Berkshire (pig)

Berkshire Pigs are a rare breed of pig originating from Britain. In New Zealand it is estimated that there are now less than a hundred purebred sows. In Britain breeding is maintained by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust at Aldenham Country Park, Hertfordshire and at the South of England Rare Breeds Centre in Kent. It is listed as 'vulnerable' as there are fewer than 300 breeding females. [http://www.rbst.org.uk/watch-list/main.php Rare Breeds Survival Trust watch list] accessed 21st May 2008]

Origins

Berkshire pigs are said to be "Britain's oldest pig breed", originally bred in the Faringdon and Wantage regions of the English county of Berkshire (now Oxfordshire). They apparently became popular after being 'discovered' by Cromwell's troops while they were stationed at Reading during the English Civil War.

nihongo|Kurobuta|黒豚|black pig is the Japanese term for a breed of Berkshire pig given to Japan by English diplomats in the 1800s. Like the kurobuta's beef analogues (Wagyu beef) the pork is renown for its superb meat marbling. Kagoshima prefecture is known for its kurobuta pork production.

Characteristics

Berkshires are early-maturing black pigs and often have white on their legs, faces, and the tips or their tails. The snouts are dished and are of medium length. The ears are fairly large and are erect or slightly leaned forward. They have fine wrinkle-free necks and well-sloped shoulder blades. They have short, straight legs and a straight underline belly.

In literature

*The Empress of Blandings in P.G. Wodehouse's Blandings Castle series, and Pig-Wig, a sow in Beatrix Potter's The Tale of Pigling Bland were both Berkshire pigs.
*The character Napoleon in George Orwell's novel, "Animal Farm", is a Berkshire.

External links

* [http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/swine/berkshire/index.htm Oklahoma State University - Breeds of Livestock - Berkshire]
* Farmer uses Berkshire pigs to replace pesticide in battle against beetles. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23479970/

References