Gloucestershire Old Spots (Pig) — FarmPal
The "orchard pig" traditionally raised under apple and pear trees eating windfall fruit. Gentle giants known for spots, floppy ears, and exceptional mothering. One of the most endangered breeds.
Origin
Gloucestershire, England
Conservation Status
critical
Traits
Orchard grazer
Extremely docile
Excellent mother
Spotted white coat
Hardy forager
Good bacon breed
✓ Pros
- •Gentlest heritage breed
- •Thrives in orchards and food forests
- •Wonderful mothers
- •Beautiful spotted appearance
- •Great bacon and hams
✗ Cons
- •Very slow growth
- •Extremely rare hard to source
- •Prone to sunburn (light skin)
- •Lower muscle-to-fat ratio
Housing Requirements
Space
50-80 sq ft in pen; 1/8-1/4 acre per pig on pasture (rotated)
Fencing
Electric polywire (2-3 strands at 6", 12", 24") or woven wire with hot wire. Pigs respect electric fencing quickly after first contact. Portable electric netting works for rotational systems.