Urzhum pig
Russian bacon pig breed from the Kirov region.
The Urzhum, or Urzhumskaya, is a meat-focused pig breed from Russia’s Kirov region. It was developed in the town of Urzhum during the late 1950s, with official recognition arriving in 1957. The goal was a pig hardy enough for the local climate that also produced excellent meat. These are big animals: white, long-bodied, with sturdy legs, heavy ears that lean slightly forward, and thick bristles. Their meat is mainly used for bacon. The breed is seen as a standout success of the area’s pig-breeding program.
The Urzhum’s reputation rests on both its meat and its hardiness. It was created by crossing local pigs with the Large White breed. Adults average 250 kilograms, with boars reaching 320 kilograms. It takes about 206 days for a pig to gain 100 kilograms. Body length ranges from 155 centimeters in females to 190 centimeters in males. The meat is valued for its tenderness, juiciness, and flavor. Beyond meat, the breed is adaptable and resilient, handling extreme weather well. Sows are good mothers with high fertility, typically producing litters of 12 to 15 piglets. They also digest local feed efficiently and suit both intensive and extensive farming.
As of 1980, the population stood at 107,300, with 39,900 purebreds. Today, seven breeding farms and two breeding centers work to improve the Urzhum’s growth rate and meat quality through selective breeding and crossbreeding.
Quick Facts
- Country
- Russia
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The Urzhum pig was developed in Urzhum, Russia, during the late 1950s by breeding local kinds of pig with the Large White breed. It was officially recognized as a unique breed in 1957. The breed is known for being hardy and robust, with a prized quality of meat that is tender, juicy, and flavorful. Adults have body lengths ranging from 155 to 190 centimeters, with boars reaching an average weight of 320 kilograms and sows around 250 kilograms. The time to gain 100 kilograms of mass is about 206 days.
Reader's Guide
The Urzhum pig holds significance as a successful outcome of regional pig breeding in the Kirov region of Russia. Its development during the late 1950s addressed the need for a breed that could produce high-quality meat while thriving in the local climate. The breed's meat, primarily used for bacon, is noted for its tenderness, juiciness, and flavor, contributing to the economic success of pork production in the region. The Urzhum's hardiness and adaptability allow it to withstand extreme climates and various husbandry conditions, making it suitable for both intensive and extensive farming. Its high fertility and good mothering ability further enhance its value. As of 1980, the breed had a substantial population, with ongoing breeding programs in dedicated farms and centers aimed at improving growth rate and meat quality. The Urzhum pig exemplifies how targeted breeding can produce a robust, productive animal that supports regional agriculture and food production.
Did You Know?
- Boars of the breed have an average weight of 320 kilograms.
- Litters typically contain between 12 and 15 piglets.
- As of 1980, the breed's population was 107,300, with 39,900 purebreds.
More in Animal breeds originating in the Soviet Union 1-24
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