Tamworth Pig
How rare are they?
At Risk: between 300-500 breeding sows remaining.
Where do they come from?
The Tamworth pig was bred in the Midlands, originating from crossing imported pigs such as the Red Barbadan or Axford.
What makes the Tamworth so special?
- The Tamworth has an attractive red-gold colour
- They have a long snout and pricked ears.
- They produce a quality carcass at higher weights.
- They are very adaptable to a wide range of conditions, from the humidity and heat of South East Asia to the cold areas of Britain.
- They love living in woods and foraging.
Middle White Pig
How rare are they?
Vulnerable: between 200-300 breeding sows remaining.
Where do they come from?
The Middle White Breed was established in 1852 by Mr Joseph Tulley, a weaver from Keighley in Yorkshire.
At the Keighley Agricultural Show in 1852 there were classes for Large Whites and Small Whites. However, Mr Tulley exhibited pigs that were a cross between the Large White and Small White breeds and the judge considered the pigs to be not big enough to compete with the Large Whites and too big to compete with the Small Whites.
However he believed the pigs to be of such excellent quality that a meeting was called and a new section was introduced and named the Middle White Breed.
What makes the Middle White Pig so special?
- The Middle White Pig is all white with thin skin and a fine coat.
- It has prick ears and is easily distinguished from other breeds by its short "dished" face and turned up snout.
- The Middle White is docile and easily managed and is less inclined to root or damage fencing when kept outdoors.
- The sow is an excellent, milk-yielding mother, being extremely caring of her young, yet placid and easy to handle.
