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Welcome to Macnean Farm, the home of the Macnean herd of rare breed Pedigree Tamworth and Oxford Sandy and Black Pigs.
History of The Tamworth...
Today's Tamworth Pigs are thought to be the most typical
breed descended from the old indigenous species, the Old English Forest pig. It
has maintained this status because at the end of the 18th Century, when many
native breeds were 'improved' by crossing them with Chinese and Neapolitan
stock, Tamworth Pigs were not deemed fashionable and hence left alone. It is
now therefore the oldest pure English breed and, as a result, it is also
sometimes crossed with wild boar to produce distinctive gamey pork.
During the 20th Century Tamworths were both exported and imported; an exercise
vitally important to a breed with small numbers and potential inbreeding
problems. During the early part of the century the imports were predominantly
from Canada, one famous one being 'Dollar Bobbie' whose progeny resulted in the
Rose line (no relation to the modern day Golden Rose).
The red-gold hair of the Tamworth Pig ensures that it is one of the most easily
recognisable of the traditional pig breeds. A typical Tamworth Pig has the
longest snout of the present day domestic breeds. It has prick ears, giving it
an alert appearance. This reflects its inquisitive nature - a characteristic
enforcing its reputation for speed within the Show ring.
A Tamworth's head should not be too long - the face should be slightly dished
and wide between the ears, with a light jowl. The large ears are finely fringed
and carried slightly inclined. The skin should be flesh coloured and free from
coarseness, wrinkles or black spots. The coat is distinctively golden red,
abundant, straight, fine and as free of black hairs as possible.
The sows are excellent mothers, being milky, docile as well as protective. As
with all traditional breeds, Tamworth Pigs are hardy and can be kept in
environments ranging from rough pasture to meadowland. Of all the native breeds
they are particularly resistant to sunburn.
Well over a century ago, when landowners, farmers, hotel keepers and cottagers
kept pigs to cure their own bacon, the Tamworth enjoyed popularity due to its
ability to produce white-fleshed carcases with long sides and big hams. As the
breed's name suggests, these pigs are traditionally remembered as cottagers'
pigs in the Midlands.
After World War II, breeding stock numbers fell dramatically - to a point during
the 1970's when there were only 17 surviving boars. At this time it was felt
that the Canadian pigs were a darker red than was preferred and the breed turned
to Australia for its importations - a country that had previously imported from
Britain. The Rare Breeds Survival Trust continued this tradition with two
importations. In 1976 several boars were imported from the Royal Standard,
Golden Ranger and Glen lines and in the late 1990's the importation was of both
boars and gilts. On this occasion the boars were incorporated into all the
female lines and a further female line, 'Rita' was established
Tamworth Pigs are classed as endangered by
The Rare Breeds Survival Trust and are closely monitored by both The Rare
Breeds Survival Trust and The British
Pig Association.
The history of the Oxford Sandy and Black can be found here....
If you want to find out more about our Tamworth Pigs, our Oxford Sandy and Black Pigs or indeed any of our other animals please explore our website. Any comments or queries are always welcome.
Please feel free to contact us for any information. We are located 2 1/2 miles on the B52 from the village of Belcoo (10 miles on the B52 from Garrison) and approx. 15 miles from Enniskillen in the County of Fermanagh in Northern Ireland. Click here for a map.Our contact details are listed here:-
Gavin & Fidelma Goodman
Concerned
about the welfare of farmed animals ? Click on the picture to find out more.
It's both informative and fun.
