Pigs Scramble Squares. Fascinating Facts The words "swine," "hogs," and "pigs" refer to animals of the porcine or pig family. The term swine can also refer to the pig family collectively. "Hog" will generally refer to animals at or nearing market weight. Eight major breeds of hogs are commonly used for breeding in the United States. In general, the five dark breeds--Berkshire, Duroc, Hampshire, Poland China, and Spot are known and used for their siring ability and their potential to pass along their durability, leanness, and meatiness to their offspring. The three white breeds-- Chester White, Landrance, and Yorkshire are sought for their reproductive and mothering abilities. A pig litter usually consists of between eight and twelve piglets.
