The Great White is a domestic pig breed most closely related to other improved European breeds, such as the Yorkshireand Middle White, which share common ancestry.
700–1,000 lbs (315–450 kg)
Weight (Boar)
600–800 lbs (270–360 kg)
Wieght (Sow)
About
The Great White Pig (Sus scrofa domesticus), also known as the Large White, is one of the most widespread and influential pig breeds in the world, belonging to the family Suidae. Originating in Yorkshire, England, during the early 19th century, it was developed from local white pigs and selectively bred for size, productivity, and adaptability. Today, it is a cornerstone of commercial pork production across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
This breed is large and muscular, with boars weighing up to 770 pounds (350 kg) and sows up to 650 pounds (295 kg). Great Whites are instantly recognizable by their all-white coats, upright ears, long bodies, and deep chests. Their strong legs and durable frames allow them to thrive in both intensive indoor systems and outdoor pastures.
The Great White Pig is highly valued for its prolific reproduction and excellent mothering abilities. Sows regularly produce large litters, provide ample milk, and demonstrate strong maternal care. These traits, combined with fast growth rates, make the breed a staple for pork production. Its meat is lean yet flavorful, well-suited for fresh cuts, processed pork, and cured products.
Beyond its own production value, the Great White has been widely used in crossbreeding programs, passing on desirable traits such as growth efficiency, litter size, and adaptability. This has made it a foundation breed for improving and shaping modern swine genetics worldwide.
From its Yorkshire origins to its global spread, the Great White Pig stands as a symbol of agricultural success, combining hardiness, productivity, and high-quality pork to meet the demands of farmers and consumers alike.
Threatened:
Extinct
Critically Endangered
Endangered
Vulnerable
Near Threatened
Least Concern
Physical Characteristics
The Great White Pig (Sus scrofa domesticus), also known as the Large White, is one of the world’s most widespread commercial pig breeds, prized for its adaptability and productivity.
Coat: The breed has a uniform white coat with fine, short bristles. Skin is pale and lightly pigmented, requiring protection from excessive sun.
Head: Medium to large head with a straight profile and upright ears. The snout is long and strong, well-suited for rooting and feed intake.
Body: Large and elongated, with a deep, broad chest and well-developed hams. The frame is designed for fast growth and high meat yield.
Legs & Hooves: Long, straight legs with strong bone structure and durable hooves, supporting heavy body weight and active movement.
Size:
Adult Boars: 700–1,000 lbs (315–450 kg)
Adult Sows: 600–800 lbs (270–360 kg)
The Great White Pig’s large frame, rapid growth, and consistent white coat make it one of the most recognizable and economically important pig breeds worldwide.
Reproduction
Mating and Breeding:
Great White pigs are highly fertile and widely used in commercial breeding. Selective breeding emphasizes rapid growth, large litter sizes, and efficient feed conversion.
Breeding Age:
Sows are usually bred from 7–8 months of age, while boars are ready for service around the same time.
Gestation:
The sow’s gestation lasts about 114 days (3 months, 3 weeks, 3 days), standard for domestic pigs.
Litter Size:
Great White sows are prolific, typically producing 10–12 piglets per litter, with larger litters common under intensive farming conditions.
Parental Care:
Sows provide strong maternal care but may require management support in large-scale systems to reduce piglet mortality and ensure uniform growth.
Weaning and Growth:
Piglets are generally weaned at 3–5 weeks in commercial systems to allow for multiple litters per year. They are fast-growing and quickly adapt to solid feed.
The Great White’s reproductive efficiency and prolific litters make it one of the most important foundation breeds for global pork production.
Lifespan
In Traditional or Natural Conditions:
Great White pigs can live 8–10 years, and in some cases up to 12 years, similar to other domestic pig breeds, if not raised for commercial purposes.
In Commercial Farming:
Due to their role in intensive pork production, most are slaughtered much earlier—typically at 6–8 months for market pigs, and breeding sows are often culled by 3–5 years.
Factors Affecting Longevity:
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Genetics: Selective breeding emphasizes productivity and growth over long-term health.
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Environment: Intensive housing can shorten working life compared to free-range or small-scale systems.
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Diet: Balanced rations support rapid growth, but management is needed to prevent joint strain or obesity in breeding stock.
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Workload: High reproductive demands can shorten sow lifespans compared to less intensively bred pigs.
The Great White’s natural lifespan is fairly long for a domestic pig, but commercial practices typically shorten its years in favor of productivity.
Eating Habits
Diet:
Great White pigs are omnivores but primarily raised on a grain-based diet of corn, barley, wheat, and soy, supplemented with forage and vegetables when available.
Foraging Behavior:
Though capable rooters, in commercial settings they are usually kept in controlled environments with formulated feed. In small-scale or free-range systems, they graze and dig for roots, grasses, and insects.
Supplemental Feed:
High-energy feeds are provided to support rapid growth and high meat yield. Breeding sows receive protein-rich rations to support milk production and reproductive health.
Feeding Behavior:
They are steady eaters with efficient feed conversion, making them one of the most productive pig breeds. Commercial systems often provide multiple small meals or ad libitum feeding.
Special Considerations:
Because of their rapid growth, Great Whites require carefully balanced diets to prevent joint stress, obesity in sows, and metabolic issues.
The Great White’s efficient feeding habits and adaptability to both intensive and free-range systems have made it the backbone of global pork production.
Uniqueness
Global Dominance:
The Great White, also known as the Large White, is the most widely distributed pig breed worldwide, forming the backbone of modern pork production.
Prolific Breeders:
Sows are exceptionally fertile, producing large litters and multiple cycles per year, making them central to commercial breeding programs.
Efficient Growth:
They are known for rapid growth rates, efficient feed conversion, and consistent carcass quality, making them highly economical for farmers.
Versatility:
Adaptable to both intensive commercial systems and free-range environments, they thrive in diverse climates and management styles.
Foundation Breed:
The Great White has been widely crossbred, contributing genetics to countless commercial hybrids, shaping the global pig industry.
The Great White Pig’s combination of fertility, adaptability, and global influence makes it one of the most important and recognizable pig breeds in the world.
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FAQ’s
1. What species is closest to the Great White Pig?
2. How does the Great White Pig compare to other pigs?
Great Whites are larger, faster-growing, and more prolific than most heritage breeds. Unlike slower-growing pigs, they are bred for efficiency, high litter sizes, and commercial productivity.
3. What national parks provide the best opportunities for seeing a Great White Pig?
As a commercial breed, they aren’t found wild, but can be seen on demonstration farms or agricultural centers near parks such as Peak District National Park (UK) or in U.S. farmsteads near national reserves.
