the oxford sandy and black pigs
The Oxford Sandy and Black, a breed we decided to stick with after rearing most other breeds over the last ten years, is a rare traditional breed of pig. It is increasing in popularity from virtual extinction twenty years ago. It has one of the best pig names around as it is sometimes referred to as the “Plum Pudding Pig”. It is one of the oldest British pig breeds having been around for 200-300 years. The exact origin of the breed is lost in antiquity but the original Oxford Sandy & Black is believed to have developed over 200 years ago in Oxfordshire – (so it might also be one of the cleverest pigs around!)
The breed with its lovely spotted appearance is often chosen by the hobby farmer particularly because of its excellent docile temperament and mothering abilities and because it produces pork bacon and hams of very high quality and flavour. It is a hardy outdoor pig finishes quicker than many traditional breeds, and is less inclined to run to fat.
The breed has reached crisis point at least twice in it’s past when numbers dropped so low that extinction was a real possibility. If it wasn't for a few dedicated breeders, the breed would surely have been lost. In 1985, the current Breed Society was formed and there were 29 herds listed in the first herd book with 15 Boars and 62 Sows. Sadly some of the bloodlines have been lost, but breeders are determined to save the remaining lines, the current picture is very encouraging with the rarest bloodlines hanging on and breed numbers have slowly increased over the last few years.
OSB Bloodlines
Boars: Alexander, Alistair, Clarence, Jack
Sows: Alison, Clare, Clarissa, Cynthia, Dandy, Duchess, Elsie, Gertrude, Gloria, Iris, Lady, Mary & Sybil
To find out more or to join the OSB breed society go to www.oxfordsandypigs.co.uk
The British Pig Association
Pig owners should become a member of The British pig Association. The Association is the official breed society and maintains the Herd Books ensuring the pedigree of pigs and maintaining a watchful eye on the numbers of each breed. By joining the BPA and registering your pigs you will be part of this important conservation project. The Association provides certification if you are planning to sell your pigs for meat. There are significant premiums available for pedigree pork. Pedigree registration allows you to sell breeding stock for higher prices and the Association organises an Annual Pedigree Auction Sale. The BPA also represents the interests of pedigree breeders to government and tries to prevent the introduction of legislation that would damage your breed or your livelihood. Pedigree pigs can also be entered into agricultural shows. Showing pigs is great fun for all the family and is a fantastic shop window for the public to see our native breeds and to raise awareness of the need for conservation.
For more information or to join the BPA go to www.britishpigs.org.uk
It is a requirement that anyone wishing to keep pigs obtains a holding number and a herd mark before starting out. This ensures that all animals being kept are recorded in the case of any outbreak of disease and also works to protect the welfare of animals.
To find out more about the regulations and guidance on keeping pigs go to www.defra.gov.uk.