Buyer question
Is a Pietrain pig good for beginners?
Usually not: our Animal Library rates the Pietrain pig 2 out of 5 for beginners (stress gene risk).
Source: the Pietrain pig page in the Everybarn Animal Library. Pietrain pig in the Animal Library
The detail
Pietrains are a Belgian breed known for very heavy muscling and lean carcasses, with white coats and black spots. They are used as terminal sires in commercial crosses to add muscle and lean meat.
- Temperament
- Can be nervous
- Best fit
- Commercial crossbreeding
- Docility
- 2 out of 5 (Can be nervous)
- Hardiness
- 2 out of 5 (Stress-sensitive)
What to weigh
Many Pietrains carry the halothane stress gene, which can cause sudden death under stress and paler meat. Stress-negative lines are available and worth the extra questions.