The Large White is a British breed of domestic pig. It derives from the old Large Yorkshire breed from the county of Yorkshire, in northern England.
 Boar | |
| Other names |
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|---|---|
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Standard | British Pig Association |
| Traits | |
| Hair | white |
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History
The Large White derives from the old Large Yorkshire breed, a long-legged and heavy-boned pig from the county of Yorkshire, in northern England. In the nineteenth century this was crossed with pigs imported from China, giving rise to three distinct types or breeds: the Small White showed the greatest Asian influence, small and fat with a markedly foreshortened snout; the Middle White also showed some foreshortening of the face; the Large White was the least obviously influenced by the Chinese admixture.[1]: 649 It may also have been influenced by the Cumberland and Leicestershire breeds.[2]
A pair of pigs of Large White type were shown at the Royal Agricultural Show in Windsor in 1851.[3] The breed was recognised in 1868, and a herd-book was started in 1884.
The Large White has been exported to many countries of the world.[2] The American Yorkshire of North America derives from it.[4]
Characteristics
The Large White is a big, white pig, with erect ears and a slightly dished face.[5] Sows farrow large litters and produce abundant milk.[3]
Use
The Large White is one of the most numerous of all pig breeds, widely used in crossbreeding for intensive pig farming around the world.[6] It was originally developed as an outdoor breed, but today it is one of those favoured by commercial pig breeders.[2]
References
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