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Can a pig change its spots?
Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2009 9:01 am
by Geoff
Editorial care required or are you blaming another of your organic loose canons?
Gloucester Old Spot
- gloucester.jpg (23.6 KiB) Viewed 1969 times
Oxford Sandy and Black
- howtokeeppigs.jpg (24.78 KiB) Viewed 1970 times
Re: Can a pig change its spots?
Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2009 12:37 pm
by Johnboy
Everybody seems to think that the Gloucester Old Spot Pig, favoured by the organic fraternity, is a centuries old breed but in truth the first official record is in 1913 when a GOS Herd Society was founded.
The Oxford Sandy and Black Pig, on the other hand, has been known for between 200 and 300 years in the UK. IMHO the Oxford Sandy and Black produces far better quality meat as does the Tamworth Pig. To me there is far too much fat on a Gloucester Old Spot and not enough meat.
JB.
Re: Can a pig change its spots?
Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2009 5:24 pm
by Cider Boys
Although the herd book was started in the 20th century, the GOS has I believe been around for at least 200-300 years as a distinct type. Many paintings centuries old depite a GOS type pig. They are the oldest pedigree spotted pig in the world. Whilst the Oxford Sandy and Black is again a very old breed but it was not until 1985 that a breed society was formed.
I have just finished eating a GOS boar slaughtered at about 6 months and it was delicious with very little fat and what fat there was made superb crackling. I am agreat fan of the GOS and it is very true that they love apples whilst our Bershire pigs won't eat apples.
I have never tasted Tamworth or Oxford Sandy and Black so I must try and source some of their meat for comparison.
I hope to slaughter our remaining pigs soon which is a shame as they are such wonderful characters.
You can't beat outdoor reared pigs in my opinion.
I will have to try and load some pictures of them before they go.
Barney
Re: Can a pig change its spots?
Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2009 9:06 pm
by Johnboy
Hi Barney,
Oxford Sandy and Black Pigs.
The society formed in 1985 is only the current one formed because the breed was almost lost there have been several societies in the dim and distant past. Back into history they have been known for 2-300 years.
http://www.oxfordsandypigs.co.uk/history/I am sure that the Gloucester Old Spot had been around long before the breed society was formed.
Glad you enjoyed eating your own pork. There really is nothing better than traditionally reared meat. All my meat is reared this way and none of it organic! None of my meat is reared by me any longer.
JB.