Saving Endangered Hog Breeds

Saving Endangered Hog Breeds

Summary

This exciting project is finally off and running and is well on its way. In this first year our biggest hurdle was the delay in funding for the project so there has been a corresponding delay in the initiative’s start. Partners have modified their timelines and adjusted accordingly so that we will reach several objective goals before the reporting period of year one.

Objectives/Performance Targets

Objective 1. “Quantify & publish genetic variability and relationships within and among rare swine breeds using DNA and pedigree analysis.”

Objective 2. “Assist swine breeders in the development of long-term breeding strategies to maintain genetic health.”

Objective 3. “Develop educational materials specifically for traditional old-type swine based on historic pasture-based management practices and modern health information, educate breeders and producers in the husbandry and breeding stock selection of endangered swine breeds.”

Objective 4. “Produce and disseminate Pork Carcass Percentage Datasheets for the following breeds: Gloucestershire Old Spot, Guinea Hog, Large Black, Mulefoot, Ossabaw Island, Red Wattle, Tamworth and Hereford.”

Objective 5. “Define a value chain in the South for Heritage Pork products.”

Accomplishments/Milestones

Objective 1. “Quantify & publish genetic variability and relationships within and among rare swine breeds using DNA and pedigree analysis.” ALBC together with project partner, Dr. Yves Plante of the University of Saskatchewan have discussed strategies for DNA collection in as diverse a group of pigs as possible within each of the targeted populations and identified goals for numbers and logistics of DNA collection procedures. ALBC staff has identified 1/3 of the pigs needed for the study and will continue working with Breed Associations and farmers to identify the rest over the next several months.

Objective 2. “Assist swine breeders in the development of long-term breeding strategies to maintain genetic health.” In the fall of 2011, a rare breed swine workshop was held at the ALBC national conference. An introductory class for prospective swine farmers is to be held in May 2012 and a follow-up intensive swine workshop is scheduled for November 2012 at the ALBC national conference in Cary, NC.

Objective 3. “Develop educational materials specifically for traditional old-type swine based on historic pasture-based management practices and modern health information, educate breeders and producers in the husbandry and breeding stock selection of endangered swine breeds.” Materials developed for the workshops mentioned in Objective #2 are the beginning phase of more in-depth publications to follow in the coming year. Breed profiles for each of the swine breeds in the project have been completed and reviewed by leading swine breeders.

Objective 4. “Produce and disseminate Pork Carcass Percentage Datasheets for the following breeds: Gloucestershire Old Spot, Guinea Hog, Large Black, Mulefoot, Ossabaw Island, Red Wattle, Tamworth and Hereford.” Piglets have been arriving at Berea College for the grow-out portion of this objective. As of April 1, 2012, the Hereford, Large Black, Guinea, Mulefoot, and Ossabaw hog piglets are at the college. The Tamworth, Red Wattle, and Gloucestershire Old Spot piglets will be arriving in April and May and will be the last needed for the project. Data is being collected for optimal harvest weights for each breed in order to process each at the appropriate time.

Objective 5. “Define a value chain in the South for Heritage Pork products.” This work will begin in years 2-3 of the initiave.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

Since we are in the very beginning stages of this project, there are few impacts that can be reported. However, because of the promotional outreach by ALBC, SSARE, and its partners, the project has generated significant public and farmer interest resulting in media attention and numerous inquiries at the ALBC office from farmers wanting to participate in the work.

Collaborators: