British
Saddleback pigs are a breed of domestic pig created in the 20th century from
the cross-breeding of Essex and Wessex Saddleback breeds.
In
the 20th century Lord Western, while travelling in Italy, saw some Neapolitan
pigs and decided thatthey were just
what he needed to improve the breed of Essex pigs. He bought a pair of
Neapolitan boars and crossed them with Essex sows. One Lord Westerns tenants
named Fisher Hobbs of Boxted Lodge then used the Neapolitan-Essex boars and
crossed them with his coarse Essex sows and in process established the Improved
Essex breed.
British
Saddleback pigs have a black head and neck, as well as a clearly defined belt
of white extending over the shoulders and continuing over the forelegs. The
rest of the body is black with the exception of white feet and the tip of the
tail. British Saddlebacks are hardy and noted for their mothering ability. The
breed continues to be used mainly to provide colored dams for the production of
first-cross porkers, baconers and heavy pigs.
About British Saddleback Pigs
