We just picked up our new girls. A new tamworth and a Berkshire sow. We currently have a our Tamworth Boar and a yorkshire sow.
Tamworths are heritage pigs. They have been around for since the middle ages. Traditionally used for grazing fields with cattle. They have longer legs which enables them to walk further when grazing. They are supposed to be able to get most of their nutrition from a pasture. Requiring much less grain then commercial hogs. However they are also slower growing. They were most famous though for their long bellies. That is where the bacon comes from. They are known as the bacon breed.
Berkshires are also heritage pigs. We hope that one day we will get a Berkshire boar as well. Berkshires were also used to graze with cattle, but are not quite as good at it. They are a black colour which prevents them from getting sunburned. They are known as the "angus" of the pig world.The meat has finer marbling, which makes for very tasty and tender meat.
Cross breeds between tamworths and berkshires have been happening for centuries. Crossing the breeds will give the best qualities of each.
Yorkshires are an older breed as well. However they remained very popular because they adapted well to confinement and they are very prolific mothers. Crossing with the tamworths produces a hardier animal and improves The meat is also a very good quality.
Pictures will come soon I hope.
