Berkshire Pigs
|
Berkshire pigs are one of the oldest breeds of pigs in the UK and are usually black with some white patches on their legs, tail, and snout.
Originating in the county of Berkshire (after which the breed is named), Berkshire pigs are prized for their juiciness and flavorful meat. Berkshires are now considered a rare breed in the UK though the breed has been exported to other parts of the world, where it is now more common. They can grow up to 600lb and will eat almost anything! |
Their Purpose on the Farm:
At Island Hill Farm we have two Berkshire pigs, Olivia and Ruth.
Both of our Berkshires are sows(female) and once fully grown will be bred in order to produce piglets for meat. Olivia and Ruth enjoying rolling around in the mud on a hot summers day, and digging around in the dirt with their incredibly strong snout.
At feeding time, both our Berkshires enjoy fresh veggie scraps from Riverview Country Market as well as fruit pulp from Juice Co. mixed in with their feed. Along with fresh water, we also feed any old, or leftover goats milk to our pigs! To say they love it is an understatement!
Pigs like to root in the ground, and before heavy machinery was used on farms, pigs could be used to help clear land! With their strong snouts, they can easily uproot trees, shrubs, and any other vegetation that happens to be in their way!
Both of our Berkshires are sows(female) and once fully grown will be bred in order to produce piglets for meat. Olivia and Ruth enjoying rolling around in the mud on a hot summers day, and digging around in the dirt with their incredibly strong snout.
At feeding time, both our Berkshires enjoy fresh veggie scraps from Riverview Country Market as well as fruit pulp from Juice Co. mixed in with their feed. Along with fresh water, we also feed any old, or leftover goats milk to our pigs! To say they love it is an understatement!
Pigs like to root in the ground, and before heavy machinery was used on farms, pigs could be used to help clear land! With their strong snouts, they can easily uproot trees, shrubs, and any other vegetation that happens to be in their way!
Interesting Facts about Berkshire Pigs:
- Berkshire pigs have four distinct markings: their white 'socks', a white tip on the tail, white on the nose, and prick ears (sharp upward pointing ears).
- Berkshire pigs are considered to be the 'Kobe beef' of pork with it's well marbled, rich and flavorful meat.
- Berkshire pigs can give birth to anywhere from 5 to 14 babies at one time!
- It is not possible to overfeed pigs! Unlike some other farm animals, pigs will eat until they are satisfied and then walk away, even if food is left in the dish. That said, they do eat a lot!
- While pigs do eat almost everything, there are a few exceptions! Onions, citrus, avocado, raw eggs, acorns, and meat are a few of the things that should be avoided feeding to pigs.