What is a Wessex Saddleback pig?
The Wessex Saddleback, or Wessex, is a domestic pig breed from the West Country of England. This rare breed is currently listed by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust in the UK, the Rare Breeds Trust of Australia, and The Livestock Conservancy in the United States for breed conservation and survival.
The Wessex Saddleback is considered extinct in its original form.
It was merged with other breeds to create the modern British Saddleback, meaning the original Wessex Saddleback no longer exists as a separate breed. This new breed was formed by combining the Wessex Saddleback with the Essex. Similarly, the Essex was also declared extinct in its pure form, though there have been attempts to re-create it using breeds with similar characteristics.
Still, even the modern or the British version is considered a rare breed, and its global numbers are limited. The exact number worldwide is not well-documented, but in the UK, where the breed is most prominent, the Rare Breeds Survival Trust classifies it as at risk. This means there are fewer than 1,500 breeding females in the UK.
Characteristics
This pig is a distinctive and robust breed with specific physical characteristics that set it apart.
Physical Characteristics
Color
The color is predominantly black with characteristic white bands around the shoulders and front legs. The white band, or saddle, is the defining feature of this pig breed.
Head, Face, and Ears
The head is medium-sized but well-proportioned to the body, with a slightly concave profile. The face is straight, broad, and l
Body and Back
The body of this pig is long, robust, and well-muscled, while the back is strong, straight, and slightly arched.
Neck and Shoulders
The neck of the Wessex Saddleback pig is typically medium in length, muscular, and smoothly transitions into the shoulders. The shoulders are well-developed and broad, blending seamlessly into the body, ensuring strength and support.
Rump and Loin
The rump of the Wessex Saddleback is broad and slightly rounded, providing strength and balance, while the loin is wide and well-developed.
Hooves
The hooves are strong and well-formed, supporting the pig’s weight effectively and allowing it to move easily on various terrains.
Teats
This pig has at least 12 evenly spaced teats. The ideal number is 14–16, with the first pair positioned well forward on the body.
Tail
The tail is medium length, set high, and usually curled or kinked at the tip.
Size
It has a medium to large size with a height of 30 to 32 inches (76 to 81 cm) and a length of 59 to 79 inches (150 to 200 cm) from nose to tail.
Lifespan
This pig has a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, similar to other domestic pigs, when kept in good health and proper conditions. The lifespan is highly influenced by living conditions, diet, and purpose.
Growth Rate
How fast do they grow?
This pig has a moderately fast growth rate and can reach a good weight within 5 to 7 months. It reaches full maturity at 2 years of age, while sexual maturity occurs at 8 to 9 months.
Boars can become sexually mature as early as 7 months but are often not used for breeding until they are 8 to 9 months old.
Weight
A mature boar from this pig breed can reach a weight of 650 to 700 lbs (295 to 318 kg), while a mature sow typically weighs between 500 and 550 lbs (227 to 250 kg). As with many other breeds, sows generally have a lower weight than boars.
Slaughtered Time
You should aim for a slaughter weight of about 125 lbs (57 kg), which generally provides a 90 lb (41 kg) carcass. This weight is reached, depending on the living conditions and diet, at some point between 6 to 8 months. A properly reared Saddleback will have a fat layer around 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick.
Temperament and Behaviour
This pig breed is known for its friendly and calm temperament, making it easy to raise. These pigs are generally gentle and non-aggressive, which makes handling them a pleasant experience. However, this doesn’t mean they don’t have their moments. For example, boars may become more spirited or excitable as they age. This doesn’t necessarily mean they become uncontrollable, but even experienced breeders need to exercise caution around them. It’s not aggression so much as a display of energy and enthusiasm.
They are naturally curious and enjoy rooting in the ground, which is typical behavior for the breed. Sows, in particular, are known for being excellent mothers, providing attentive and nurturing care to their piglets.
Meat
When you mention this pig breed, everyone in the industry immediately thinks of bacon.
Their meat has been known as one of the best for bacon production since 1900, but that’s not all. With exceptional flavor and quality, the meat is celebrated for its rich taste, succulence, and outstanding tenderness.
The flavor is characterized as hearty, which comes from the pig’s natural behavior of foraging and grazing freely in open pastures.
Another key feature is the excellent fat balance, which enhances the meat’s deliciousness. The intramuscular fat is perfectly distributed, and when cooked, it further elevates the flavor and tenderness.
Thanks to its versatility, this pig’s meat is used in a variety of culinary dishes, including ham, sausages, and roasts.
Raising
Feeding
Feeding this breed doesn’t require much effort, but you should be careful not to overfeed them, as this can lead to excessive fat accumulation. That said, if you’re raising them for bacon or fattier sausages, then this is less of a concern.
First of all, if given the chance, these pigs will happily feed themselves on grass and other vegetation available in the pasture. They love to dig, so planting root crops like beets or turnips in their grazing area is an excellent idea.
You can also supplement their diet with fruits and vegetables when available, such as apples, carrots, pumpkins, or leafy greens.
Potatoes can be included in their diet but only when cooked—raw potatoes can be harmful to pigs.
If pasture is not an option, commercial pig feed is a great alternative. Make sure the feed has the right balance of protein, minerals, and vitamins to keep them healthy and productive.
- Higher Protein for Young Pigs and Sows: Choose a feed with a protein content of 16–18% for young pigs and lactating sows.
- Lower Protein for Mature Pigs: Mature pigs require less protein, so a percentage of 12–14% is sufficient.
Adjust the quantity of feed according to their age, size, and activity level to prevent obesity.
Feed them at regular intervals to establish a routine.
If they have access to pasture, reduce the amount of commercial feed accordingly.
You can also include grains like barley, wheat, oats, or corn in their diet for energy, but ensure their overall nutrient intake remains balanced to avoid excessive weight gain.
Finally, always provide them with clean, fresh water at all times. Pigs drink a significant amount of water, especially in hot weather or when consuming dry feed.
Environment
The ideal environment for this breed is an open space with access to pasture. These pigs do well when they can follow their natural behaviors, like rooting in the ground and foraging for food. Being in a large, open area lets them use their energy, explore, and live in a way that suits their instincts. This not only keeps them healthy but also improves the quality of their meat. Grazing on pasture and foraging for food adds special flavors and tenderness to the meat, making it taste better than meat from pigs raised in small, confined spaces.
On the other hand, a closed or cramped environment is not good for Wessex Saddlebacks. When kept in small areas, these pigs can’t do the things they’re naturally meant to do, which can affect their health and well-being.
Without access to pasture, their meat also loses some of its distinctive flavor.
Climate
This is a hardy breed and can adapt to a variety of climates, but they do well in temperate environments.
They can thrive in areas with mild winters and summers, but in climates with extreme temperatures, they need special adjustments to stay healthy and develop properly.
Shelter
You need to build them a proper shelter that offers protection against bad weather.
While they can tolerate colder temperatures, extreme cold or wet conditions should be avoided, as prolonged exposure could lead to health problems.
These pigs are accustomed to areas with a good amount of rainfall, but they still need proper shelter to protect them from heavy storms, wind, and snowfall.
How many pigs per acre?
The number of pigs you can raise per acre depends on several factors, including the quality of the pasture and the pigs’ age.
As a general guideline, you can raise 4 to 6 mature pigs per acre of pasture and 8 to 10 younger pigs per acre, as they need less space to roam than mature pigs.
The quality of the pasture is very important. Healthy pasture with a good mix of grasses and plants can support more pigs. However, if pigs eat the same area too much, it can damage the land and make it harder for the pasture to support them. To avoid this, it’s important to rotate grazing areas or use electric fences to prevent the pigs from overgrazing the same spot.
Breeding
Breeding these pigs works similarly to breeding any other breed. Essentially, breeding begins when you have a mature sow and boar that are in good health.
A sow’s heat cycle lasts about 21 days, but she will only be in estrus (the period when she is fertile and ready to mate) for 2 to 3 days during this cycle.
When a sow is in heat, she will display certain behaviors such as restlessness, increased vocalization, and swollen and reddened vulva
It is recommended to breed the sow on the second day of heat or the morning after she shows signs of standing heat.
The gestation period for Wessex Saddleback pigs is about 114 days, or roughly 3 months, 3 weeks, and 3 days. This period can vary slightly, but generally, it will fall within this time frame.
A healthy young sow typically produces litters of 12-14 piglets, though first litters may sometimes be smaller, around half this number.
As the sow nears the end of her pregnancy, it’s important to ensure she has a proper diet and a clean, safe, and comfortable area to give birth.
Although the breeding process itself is the same, the selection of breeding stock can be more difficult due to their rarity. It can be challenging to breed them while maintaining breed purity.
Because fewer Wessex Saddlebacks are available, there might be limited options for selecting breeding pairs, which could increase the risk of inbreeding. Inbreeding can reduce genetic diversity, leading to potential health problems and weakened traits.
Some breeders use genetic testing to confirm the purity of their breeding stock. This ensures that the pigs are indeed 100% Wessex Saddleback and helps identify any potential health risks from inbreeding.
A well-thought-out breeding plan that includes rotating boars and sows (when possible) and maintaining careful records of genetic lines can help preserve the breed’s traits over time.
Health issues
This is a hardy breed with no specific health issues unique to it, but like all pig breeds, it can be exposed to common health concerns such as parasites, foot and leg problems, respiratory infections, reproductive issues, obesity, heat stress, and skin issues
Why should you raise these pigs?
Wessex Saddleback pigs are a great choice because they give a lot of meat compared to their size, making them a smart and profitable option for farmers. Their strong bodies grow well and produce high-quality cuts that are in demand.
Their pork is loved for its rich taste, tenderness, and juiciness, making it perfect for gourmet cooking and traditional dishes.
These pigs are easy to care for, as they need little help and are great at finding their own food, which can save on feeding costs. Their calm and gentle nature also makes them ideal for farmers who are new to raising pigs.
By raising them, you help protect a rare and valuable breed. Once common, they are now at risk, and by choosing them, you help keep their unique traits and history alive for future generations.
Excluding registration costs, you can expect to pay $25-$75 for 8-12-week-old weaners, $200-$375 for 6-12-month-old maiden gilts, $250-$560 for 11-16-month-old in-pig gilts, and $225-$440 for a 6-12-month-old boar.
The highest price ever paid for a British Saddleback boar was $1,000.
Advantages and Disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Low-maintenance | Older males can become feisty |
| Very friendly temperament | Diet must be carefully managed |
| Hardy and disease-resistant | Breeding can be challenging |
| Excellent meat quality | They need access to open pasture |
| Sows make excellent mothers | Litter size of 12 to 14 piglets |
