The Duroc breed originated in the north-eastern section of the United States of America from a few strains of red pigs. These red pigs were united into one group to form the Duroc Jersey breed. Genetically this group of red hogs consisted collectively of four breeds:
■  the Jersey Reds from New Jersey
■  the Duroc from New York
■  the Red Berkshires from Connecticut
■  the Red Rocks from Vermont

This wide genetic base of the Duroc Jersey breed (the word Jersey was later omitted to avoid confusion with the Jersey dairy cattle breed) has provided enough genetic variation to “give the breed a high proportion of genetic elasticity”. It must be noted that from the initial phases (development years) the custodians of the Duroc breed have emphasized pork quality as one of the main attributes of the breed.

Subsequently the Duroc has also become one of the most important terminal sires in Canada, Denmark, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, South Africa and many other countries around the world. A distinct characteristic of the breed is the rusty red color of the breed, although shades can vary from light gold to dark mahogany. The first history of the red hogs of America was recorded in 1872 at Indianapolis, Indiana.

The Duroc has received increasing interest from major European and Scandinavian (Denmark & Sweden) pig producing countries because of its reputed muscle quality (marbling), general absence of stress and economical feed efficiency and growth rates. The modern Duroc has attributes specific to the breed, which have proven to be of particular advantage as a terminal sire. When crossed with traditional white breeds, Duroc boars produce slaughter progeny of exceptional growth rates, feed efficiency and with the ability to remain lean at higher slaughter weights (105 – 120kg). The progeny from such a terminal crossing produces good quality carcasses, free from the red /red-black hair follicles that are common in the pure breed. Because of all the positive traits of the Duroc, the breed is also used to breed terminal hybrid sires or synthetic sires.

The Duroc Breed in South Africa

The first official consignments of the “modern” Duroc were imported during 1980 into South Africa. The country of origin was Canada. Prominent breeders or pioneers who were actively involved with the early development of the breed in this country were Messrs Mike Benson and Roger Barnes of Kwazulu-Natal, Nick Meschede of Rivonia and Arthur Webber of Pretoria in Gauteng. The rationale behind this importation was to make available a third breed, primarily for crossbreeding purposes, available to the South African pig industry. In this regard good muscling, a moderate to good length, acceptable back fat levels, good strong bone development, extremely good testicular development (linked to a strong libido/sexual drive) are some outstanding characteristics which make the purebred performance tested Duroc stud boar thé terminal sire of choice amongst many commercial producers and stud breeders alike.

Duroc sows cannot be regarded as good mothers, although they give birth to large litters. However, individual sows within the breed perform just as well as those in any other breed, and it is imperative that selection for mothering ability be sustained.

The Duroc boar has good libido and rarely gives trouble when mating. Stud breeders who breed Durocs must concentrate on boars with a high EBV’s (Estimated Breeding Values) for the terminal sire market. An advantage of this breed is the fact that stress susceptibility is negligible and terminal offspring can therefore be transported and marketed without any problems. It is recommended that (apart from stud breeding purposes) the Duroc boar be used on F1 (Landrace and Large White) cross-bred sows and all the progeny be marketed. Should the offspring inherit more than 50% of the Duroc genes, the COLORed hair follicles create problems at the abattoir on removal of the hair. Despite this challenge, Duroc meat is well marbled – significantly better than that of the other breeds.

Due to the relatively small size of the Duroc gene pool in the country, semen importation from abroad is imperative to continually improve the genetic potential of the breed.

Standards of Excellence for the Duroc

General Appearance
Durocs are generally regarded as tall and very large at maturity when compared to other breeds, but specimens of this breed must be free moving and able to lift the head to the height of the animals back. They tend to be longer in the leg and deeper bodied than most other breeds. Hair must not be excessively curly or coarse. The Duroc must have a strong hide but not too thick or covering the body too tightly.

Head and Ears
The head is of medium size, though with young boars it sometimes appears somewhat large. It should be straight to slightly dished. The nose should be of medium size and length. The forehead should be broad. Large, well placed dark eyes for clear forward vision are a particular feature of the breed. The ears are of medium size and thickness and point forward and downward. Ears should never cover the eyes completely. Erect ears are not regarded as a disqualification but are not preferred. The neck should be of medium length, clean, not jowly or collared or bristly on the crest or mane.

Back
The back should be level to slightly arched with good length and width, not hollowed or excessively arched. At maturity the body must have good depth.

Front Legs
The front legs are well placed, wide apart, showing width of chest but not too upright or straight. Shoulders should be well placed so as to allow for easy walking.

Hind Legs
Hind legs should be of medium length, not too tall and straight – allowing for free and easy movement and of strong bone, placed well apart.

Hams
The hams must be broad, long and smoothly muscled from the top of the rump to the hocks.

Bone, Pasterns and Clay
Should have strong bone development and strong gently sloping pasterns. The ideal clays should be of even size varying from black to amber in color. Durocs tend to be heavier boned than most breeds.

Sow and Boar Underline
Sows should display a good underline of at least six functional teats on either side. These teats should be of good shape and quality. Boars should have at least six teats on either side with three teats on either side in front of the sheath. Very small or overly large teats should be avoided and attention given to nipple quality and texture in the breed with a view to improving dam performance.

Color
Rusty red, golden brown, although shades may vary from light (almost yellow) to a very dark that borders on mahogany. A rusty red is the most popular, but there is no discrimination against lighter or darker shades. Color also varies with age and boars become darker as they get older. Skin must be pigmented, although lighter and softer on the undercarriage. The skin must be free from black spots or flecks. White spots are a disqualification.

Objectional Points
1.  Excessively coarse or curly hair or bristly mane
2.  Small black spots or flecks
3.  Extremely dark to black coat or skin close to black
4.  Coarse heavy ears that hinder eyesight
5.  Extremely light color – light yellow to white
6.  Stiff erect ears
7.  Inverted teats
8.  Small pin nipples
9.  Blood warts
10.  Any white skin or hair on any part of the pig
11.  Kinky tail
12.  Uneven or small testes
13.  Extremely flighty temperament or over aggression in boars
14.  “Goose stepping” action or any other hindered action
15.  Less than six functional udder sections on each side, and all other genetic defects of any kind. This applies to boars, sows and their progeny
16.  Extra digits, any visible genetic deformities or any signs of contagious disease

Disqualification
Animals with faults in categories 2, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15 and 16 are not eligible for registration or exhibition.