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Description
The
Gloucestershire Old Spots pig is a large lop-eared breed,
mainly white with at least one black spot. Following
moves over the last three decades to reduce the number of
spots, many breeders are now producing pigs with a greater
number (the coloured pigment does not show on the meat).
Whilst coming
under the umbrella of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust,
the Gloucestershire Old Spots breed is more numerous
than any other rare breeds of pigs, reflecting growing
awareness of its commercial potential. Officially known
by its full title, if is often referred to as a Gloucester
Old Spot or even just Gloucester Spot.
The Gloucestershire
Old Spots is a multi-purpose pig providing tender, succulent,
fine-grained meat. Suitable for pork or bacon production,
the breed is especially useful for the 'manufacturing'
market for hams, sausages, pies etc.
Crossed with
a white breed, the resulting all-white offspring make
excellent commercial pigs enjoying a high degree of hybrid
vigour.
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