Pork varieties have various characteristics, and each of these varieties is often raised mainly for specific purposes such as meat production, breeding, and finishing. In addition, the production and demand of each pork variety vary from country to country, so the pork industry is an important part of the global economy.
1. Landrace
Landrace is a fast-growing and highly reproductive breed that is mainly used for breeding. It is widely used worldwide, and is especially popular in Korea, the United States, Europe, and China. It plays an important role in improving the quality of the meat by mating with other breeds. According to global agricultural statistics by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO)**, a significant portion of pigs used for breeding are landrace breeds, which are in increasing demand on large farms.
2. Large White
Large white varieties are non-fertilizing and are mainly used on large farms. They are widely produced in Europe, the United States, China, and Brazil, and play a critical role in meat production. According to a report by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)**, large white varieties are widely used on most commercial pork farms due to their superior meat speed and quality.
3. Duroc (Durrock)
Durok is popular in the high-end pork market due to its excellent marbling and superior meat quality. In particular, it is consumed a lot in Japan, South Korea, and the United States. According to a report by **International Meat Secretariat (IMS)**, the Durok variety is in steady demand in the high-end pork market and plays an important role in the premium consumer market due to its marbling rich meat flavor.
4. Berkshire (Buckshire)
Berkshire is a particularly popular breed in Japan, with excellent marbling and a soft meat texture. According to data from the FAO, it is in high demand in the premium pork market and is mostly consumed in the high-end consumer market. There is a strong preference for Berkshire Pork in Japan's high-end restaurants.
5. Yorkshire (Yorkshire)
Yorkshire is a breed that is lean and reproducible, and is mainly used to improve meat quality in crossbreeding with other breeds. According to the European Commission's Agricultural and Rural Development Reports, this breed is mainly produced in Europe and the United States, and plays an important role in improving pork quality.
6. Meishan (Meishan)
Meishan is a breed that is often used in China, and it is characterized by being rich in fat and excellent in the flavor of meat. According to the Chinese Agricultural Yearbook, the Meishan breed is popular in China for being high in fat and excellent in taste. This breed is popular with consumers who prefer fatty meat and is an important part of the traditional Chinese pork market.
Pork production and demand
Globally, pork production amounts to over 110 million tons annually. Major producers include China, the European Union, the United States, and Brazil, where most of the time, pork is produced on large farms. According to a report by the FAO, China is the world's largest producer and consumer of pork, producing over 50 million tons of pork annually. The United States and Brazil are countries that produce and mainly export pork on a large scale, resulting in a significant increase in the production and demand for pork.
Pork varieties are important in determining the taste and quality of meat based on the characteristics of each breed. Varieties such as landlace, large white, durok, and Berkshire are widely used worldwide due to their different characteristics and have a significant impact on pork production and demand.
Sources
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) - FAO's annual report and agricultural statistics
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Data on Agriculture and Livestock Industry in the United States
Each country's agricultural and livestock departments - for example, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs in Korea, the Ministry of Agriculture in China, and the European Union's report on agriculture
Livestock Research Papers and Books - Academic Materials Related to Pork Varieties
International Meat Secretariat - Statistics and analytical data related to the meat industry