Pig Breeds in Focus - Tamworth

Characteristics

Thought to be one of the oldest breeds in Britain.  The Tamworth is thought of as a medium sized pig and is characterised by having a ginger coat, elongated snout, and long legs.  The face can be also be concaved with pricked ears. The coat is long fine and straight.  It is of a ginger colour and ideally absent of any black hairs

Tamworth pigs are placid in temperament, but have a very active character.  

Average Weight:

Male = 320kg

Female = 260kg

History

Although its origins are technically unknown it is thought to have originated from the area around Tamworth in England around the year 1800.  It was finaly recognised as a breed in 1865.  It is now one of seven British pig breeds to be listed on Priority list by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.  This is the most worrying level of concern.  It is the only red coloured British pig breed and there are many theroeis as to where the Red colour comes from, with many suggesting it may have come from imported pigs from as far a field as India, West Africa, or Barbados.  Of course there is also the much closer to home Red Irish Grazers.  Selective breeding may also have been the cause.

Use

They are known to produce fine bacon and is a great breed to rear in woodlands. Although their litters are typically smaller than other breeds there can still be a place for them on less commercial farms and small holdings focused on quality