Pig Breeds in Focus - British Saddleback

Looks

The British Saddleback is one of the more strikingly obvious British pig breeds.  It has a large distinctive black body with a white band around its middle and front legs, looking as if it has a saddle on its back.  They can also sometimes have a white nose, hind legs, or a white tail. It is lop-eared and the coloured coat is fine, straight and silky.

Average Sizes:

Male = 320kg

Female = 270kg

History

The British Saddleback was first produced as a breed as recently as 1967 by combining the remaining populations of two very different but traditional saddleback breeds. These were the Essex Saddleback and the Wessex Saddleback.  These breeds were at the time in decline due to the policy of concentrating the British pig industry into 3 main breeds Britain's pig breeds ; the Welsh, the British Landrace and the Large White 

As the Wessex and Essex declined the advice was t cross breed to produce a multipurpose pig that produced good Bacon and pork.  Despite its recent birth, the British Saddleback is already on the at risk list according to the Rare Breed Survival Trust

Use

The British Saddleback is known for producing excellent pork and bacon.  It is hardy and forages well.  This makes it ideal for extensive management Additionally they have large litters of approximately 10 piglets and the sows have excellent maternal qualities.  This all combined with its dual purpose meat production makes it an excellent small holding option.