Gloucestershire Old Spots at Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park
Sus scrofa domesticus
The Gloucestershire Old Spot are white in colour with distinctive black spots and large, lop ears.
A hardy breed, able to cope with most conditions. Broad, deep bodied pigs, the breed has a reputation as an excellent forager.
Average Litter Size in 2009 was around 9.06 piglets and the breed is known for having good maternal instincts. The breed is also known for having a very gentle nature.
Rare breed status: At risk (300-500)
(RBST Pig Watchlist)
History of the Gloucestershire Old Spot
The Gloucestershire Old Spots originated around the Berkeley Vale on the southern shore of the River Severn and was frequently kept in orchards.
The Breed Society was formed in 1913 and the breed and since the 1920s has survived on low population numbers until quite recently.
Now the breed is becoming increasingly popular due to its reputation for high quality meat production.
The Gloucestershire Old Spots was the first breed of any species in the world to be accorded Traditional Speciality Guaranteed status by the EU Commission in recognition of the special qualities of its meat.
As the breed was often kept in orchards, they earned the nickname of “The Orchard Pig” and the legend that the black spots are bruises from falling apples!
Rare Breeds Survival Trust
Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park is proud to be a member of the RBST, whose mission is to ensure we do not lose the diversity of our native breeds. They do this through a programme of monitoring, saving and promoting the breeding & registration of rare and native breeds.
