German Landrace pigs were developed around 1900,
in Lower Saxony, Germany from carefully selected pigs from the area. During the
years of 1948 to 1958, there were importations of Danish and Dutch Landrace
that were used to further improve the breed.
German Landrace pigs are very similar to other
Landrace pigs; they are white heavy drooping ears. However, they are not as
extreme in size and length as some of the Landrace strains of other nations.
German Landrace pig breeding selection efforts
have been especially directed toward excellent fertility, heavy milking, and
good mothering. There has been special attention, following weaning, to
efficiency in feed conversion and to high cut-out values.
German Landrace pigs have proven very useful in
crossbreeding and in improving the general performance of swine in Germany.
About 1,000 swines are exported each year to other countries.