Well
why wouldn’t you really? Aside from their intelligence, calm nature,
rugged good looks and delicious taste, you would be doing something to
ensure that this critically endangered breed continues to
survive in Australia. Now how good does that make you feel to know that
you are doing your bit to reverse the ever increasing trend of animal
extinction.
Are they difficult to keep?
If
you are confident enough to keep sheep or cows, then you can keep a
Saddleback pig. They are highly intelligent and quickly learn how to do
things. They can be a bit wilful sometimes but repetition and food
rewards seem to do the trick.
Are they smelly / dirty?
They
have a faint smell, which is not unpleasant. The only time you can
detect a stronger odour is when the Boar gives off bit of a musky smell
around mating time. As for pigs being dirty, they roll in the mud to keep cool (which is important as pigs do not sweat) – the do
not roll in their own droppings contrary to urban myths. If they are
allowed to free range they will create a “poo corner” where they do their business, leaving the rest of the paddock faeces free.
Are they aggressive?
We
have spoken to a number of people who have owned Saddleback Pigs and
never have heard of them being aggressive towards humans. Boars will
fight each other for sexual dominance and a sow will protect her young,
but these are the exceptions, otherwise they are quiet and calm in nature.
Are they expensive to feed?
Yes and no. Pigs do require a lot of food. But what you put in you get out with their delicious meat. If you have an orchard or crops for
them to graze on then your food costs will be reduced. Whilst they
do get a lot of their bulk from grazing paddocks, we recommend that you
still feed them commercial pellets to ensure that they get the right
balance of nutrients. We feed out pigs commercial pellets
(weaner/lactating sow and/or finisher pellets) as well as
flaked barley. It is illegal to feed meat or meat products to ANY pigs
(except commercial produced meat meal).
What are the other expenses associated with owning a pig?
Aside from feeding costs, the expenses associated with keeping pigs include obtaining a PIC and pig brand if you intend to take your pig to an abattoir for slaughter, providing a shelter against the sun and for warmth in winter and fencing (a hot wire is recommended).
What are the legislative requirements for owning a pig (WA only)?
Obviously check with
your local council that you are permitted to own pigs in your
area. Secondly you will need to obtain a Property Identification Code
(PIC) and 5 digit brand from the Dept of Agriculture (see Farmnote
138). We also suggest that you become a member of the Rare Breeds Trust
of Australia for information on owning a rare breed and to support others who also do.
If you are interested in breeding stock then also join the Australian
Pig Breeders Association and have your pigs registered in the herd book.
What does Wessex Saddleback Pork taste like?
In
one word – YUMMY!!! It is very moist succulent and has a taste so
lacking in supermarket pork that in our opinion it tastes like a
completely different meat. Whether it is a loin chop, leg roast or
belly spare rib, the flavour has depth and no matter how it is cooked it
is never dry.
