At least for the time. It is among the very old breeds of pig and currently a rare breed. Gloucestershire (pronounced Glostersheer) pigs were selected as excellent foragers and grazers. The Gloucestershire Old Spots pigs are medium to large sized animals which are predominantly white in color with black spots. The Gloucestershire Old Spot (GOS) is the oldest pedigreed spotted pig in the world, dating back to 1790. It is suitable for both intensive and extensive pig farming system, but it is most suited for the extensive system. Arlo. The breed notably benefits from continued support of the British Royal Family who favors pork from these pigs for their table. Exact origins of the breed are not known. Currently we have four breeding herds: the Ossabaw Island Hog, the Gloucestershire Old Spot, a five-way Old-timey cross called the Farmer’s Hybrid (Paul Willis’ stock), and our very own best-seller the “Cross-a-baw”, a 50/50 Ossabaw/Farmer’s Hybrid. There is 2 Boar Piglets remaining. A mature boar can weigh over 600 pounds and a mature sow, over 500 pounds or larger depending on age and food intake. The Gloucestershire Old Spots Pig Breeders’ Club was established in 1990 to promote the wonderful qualities of the Gloucestershire Old Spots breed and to provide help and support to breeders and keepers. It is the largest and most effective such organisation and continues to … These 20 animals imported by Kelmscott Farms became the foundation animals for the breed in America. The Gloucestershire Old Spots Pig Breeders' Club was formed 21 years ago, and the fortunes of the breed have improved steadily since then. Gloucestershire Old Spot Sow (Mineral) JLA FORUMS - Menu Close. Photo and info from Wikipedia. It is well known for it’s intelligence, docility and prolificity. I spoke with a few pig-experts and finally settled on a different breed that shared many of the same traits as a Large Black pig – Gloucestershire Old Spots. Sadly Gloucestershire Old Spots are currently at risk of extinction and if we are to stand a chance of bringing them back to mainstream livestock status it is essential that we support the breed. The breed is also known for having a very gentle nature. Threatened Farmers of the Berkley Vale realized this plan threatened the very existence of their beloved local pig breed. The Gloucestershire Old Spot is a European swine breed that was bred to be a self-sufficient grazing pig on supplements from the orchards, gardens, and dairies. The Gloucestershire Old Spots are listed as threatened according to the Livestock Conservancy. The pigs represented each color group in the cyclic breeding system put in place by … We knew we wanted better tasting meat from pasture raised pigs and these two were the … It's an old English breed that is most known for it's white skin, black spots, floppy ears, calm demeanor, great maternal instincts, and grazing abilities. The black spot is a mandatory for the breed and there must be one spot on their body to be accepted in the registry. They have head of long length with a slightly dished nose. The "Gloucester Old Spot" is also the name of a public house at Piff's Elm in Gloucestershire, while Uley Brewery has both an ale and a public house (in Dursley) named "Old Spot" after the pig. The Gloucestershire Old Spot is a large meaty animal with a broad and deep body and large hams. Feeder pigs: 8-12 weeks old $ and over 12 weeks of age please call for price. It is very hardy and able to adjust with most conditions, and it has a reputation as an excellent forager. As of 2009, there are about less than 1000 Gloucestershire Old Spots in Great Britain and fewer than 200 breeding animals in the US. $24.95, Storey's Illustrated Guide to Sheep, Goats, Cattle, and Pigs. 338 likes. The breed also has a heavy drooped ear. And currently there are fewer than 200 yearly registrations in the United States and estimated fewer than 2000 global population. I have made no reference here to the name GOS, which only seems to be used by breeders and breed association websites to refer to the breed. But it is believed that the breed was likely based on two pig breeds- the unimproved Berkshire and the original Gloucestershire pig which was large in size, had wattle and of off-white color and was without spots. Read more information about the breed below. Today, according to the BPA's most up-to-date conservation survey results, there are 1,627 registered sows (nearly 200 up on … He talked – loudly – through the entire 7-hour drive home. The breed was developed in the Berkley Vale of Gloucestershire, England during the 1800s. Its white coat has large clearly defined black spots. Greener Days Farm is a small, sustainable off-grid farm focused on raising heritage Large Black pigs, Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs, Katahdin sheep, ducks, chickens, and rabbits in mid-coast Maine. The Gloucestershire Old Spots (GOS) Breed Society was formed in 1913. In 1913 the British Board of Agriculture announced a livestock development scheme that included the licensing of breeding boars. The Gloucestershire Old Spots pigs are medium to large sized animals which are predominantly white in color with black spots. Gloucestershire Old Spots Piglets For Sale (Aromas) (watsonville) $150. Storey's Illustrated Guide to Sheep, Goats, Cattle, and Pigs It is named after the county of Gloucestershire. This page is dedicated to Hampshire College's breeding herd of Gloucestershire Old Spots. GOS Pedigrees. Disposition and self-sufficiency of the breed make them ideal and attractive for the farmers who are willing to raise pasture pigs, and also for the people who want to add pigs to diversified operations. The breed’s maternal skills make it able to raise large litters of piglets on pasture. The Gloucestershire Old Spots or simply “Old Spots” is an English breed of pig which is predominantly white with black spots. Piglets must be picked up between 8-10 weeks of age. Gloucestershire Pigs $ Old Gloucestershire gilts $250. They are an off-white color with randomly placed black spots and big floppy ears. Its white coat has large clearly defined black spots. And noisy. Gloucestershire Old Spots In October 2019, we brought the boer Basil (GOS + a dash of Saddleback), and his mates, pure GOS sisters Saffron and Ginger, onto the farm. Its exact origins are not known, though it was likely based on two breeds – the original Gloucestershire pig which was large, off-white, had wattles and was without spots, and second, the unimproved Berkshire. The Gloucestershire Old Spot and English Large Blacks are rare heritage breeds that thrive on our pasture. Red Group. Lean meat The breed was developed in the Berkley Vale of Gloucestershire, England, during the 1800s. A few years ago fashion called for only one or two spots but today breeders have decided that if you are going to have a spotted pig, then it should have more spots. The mature Gloucestershire Old Spots boars reach a mature weight of around 272 kg. View in: Mobile 320 | Mobile 640 | Desktop The Gloucestershire Old Spots is a historic pig breed known for its distinctive white coat with black spots. The breed hit a high point in popularity in Great Britain just after World War 1 when the naturally large proportions of lean meat from Old Spots was perfectly suited for to the production of lean, streaky bacon that was fast becoming popular in Great Britain at this time. ), and waited to start breeding until he reached maturity at 6 months old. And average live body weight of the mature sows is around 227 kg. Matilda Green Group. 180 lbs Welcome to GOSA (Gloucestershire Old Spots of America Inc): The founding breeders registry for GOS hogs in the United States. Gloucestershire Old Spots (Gretna, VA) $500. The Gloucestershire Old Spots pig is an English breed of domestic pig which is named after the county of Gloucestershire. There must be at least one spot on the body to be accepted in the registry. Breed Facts Old Spots reigned supreme as the pork of choice for discerning palates and in livestock shows through the 1920’s and early 1930’s. Currently the breed is on the ‘Critical‘ list by The Livestock Conservancy. The Gloucestershire Old Spots pig is known for its docility, intelligence, and prolificity. The name of this race has its origin in the city of origin of this race that is in the Gloucestershire in the valley of Berkeley in England. Its disposition and self sufficiency should make it attractive for farmers raising pasture pigs and those who want to add pigs to diversified operations. The Gloucestershire Old Spot is a hardy breed, and this trio prefers sleeping under the stars or under the protection of our Scottish pines, even more than in their shelter. The breed is known for its distinctive black spots, floppy ears, and ability to produce flavorful, succulent pork with generous fat and marbling. GOSA Registered Pigs Registered Breeding Stock is $350. It is also known by some other names such as Gloucestershire Old Spot, Gloucester Old Spot, Gloucester, GOS, Orchard Pig, The Cottager’s Pig or simply Old Spots. Using the form below you can register new pigs or transfer registrations to the GOSPBU. The breed was developed in the Berkley Vale of Gloucestershire, England, during the 1800s. Since the beginning of the 20th century, this breed has been considered a pedigree breed. The breed became rare after World War II, when the shift to intensive pig production reduced interest in pigs that could thrive out of doors. The Gloucestershire Old Spots is a black and white breed that is predominantly white in color. The breed has a reputation as an excellent forager. About Piggyback Ranch Piggyback Ranch is owned and operated by Greg and Hilary Smith. Gloucestershire Old Spots is a heritage breed of pig from Gloucestershire county in England. Gloucestershire Old Spots Pig | Breed Profile. The sows have at least 14 well placed teats. Ethel Green Gro u p. Boar. The first pedigree records of pigs began in 1885, much later than it did for cattle, sheep and horses because the pig was a peasant’s animal, a scavenger and was never highly regarded. The Gloucestershire Old Spots pig is known for its docility, intelligence, and prolificacy. Those two pig breeds which were used to develop the Gloucestershire Old Spots pig are now extinct. Use: The sows are excellent mothers and they can care for their piglets very well. A few years ago fashion called for only one or two spots but today breeders have decided that if you are going to have a spotted pig, then it should have more spots. Gloucestershire old spots X duroc pigs. Subsequently, the Gloucestershire Old Spots Breed Society was formed in November of 1913 placing the breed among the oldest spotted pedigreed pig breeds known. Boars reach a mature weight of 600 lbs (136 kg) and sows 500 lbs (125 kg). These easy keeping qualities gave Gloucestershire Old Spots the nicknames “cottage pig” and “orchard pig.” British folklore claims the large black spots are bruises caused by the apples falling onto them as they foraged the orchard floors for food. In addition to pork we produce eggs, chicken and soon to come alpaca and yak. Being a heritage pig, the Old Spots are slow growers but they are known for amazing meat taste (lean meat) and vitamin D rich lard. That makes a weaner £48 at 8 weeks and a maiden gilt ready for her first service £216 at nine months old. The Gloucestershire Old Spots pig is a breed that is very ancient, even this breed is present in pictures.. The breed never became numerous in the United States, however, and was practically extinct by the 1990s. In recent years, selection has been towards less black and now only a spot or two are usually found. Temperament: Their excellent maternal skills enable them to raise large litters of piglets on pasture. Gloucestershire Old Spots pigs were imported to the United States during the 1900s, and they made genetic contributions to several American breeds, especially the American Spot and the Chester White. Docile. 500 lbs (female), Hanging Weight: Their shoulders are fine and not raised and their legs are strong and straight. The pigs are thrifty, able to make a living from pasture and agricultural by products, such as whey from cheese making, windfall apples in orchards, and the residue from pressing cider. But this is just a base calculation and you must expect to pay more for good examples of the breed and at times when demand outstrips supply. Boar Piglets Born 1/28/21 in NC will transport UK Sow and US Boar GOS Dual Registered Litter Born on Jan 28, 2021. Gloucestershire Old Spots of America, Inc. 450 Hwy 1 W #222 Iowa City, Iowa 52246 email: president@gosamerica.org Hampshire College Gloucester Old Spots, Amherst, Massachusetts. The animals are usually gentle in nature and have relatively good temperament. Adult Weight: The Gloucestershire Old Spot is a hardy breed able to cope with most conditions. The Gloucestershire Old Spots were originally brought to the U.S. in 1996. The breeders group maintains a breed registry that assigns a particular color to each lineage. Our search for Zeke was conducted online through the Gloucestershire Old Spots breeders group marketplace. Gloucestershire Old Spots (GOS) pigs are an endangered breed, dating to well before 1913 in the United Kingdom, at which time the Gloucestershire Old Spots Breed Society was established, using the term “old” to indicate the breed’s long history in the U.K. Sows. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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Gloucestershire Old Spot (GOS) Pigs We did a lot of research of heritage pigs before deciding to purchase two GOS gilts, LullaBelle and Daisy Mae in the Spring of 2014. The remaining population nearly became extinct in the 1960s, though it has increased slowly since then. Our animals are raised on pasture, woodlots, crop fields This video is an excerpt from a Meatsmith Harvest Podcast number 10 in which Brandon and Lauren discuss all things heritage pigs. The breed is well known for it’s good quality meat, and it is a dual purpose breed which is suitable for both pork and bacon production. In 1995, Kelmscott Farm Foundation of Lincolnville, Maine, organized an importation of twenty Gloucestershire piglets to reestablish the purebred population in America. The Gloucestershire Old Spot is a large meaty animal with a broad and deep body and large hams. However, review full breed profile of the Gloucestershire Old Spots pig in the following chart. Status: 600 lbs (male) They have head of long length with a slightly dished nose. And before 1913, no other pedigree spotted breed was recorded. They have lop ears which will cover almost the face of a mature pig and hand towards the nose. A breed society was founded, and the number of animals is increasing. The pigs are white with clearly defined black (not blue) spots. The Gloucestershire Old Spots is a historic pig breed known for its distinctive white coat with black spots. The black spot is a mandatory for the breed and there must be one spot on their body to be accepted in the registry. GOSA promotes the GOS herd population in the United States by supporting breeders, pork producers, small farmers, new farmers, chefs, University researchers, peer heritage breed conservancy's, and YOU. Average Litter Size in 2009 was around 9.06 piglets and the breed is known for having good maternal instincts. The Gloucestershire Old Spots pig is a very active and hardy breed of pig. In 2015, the Gloucestershire Old Spots moved from Critically Endangered to Threatened status. Both of the old breeds used to develop the Old Spots are now extinct. Registrations and transfers are available to members of GOSPBU only (become a member here) and cost only $5.Litter registrations are for new pig litters and cost $7, regardless of the litter size. The Gloucestershire Old Spots pig was once a very popular breed of pig in it’s native area. Excellent for breeding or good traditional pork. Gloucestershire Old Spot Pig. - Carol Ekarius That’s why today’s Gloucestershire Old Spots pig is recognized as the oldest such breed in the world. The Gloucestershire Old Spots is a heritage breed of pig and currently on the "Critical" List by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy meaning there are fewer than 200 annual registrations in the United States and estimated fewer than 2000 global population. Learn how your comment data is processed.