Characteristics

The Welsh Pig is a medium sized white pig with a long, lean but muscular body.  Its body is pear shaped and has lop-ears.  Its head is moderately wide and has a straight nose.  The loped ears do not quite reach the snout and the skin is unwrinkled.  The coat is fine and straight, and whilst generally white in colour, they can sometimes have a the odd black spot.

 

Average Weight

Male = 250kg

Female = 200kg

History

Originating in the 1870's, the Welsh pig is of course a native from Wales.  In the aftermath of the first world war in an attempt to boost bacon supply the Glamorgan Pig Society was formed in South Wales.  Within two years The Welsh Pig Society for West Wales was formed.  These then combined in 1922 to form the Welsh Pig society as it was agreed they were rearing similar pigs.  This was the first formal recognition of the breed.

After the Howitt report in 1955 which wanted to reduce breed  diversity in the British pig industry, the Welsh pig became the 3rd most common pig in Britain as it was favoured along side two other breeds in the report.  These were the British Large White and the British Landrace Pig.

Despite this boon, its become considered too fatty. It become formally endangered in 2005, but has since experienced a small resurgence.

Uses

The Welsh Pig is considered a fantastic breed for cross breeding and has great abilities at rearing young.  Notable cuts from the Welsh Pig are Lean pork chops and tender ham, and high quality bacon.

It is a hardy pig making it a good option for outdoor or extensive farming, but due to its high quality meat it is also popular amongst larger commercial farmers.  

When cross breeding, combining it with Large White or Landrace boars produces fast growing offspring.  The boars can also be used to cross breed with rare breed sows to create leaner and faster-growing piglets with an improved conformation.