Urzhum

The Urzhum pig is a Russian breed from the Kirov region, developed from local pigs and improved white breeds for northern farm conditions. It is generally a large white production pig, valued for meat, growth, and adaptation to colder climates. The breed's background reflects regional Soviet and Russian livestock improvement, where local hardiness was combined with more standardized pork traits.

Urzhum pigs need the same solid management expected of large white breeds, with extra attention to bedding, ventilation, and winter protection in cold areas. Breeders should select for fertility, mothering, growth, sound legs, and pigs that keep condition in the local feeding system. Since the breed can resemble other white commercial pigs, provenance is important. A herd claiming Urzhum identity should be able to explain its source and breeding history.