Our Pigs
Our pigs are a cross of Duroc, Berkshire and Hampshire breeds.
Durocs: Durocs are red pigs with drooping ears. They are the second most recorded breed of swine in the United States and very popular in many other countries. They perform well as a terminal sire, an animal whose offspring are slaughtered for meat in the livestock industry. Durocs color can range from a very light golden, to a very dark red color that approaches mahogany. We use Durocs in our swine operation because the breed provides for naturally fast growth.
Berkshire: Berkshire pigs are an average to large breed, with an average weight at maturity of 600 lb. They have short legs, prick ears and a relatively short snout with an upturned nose. This breed has good marbling (the mixture of fat and lean meat) which we can greatly influence the flavor profile of the meat. Berkshire pork, is prized for its juiciness, flavor, and tenderness. Its high fat content makes it suitable for long cooking and high-temperature cooking.
Hampshire: The Hampshire breed is possibly the oldest, early-American breed of hogs in existence today. They were noted and criticized for their large size. They were admired for their proficiency, hardy vigor, foraging ability and outstanding carcass qualities. Hampshire females have gained a reputation as great mothers, and our girl Sugar MaMa has proven this to be true year after year.
Feed: The quality and type of food fed to the pigs greatly influence their quality and taste on the dinner table. R.O.S.E. Farm pigs are fed Non GMO and Organic grains from feed mills in Virginia. From spring to fall, their diet is supplemented with fruits and vegetables from the local market.
Fun Facts About Pigs
Pigs are smart. Their intelligence is higher than a dogs, some primates, and even young human children.
When they are trained, piglets can learn their names at just two to three weeks old. They can learn to respond when called and learn tricks faster than dogs.
Pigs use grunts to communicate with each other. The grunts made by pigs vary depending on the pig's personality and can convey important information about the welfare of this highly social species.
Newborn piglets learn to respond to their mothers’ voices, and mother pigs communicate with their babies through grunts while nursing.
Scientific research has found that piglets have a certain teat order and each piglet has its own teat to suckle from.]
In their natural state, pigs are very clean animals. They keep their toilets far from their living and feeding areas
Pigs are much more tolerant of colder temperatures than heat. Pigs have no sweat glands so they can't sweat. This is why they enjoy nice mud baths in the summer to keep cool.
Pigs like to get massages, enjoy scratching themselves on trees, relaxing while listening to music, and playing with enrichment toys.
Pigs have excellent memories. They can remember things for years and can recognize and remember objects.
The highest density of tactile receptors is found in the pig’s snout.
They use it mainly to dig in the dirt and smell food. A pig’s sense of smell is about 2000 times more sensitive than human's.