Urzhum pig

The urzhum, also known as Urzhumskaya, is a breed of pig used for its meat originating from the Kirov region in Russia. They are a large breed with long, white bodies, strong legs, heavy ears that are slightly tilted forward, and thick bristles along their body.^[1] The meat is primarily used in the production of bacon.^[2] Urzhum pigs’ high-quality, reliable meat is integral to the pork production and supports the economic success of pork in the region.^[3]

Urzhum

Other names	Russian: Уpжумcкaя Urzhumskaya
Country of origin	Russia
Traits
Pig Sus domesticus

This breed first appeared in Urzhum, Russia, for which it got its name, during the late 1950’s as part of a breeding program to create a breed to thrive in the local climate while also yielding quality meat. It is known for being hardy and robust while also having a prized quality of meat.^[3] The breed became officially recognized as unique in 1957.^[1]

Reasons for Success

Meat Production Advantages

The breed is considered a prime example of the success of the pig breeding program in the region.^[3] It was derived from breeding local kinds of pig with the large white breed.^[3] It is praised for its meat yields with an average weight of 250 kilograms.^[4] Boars of the breed have a weight of 320 kilograms.^[4] The time taken to gain 100 kilograms of mass is around 206 days.^[1] Body lengths of adults vary between 155 centimeters to 190 centimeters across females and males.^[2] The breed also boasts high meat quality in terms of tenderness, juiciness, and flavor.^[3]

Advantages Outside of Meat

Another major reason why this breed is seen as a success is because of the various advantages outside of meat production. They are highly adaptable and resilient, helping them withstand extreme climates.^[2][3] The sows of the breed have good mothering ability and high fertility with litters tending to have between 12 and 15 kids.^[2][4] Urzhum pigs are adapted to digesting the feed given to them due to the conditions of their location.^[1] It is also adaptable to various conditions of husbandry, making them suitable for intensive and extensive farming practices.^[3]

Breeding Facts

As of 1980, the breed’s population was 107,300 with 39,900 purebreds.^[1] The Urzhum is bred to be improved in 7 breeding farms and 2 breeding centers for raising and crossbreeding to improve growth rate and meat quality.^[1]