How Selective Breeding Develops New Livestock Breeds: The Journey of the American Pasture Pig
At the American Pasture Pig Society, we are proud to be part of the development of the American Pasture Pig™ (APP), a breed being selectively bred with a focus on pork quality, structure, and productivity. Selective breeding is a time-honored practice that has been employed for centuries, leading to the creation of many distinct livestock breeds, each tailored to meet specific agricultural needs. This process is nothing new or unheard of; it’s a common agricultural practice that helps farmers optimize their herds for various purposes.
A well-known example of selective breeding is the Nigerian Dwarf and Pygmy goats, which share a common ancestry but have evolved for different purposes. Nigerian Dwarfs are prized for their milk production, while Pygmy goats were bred for a stockier build, making them ideal for meat production and popular as pets.
In the cattle world, we have the Hereford and Black Hereford breeds, both stemming from the same genetic foundation. Black Herefords were developed by crossing Herefords with Black Angus, resulting in improved marbling and darker hides, traits that made them more appealing for beef markets. Similarly, the Angus breed split into Black Angus and Red Angus, both now recognized as distinct breeds but sharing a common origin.
Sheep breeding has also followed a similar path. The Cheviot and North Country Cheviot breeds developed from the same foundation stock but were adapted to different environments. Cheviots were bred for smaller, lowland farms, while North Country Cheviots were selected for their hardiness in the harsh, rugged terrain of northern Scotland, leading to a larger and more resilient breed.
In the realm of pigs, the Berkshire and Tamworth breeds serve as prime examples. These pigs share a similar origin but were bred for different traits: Berkshires are prized for their premium pork marbling, while Tamworths were developed for their hardiness and adaptability to pasture systems.
Chickens also provide insight into selective breeding. The Leghorn and White Leghorn chickens originated from the same lineage but were bred with different goals. White Leghorns are commonly used in commercial egg production due to their high laying capacity, while standard Leghorns are more commonly found in backyard settings for their hardiness.
The Quarter Horse and Paint Horse are excellent examples from the horse world. Both breeds share ancestry, with the Quarter Horse known for its speed in short distances and versatility in various disciplines. The Paint Horse, characterized by its distinctive coat patterns, was developed from the same foundation stock, emphasizing color and unique markings while maintaining the physical traits of the Quarter Horse. This illustrates how breeders can emphasize different characteristics while still recognizing a common lineage.
As we develop the American Pasture Pig, we’re following a similar process, selectively breeding from the Idaho Pasture Pig®️ (IPP) foundation. The APP is being bred with specific goals in mind: to enhance meat quality, which includes tenderness and flavor, as well as to develop strong maternal and paternal traits for better breeding stock. We are also focusing on improving overall productivity, which entails optimizing growth rates, feed efficiency, and adaptability to pasture-based systems. This targeted approach will help ensure that the APP not only meets the expectations of modern consumers but also thrives in diverse farming environments.
Ongoing Development: The Journey of the APP
The American Pasture Pig is a breed in development, and while the process is still ongoing, each generation is being carefully selected for the characteristics that align with the breed’s long-term goals. Currently, the breed is being refined over seven generations, with the Foundation Herdbook documenting each pig’s lineage. This ensures that we are preserving the integrity of the breed while working toward the ideal combination of traits, including meat quality, productivity, and strong foraging ability. As the APP matures, it will continue to evolve and improve, ensuring its place in the future of sustainable, pasture-based farming.
With an emphasis on pasture-based systems and transparency of lineage through DNA verification, the APP is poised to meet the demands of modern farming while becoming a distinct breed of its own.
Selective breeding enables the shaping of livestock to meet specific needs, environments, and goals, and the American Pasture Pig is on its journey to becoming a breed that will make its mark in agriculture.