The Gascon pig is a domestic pig breed that, throughout history, has been at risk of extinction. Over time, conservation efforts have helped increase its population.
This pig is still considered endangered, though its situation has improved in recent years.
It remains a rare breed with a small population, mainly raised by small-scale farmers in France, particularly in the Midi-Pyrénées region, which is also its place of origin.
In 2017, there were 64 registered farms raising Gascon pigs, with a total of 1,423 breeding sows and 177 breeding males. By 2020, around 8,000 Gascon pigs were born.
Contents
Characteristics
Color
This pig has a solid black coat.
Body
The head of the Gascon Pig is medium-sized, long, and narrow, with a curved snout that helps it root in the soil. Its face is characteristically pointed, “like a mole”, with narrow ears set close to the base.
The ears are large and floppy, slightly tilted over the eyes, and their length is about half the length of the head. The back is long and straight, while the underline is quite tucked in. The legs are well-muscled, strong, and sturdy.
Size
The Gascon Pig is considered a medium-sized breed, with adult males and females having a body length of 47 in (120 cm) and a height of 30 in (75 cm).
| Measurement (Average) | Adult Male | Adult Female |
|---|---|---|
| Body Weight (lbs/kg) | 661 lbs / 300 kg | 551 lbs / 250 kg |
| Body Length (in/cm) | 47.2 in / 120 cm | 47.2 in / 120 cm |
| Head Length (in/cm) | 15.7 in / 40 cm | – |
| Ear Length (in/cm) | 7.9 in / 20 cm | – |
| Chest Height (in/cm) | 15.7 in / 40 cm | – |
| Height at Withers (in/cm) | 29.5 in / 75 cm | 29.5 in / 75 cm |
| Number of Teats | ≥12 | ≥12 |
Lifespan
This pig can live between 12 and 15 years. If raised in a natural, free-range environment, it can have an even longer lifespan.
Growth Rate
How fast do they grow?
The Gascon Pig has a slow growth compared to modern pig breeds.
Its growth rate depends a lot on the fattening stages, the farming system, and the feeding level.
Overall, it can have a growth rate of 0.75 to 1.18 lbs (342 to 537 g) per day.
It is important to note the highest values show the maximum growth potential of Gascon pigs when given unlimited feed. Under these conditions, the best growth rate recorded was about 1.18 lbs (537 g) per day during the overall fattening stage. The actual average daily feed intake in the overall fattening stage was around 6.6 lbs (3.0 kg) per day.
Weight
The weight of the sows is about 551 lbs (250 kg), while the males weigh around 772 lbs (350 kg).
Slaughtered Time
These pigs can be slaughtered between 12 and 24 months of age.
What you need to pay attention to when slaughtering them is meeting the quality standards, which include a minimum hot carcass weight of 220 lbs (100 kg), at least 1 inch (25 mm) of fat depth over the gluteus medius muscle (ZP point), and a muscle depth of 1.77 inches (45 mm) at the ZP point.
In some studies, pigs of this breed were slaughtered between 6.0 and 14.5 months (183 to 442 days) of age, weighing 216 to 399 lbs (98 to 181 kg). Their dressing yield was around 80%.
The backfat thickness at the gluteus medius muscle (the official fat depth measurement site) was 1.5 to 1.93 in (38 to 49 mm), showing high but variable fat levels. At the last rib, the backfat was 1.5 in (38 mm), while at the first rib (neck), it measured 1.65 in (42 mm).
| Reference | No. of Animals | Final Age (days) | Final BW (lbs/kg) | Hot CW (lbs/kg) | Dressing Yield (%) | Backfat Thickness (in/mm) | S2 at First Rib (in/mm) | S2 at Last Rib (in/mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [13,14] | 24 | 283 | 275.6 lbs / 125 kg | — | — | 1.81 in / 46 mm | 1.81 in / 46 mm | 2.72 in / 69 mm |
| [15] | 39 | 407 | 308.6 lbs / 140 kg | 255.7 lbs / 116 kg | 83.2 | 1.85 in / 47 mm | 2.60 in / 66 mm | 2.68 in / 68 mm |
| [16] | 8 | 377 | 381.4 lbs / 173 kg | 304.2 lbs / 138 kg | 80.0 | 1.81 in / 46 mm | 2.28 in / 58 mm | 2.68 in / 68 mm |
| [16] | 20 | 435 | 399.0 lbs / 181 kg | 317.5 lbs / 144 kg | 79.4 | 1.93 in / 49 mm | 1.85 in / 47 mm | 2.68 in / 68 mm |
| [16,17] | 8 | 410 | 343.9 lbs / 156 kg | 271.2 lbs / 123 kg | 78.7 | 1.77 in / 45 mm | 1.65 in / 42 mm | 2.80 in / 71 mm |
| [16,17] | 18 | 416 | 377.0 lbs / 171 kg | 304.2 lbs / 138 kg | 81.0 | 1.81 in / 46 mm | 2.24 in / 57 mm | 2.80 in / 71 mm |
| [16,17] | 7 | 388 | 366.0 lbs / 166 kg | 293.2 lbs / 133 kg | 80.0 | 1.81 in / 46 mm | 2.24 in / 57 mm | 2.80 in / 71 mm |
| [16,17] | 16 | 424 | 366.0 lbs / 166 kg | 297.6 lbs / 135 kg | 81.4 | 1.81 in / 46 mm | 2.20 in / 56 mm | 2.80 in / 71 mm |
[13] Legault C, Audiot A, Daridan D, Gruand J, Lagant H, Luquet M, et al. Recherche de rèfèrences sur les possibilitès de valoriser les porcs Gascon et Limousin par des produits de qualité 1. Engraissement, carcasses, coûts de production. Journées de la Recherche Porcine. 1996;28:115-122
[14] Simon M-N, Jacquin M-P, Liardou M-H, Daridan D, Legault C. Recherche de références sur les possibilités de valoriser les porcs Gascons et Limousins par des produits de qualité. Journées de la Recherche Porcine. 1997;29:397-404
[15] Sans P, Gandemer G, Sanudo C, Metro B, Sierra I, Darre R. Performances zootechniques et qualité de la carcasse, de la viande et du tissu adipeux chez le porc Gascon élevé à la ferme. Journées de la Recherche Porcine. 1996;28:131-136
[16] Lebret B, Lenoir H, Daré S, Fonseca A, Mercat MJ. Quality of products from Gascon pigs in extensive system of the noir de Bigorre pork chain: Influence of season and feeding resources. Journéesde la Recherche Porcine. 2019. In press
Temperament
This pig breed is characterized by a calm, docile, and independent temperament.
These pigs are easy to handle as they are responsive and do not act unpredictably. They also interact well with other pigs and can coexist with other animals.
Unlike commercial pigs, they are excellent foragers and can find their own food in woodlands and pastures.
Meat
The meat of Gascon pigs has a dark red color, moderate lightness, and a low rate of pH decline after slaughter, which helps maintain its tenderness and juiciness.
The meat retains moisture well, making it softer and more flavorful after cooking.
One important feature of Gascon pig meat is its intramuscular fat content, which ranges between 2.0 and 3.3%. This marbling gives the meat a rich taste and smooth texture. The fat is also high in monounsaturated fatty acids, while polyunsaturated fatty acid levels remain low.
This meat is used for high-quality fresh pork and traditional dry-cured products. The most famous product is dry-cured ham, which is highly valued for its tender texture and rich flavors. To enhance its quality even further, producers are increasing the aging period of hams to more than 20 months.
In France, Gascon pig products are recognized under official quality labels (AOC French Label and Protected Designation of Origin or PDO), ensuring they meet strict traditional standards.
Raising
Feeding
The quality of the food has a direct impact on the final result, which is why the diet of these pigs is quite strict.
To receive AOC/PDO quality certification, these pigs’ diet must include natural and locally sourced ingredients.
The main ingredients in their diet should be foraged grass and seasonal fruits such as acorns and chestnuts. They should be placed on natural or cultivated grasslands, where they can consume various grass species and leguminous plants.
As complementary feed, they can be fed at least 70% cereals such as wheat, oat, barley, rye, and triticale, all produced within the designated region. They can also eat protein sources like faba beans, peas, rapeseed meal, or sunflower meal, along with essential minerals and vitamins.
Ingredients like corn, sorghum, and sunflower are not allowed in their diet to ensure high-quality meat.
Many farmers produce their own complementary feed, ensuring that all ingredients meet AOC/PDO regulations.
Environment
Gascon pigs grow best in outdoor farms where they can move freely for at least six months before slaughter. This natural environment gives them the space and food they need to stay healthy.
These pigs can live in areas with less space for grazing, but the final meat quality may not be the same. A more restricted environment could change the texture, fat quality, and taste, making it lower in quality.
Climate and Shelter
These pigs are hardy and can adapt to different climates.
In cold climates, they can tolerate low temperatures, but they need warm and dry shelters to protect them from snow, wind, and freezing rain. The shelter should be insulated and well-ventilated to prevent moisture buildup and disease. Providing straw bedding inside wooden or metal shelters helps keep them warm and comfortable.
They can also be raised in hot climates, as long as they have shade and cool areas, such as a mud wallow, to prevent heat stress. Trees, open barns, or artificial shade structures help them stay cool.
In areas with mild temperatures, Gascon pigs can live mostly outdoors with simple shelters, like wooden huts or windbreaks. They still need protection from heavy rain and strong winds to remain comfortable and healthy.
How many pigs per acre?
It can be raised up to 8 pigs per acre under good vegetation conditions.
Breeding
The Gascon pig breed has moderate fertility compared to other commercial pig breeds.
Sows give birth for the first time at around 17 months of age. Each sow can have 1.7 litters per year, with an average of 8.1 piglets per litter.
According to data, the piglet mortality rate until weaning is 9.8%, which is considered normal. The farrowing interval (the time between two litters) averages 214 days.
Gascon sows are good mothers and have a longer lactation period than commercial pig breeds, lasting up to 38 days.
Breeding and Selection Process in France
The breeding process in France follows strict standards. For example, the selection of breeding pigs is based on relationship coefficients estimated by IFIP and the number of live animals per family (for sows) or line (for boars).
The process begins with the registration of all boars, sows, and piglets in the LIGERAL herdbook. A special committee, made up of an expert and a farm technician, checks each pig to ensure it meets the breed standards. They evaluate characteristics such as the number of functional teats (at least 12) and the inbreeding coefficient before approving pigs for breeding.
Only purebred reproduction is allowed, and 100% natural mating is used. Most farms raise their own sows but buy new boars to maintain genetic diversity.
Studies on genetic variability are conducted occasionally to ensure the breed remains healthy. The AEPGHP and ANSPG organizations work together in a single committee to manage the breed. They sometimes exchange pigs, and some committee members belong to both groups.
Also, Gascon pig semen doses are stored in the French National Cryobank. These were collected in the 1990s and early 2000s and are kept as a genetic reserve for the future.
Health Issues
This pig does not have major breed-specific health issues, but it can suffer from common pig diseases, even though it has better immunity than many commercial breeds due to its outdoor lifestyle.
Advantages
- Hardy and adaptable
- Good meat quality
- Natural foragers
- Good mothers
- Resistant to disease
Disadvantages
- Slow growth rate
- Low fertility
- Higher fat content
- Limited availabity
- Specialized feeding requirements
- Higher risk of inbreeding
- Dependence on strict breeding programs. Farmers must carefully manage bloodlines and often rely on organizationsto maintain genetic balance.
Do you have any experience with the topic discussed here?
Would you like to improve the information shared and contribute your practical knowledge on the subject?
Your real-world experience as a farmer or rancher could greatly benefit other members, and the community would deeply appreciate your contribution.
