Most farm animals were created to provide traction, milk products, fibre or meat. Only by utilising rare breeds in the most appropriate way for them can we increase numbers.
The development of practical commercial uses for rare breeds, to make them attractive to potential users, is one of the most effective methods of conserving them. There is much enjoyment from keeping rare breeds but if it cannot be done profitably, then the breeds become only living museum pieces.
Meat
Some rare breeds may not have the conformation to suit today's mass market but they make up for it in flavour, succulence and eating quality. It will help the conservation of rare breeds if the public seek out butchers who sell it.
Pigs (Information taken from RBST)
|
Category |
Breed/s |
|
1. Critical |
N/A |
|
2. Endangered |
British Lop; Middle White |
|
3. Vulnerable |
Berkshire; Large Black; Tamworth; Welsh |
|
4. At Risk |
British Saddleback |
|
5. Minority |
Gloucestershire Old Spots |
The only pig from this list that we do not farm is the Welsh Pig. All other breeds live at The Rare Breeds Centre