Why choose the Duroc breed?
The Duroc breed's succulence and heavy muscling makes it very desirable as a feeder pig – producing tender, juicy pork with a rich flavor.
What's unique about the Duroc breed?
The Duroc breed is known for its distinctive red color and docile personality. Its tenacity in looking after its young combined with its docility between times makes it an ideal candidate for an outdoor pig, either as a dam or sire line.
Their thick auburn winter coat and hard skin allows them to survive cold and wet conditions. Because the pig molts its coat in summer (leaving the animal looking almost bald), the breed can cope with hot and dry conditions equally well.
This ability to adapt has afforded the Duroc breed a special niche in the British industry.
What's the history of the Duroc breed?
These red pigs are presumed to have first come to America from Spain and Portugal – brought here by Columbus on his second voyage and Hernando de Soto on his expedition into Florida, which at the time was a Spanish territory.
Where does the name Duroc originate from?
In 1823, Isaac Frink of Saratoga County, New York obtained a selection of red pigs from a man named Harry Kelsey – who at the time was standing a Thoroughbred stallion named Duroc at his farm. Fink was believed to have named the breed in honor of the famous horse.
When did the Duroc breed first gain popularity?
During the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago, the breed gained wide popularity at the first successful Duroc Hog Show. (Side note: This fair also marked the debut of Cream of Wheat hot cereal, Juicy Fruit gum and Pabst Blue Ribbon beer.)
