The Poland China is a [[Pigs|pig]] breed developed in the Miami Valley of Ohio in the 19th century. Despite its name, the breed is entirely American in origin, though its ancestry includes Chinese, English, and European pig genetics. Poland Chinas were among the most important commercial pig breeds in the United States from the late 19th through the mid-20th centuries and are distinguished by their large size, prolificacy, and efficient growth.
The Poland China breed was developed in southwestern Ohio, particularly in Warren, Clinton, and Montgomery counties, during the 1830s through 1860s. The foundation stock included the Big China breed (a large, flop-eared pig of Chinese ancestry imported in the 18th century), the Byfield (a New England breed), and the Berkshire. Later infusions of Irish Grazier, Russia Large White, and English Leicester blood refined the breed into its modern form.
The name "Poland China" was adopted in 1878. The breed was one of the first to benefit from organized breed improvement, and the Poland China Record Association was founded in 1878. By the early 20th century, the Poland China was the most popular pig breed in the United States, known for its large frame, heavy muscling, and ability to fatten efficiently on corn. The breed's dominance declined in the second half of the 20th century as commercial producers shifted to crossbreeding systems based on Yorkshire and Landrace.
Poland China pigs are black with six white points: the face, tail, and lower legs. Some individuals may have a small white spot on the body. The ears are drooping, large, and carried forward and downward. Mature sows weigh 600 to 800 pounds (270 to 360 kilograms), and boars weigh 700 to 900 pounds (315 to 405 kilograms). The breed is one of the largest of the American pig breeds.
The breed is characterized by its large frame, good depth of body, and heavy muscling. Poland Chinas have been selected for both size and meat quality, and they are capable of producing high-yielding carcasses. Sows are known for their large litters and strong maternal instincts.
Poland China pigs are used in crossbreeding programs to add size and muscling to commercial progeny. The breed's large frame and good feed conversion make it effective in pork production systems that emphasize growth rate and carcass weight. Poland China boars are sometimes used as terminal sires, particularly in systems where frame size is prioritized.
On homesteads, the breed's large size and good appetite require more feed than smaller breeds. Poland Chinas are less suited to extensive foraging than the lard-type and pasture breeds and perform best in systems with adequate grain supplementation.