Laverstoke Park

Education Centre

Organic Pigs

At Laverstoke we have three breeds of pigs: 

British Saddleback

We have 14 sows, 1 boar and anticipate 277.2 piglets within the next 12 months.  The name of this pig is so called because of their pink saddle markings.  They are a large, lop-eared pig with a white/pink band across the saddle and around the legs and shoulders.  They may also have white hind feet and tail tip.  They make excellent mothers as they produce lots of piglets and plenty of milk to feed them.  They are also an excellent breed for outdoor living as they are hardy and natural foragers.  Our herd includes ten pedigree sows and are a listed rare breed. 

Middle White

We have 23 sows, 2 boars and anticipate 354.2 piglets in the next 12 months.  These are very rare, and should not be confused with the commercial 'Large White'.  The Middle White produces pork that has marbled fat and this helps keep the meat moist when cooked.  We believe it is the most delicious tasting succulent pork.  Middle whites are descendents of Chinese pigs from hundreds of years ago.  The quality of the Middle White has been especially recognised in Japan where the Emperor was said to eat no other type of pork and where a shrine has been dedicated in the breed's honour.  White in colour with pricked-up ears, their head has a 'squashed' or dished face giving them a distinctive appearance.  This quality also means that Middle Whites are less inclined to root than the longer-snouted breeds.

Kune Kune

We have nine sows, two boars and anticipate 15.2 piglets within the next 12 months.  A small breed of pig originating from New Zealand.  Their name is pronounced "cooney cooney", and means fat and round in Maori.  They came very close to extinction in the 1970's and first arrived in Britain in 1992.  They come in every colour imaginable.  Our spotty ones are just one example.  They have a delightful temperament, being very placid and friendly.  They are grazing animals like sheep and will also eat fruit and vegetables in great abundance.

Duroc

 These Canadian pigs are red, large-framed, medium length and muscular, with partially drooping ears.  We have five sows and four boars and anticipate around 90 piglets in 2008. These are used on our Large White crossed with a Landrace to produce a bacon pig.

*They do not make very good mothers so one to two piglets are often lost from each litter.