Mixed pig breeds

[Eroc1_1]

Has anyone crossed Old Spots, Tamworths, or Mulefoots? To get a little leaner pig, would it be better to have the Tamworth as the boar or the sow? I was thinking of having a mixed bunch of pigs. I have heard that Old Spots and Mulefoots were on the fatter side and Tamworths were a bit leaner.

 

[Cornish Heritage]

Another consideration is, who has the better mothering skills? That is vital! A crossbreed gives you that F! hybrid vigor so the piglets always grow faster. All three breeds you mention are really not fat breeds - they only get fat if the owners over feed them!

Liz

 

[Eroc1_1]

Another consideration is, who has the better mothering skills? That is vital! A crossbreed gives you that F! hybrid vigor so the piglets always grow faster. All three breeds you mention are really not fat breeds - they only get fat if the owners over feed them!

Liz

True enough. Is bad mothering hereditary? I suppose one needs to have a discerning eye when it comes to the shape and condition of the pig. Someone told me that they should get between 2%-3% of body weight in grain daily for growing and 3%-4% a day for pregnant, nursing, and breeding.

 

[Cornish Heritage]

Is bad mothering hereditary?

Yes it can be but not always. We had a sow here who was an awful mother, just never got it so she ended up as sausage. We kept one of her daughters & she did a great job.

As for feeding we don't normally feed anymore until they have actually farrowed & then we really up the calories - how much depends on how many piglets they are nursing.

Liz