A Complete Guide to Caring for Large Black Pigs

Large Black pigs are a traditional British breed known for their gentle temperament, hardiness, and excellent meat quality. As one of the oldest native pig breeds in the UK, they are valued by smallholders and farmers alike for their ability to thrive in outdoor systems and their efficient foraging abilities.

If you’re considering keeping Large Black pigs, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know about caring for this unique breed, including their history, characteristics, housing, feeding, breeding, and general health care.

A Brief History of Large Black Pigs

The Large Black pig is one of the oldest pig breeds in Britain, originating in the 16th century from the south-west of England and East Anglia. They were traditionally kept as free-range pigs and valued for their ability to forage efficiently in woodland and pasture settings.

By the mid-20th century, the breed's popularity declined due to the rise of intensive farming systems that favoured faster-growing, commercial breeds. However, thanks to conservation efforts, the Large Black pig is now recognised as a rare breed and is making a comeback among smallholders and traditional farmers.

Key Characteristics of Large Black Pigs

Large Black pigs are instantly recognisable by their jet-black coats and distinctive drooping ears, which cover their eyes and help protect them from the sun. Here are some key traits of the breed:

• Size: Large Black pigs are, as the name suggests, large! Mature boars can weigh up to 350kg, and sows can weigh around 300kg.
• Temperament: They are known for their docile, friendly nature, making them easy to handle and a great choice for new pig owners.
• Hardiness: Large Blacks are hardy animals that can thrive in outdoor systems, even in harsh weather conditions.
• Foraging Ability: They are excellent foragers and can supplement their diet by grazing, making them an economical breed to keep.

Housing for Large Black Pigs

Large Black pigs are well-suited to outdoor systems, but they still need appropriate shelter to keep them comfortable and protected from the elements.

Shelter Requirements

• Outdoor Housing: Provide a sturdy, weatherproof shelter such as an ark or pig hut. It should be well-ventilated, dry, and big enough to accommodate your pigs comfortably.
• Bedding: Use straw or wood shavings as bedding to keep the shelter warm and dry. Regularly clean out the shelter to maintain hygiene.

Fencing

• Secure Fencing: Large Blacks are strong animals, so secure fencing is essential to keep them contained. Electric fencing or sturdy post-and-rail fencing with mesh is recommended.
• Rotational Grazing: To keep pastures healthy and reduce the risk of parasite build-up, practice rotational grazing by moving your pigs to fresh ground regularly.

Feeding Large Black Pigs

Large Black pigs are excellent foragers, but they still need a well-balanced diet to stay healthy and grow properly.

Diet

• Pig Feed: Provide a high-quality pig feed that meets their nutritional needs. Look for a balanced feed that contains essential vitamins and minerals.
• Foraging: Large Blacks love to forage, so allow them access to pasture or woodland where they can root for food. This helps reduce feed costs and keeps them mentally stimulated.
• Fruit and Vegetables: You can supplement their diet with fresh fruit and vegetables, but avoid giving them anything toxic or spoiled.

Water

• Ensure that your pigs always have access to fresh, clean water. Large pigs can drink a significant amount of water, especially in warm weather.

Breeding Large Black Pigs

Large Black pigs are known for their excellent mothering abilities and large litter sizes, making them a good choice for breeding.

Breeding Tips

• Age to Breed: Sows can be bred from around 10-12 months of age, and boars can be used for breeding from 12 months.
• Gestation Period: The gestation period for pigs is around 114 days (approximately 3 months, 3 weeks, and 3 days).
• Farrowing: Provide a warm, comfortable farrowing area for the sow to give birth. Large Black sows are known for being good mothers, with strong maternal instincts and high milk production.

Health Care for Large Black Pigs

Keeping your Large Black pigs healthy is essential for their wellbeing and productivity. Below are some key health care tips:

Vaccinations

Work with your vet to develop a vaccination schedule for your pigs. Core vaccinations typically include protection against:

• Erysipelas
• Porcine Parvovirus
• Leptospirosis
• Clostridial diseases

Deworming

Pigs should be dewormed regularly to control internal parasites. Deworming frequency will depend on your specific farm conditions and your vet’s advice.

Common Health Issues

• Sunburn: Despite their black coats, Large Blacks can still suffer from sunburn. Ensure they have access to shade and wallows during hot weather.
• Overgrown Tusks: Boars may develop overgrown tusks, which can cause injury. Regular tusk trimming may be required.
• Foot Care: Regularly check their hooves for signs of overgrowth or injury.

Behaviour and Handling

Large Black pigs are known for their gentle nature, making them relatively easy to handle compared to some other breeds. Here are some tips for handling them safely:

• Calm Approach: Approach your pigs calmly and avoid sudden movements or loud noises that may startle them.
• Positive Reinforcement: Use food as a positive reinforcement to build trust and encourage cooperation.
• Training: Pigs can be trained to follow basic commands and respond to their names, which makes handling easier.

Why Choose Large Black Pigs?

Large Black pigs are an excellent choice for new pig owners for several reasons:

• Low Maintenance: Their hardy nature and excellent foraging ability make them relatively low-maintenance compared to other breeds.
• Friendly Temperament: Their docile temperament makes them easy to handle, even for beginners.
• High-Quality Meat: Large Black pigs are renowned for their high-quality, flavourful meat, making them a great choice for small-scale meat production.

Final Thoughts

Large Black pigs are a fantastic choice for new pig owners looking for a traditional, low-maintenance breed. By providing proper housing, a balanced diet, and regular health care, you can ensure your Large Black pigs thrive and remain healthy. Their gentle nature, hardiness, and excellent meat quality make them a valuable addition to any smallholding or farm.

Always work closely with your vet to establish a health management plan, and enjoy the rewarding experience of keeping these wonderful pigs!