many breeds of swine are commonly raised in Pennsylvania. Each breed has
characteristics that distinguish it from other breeds of swine.
Swine producers choose to raise a particular breed of swine instead of another breed
because that breed has a combination of qualities that producers want to have in their
herds. For example, swine from white breeds usually make good mothers, while swine
from colored breeds usually make good sires when crossbreeding.
Some of the major breeds of swine raised in Pennsylvania and their characteristics are
listed below.