An English authority, who calls it the “Mahogany” or “Grizzly” pig, says it was extensively bred in several of the midland counties of England early in the nineteenth century. Tamworth Swine are protected by registration in Great Britain, the United States and Canada. Being a breed considered quite distant genetically from most modern commercial swine, the Tamworth is considered an excellent choice for cross-breeding. Each breed of pig has its own “breed standard” – a check-list of desirable features. The Tamworth Pig… A history Tamworth pigs are characterised by their long legs and neck, long narrow body, elongated snout and pricked up ears. This said, Tamworth pigs can be protective of their territories, thus somewhat aggressive towards any other livestock in the same pasture. Illustration by Elayne Sears. Tamworth Castle was created as a residence. They are not a composite breed, and are thought by many to be one of the oldest and purest breeds in Britain. This has been almost entirely effected through selection, judicious breeding, and management. Farmers in each country much favour other pigs in quantity. The Tamworth originated in Ireland where they were known as “Irish Grazers”, being given that name due to the fact that they were such wonderful foragers. Much of the improvement of the breed took place in Staffordshire as well as in the counties of Warwickshire, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire, England. [1] It is among the oldest of pig breeds, but as with many older breeds of livestock, it is not well suited to modern production methods and is listed as "Threatened" in the United States[2] and "Vulnerable" in the UK by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, as fewer than 300 registered breeding females remain. [8] Modern herds are near-minimal for a good guarantee of endurance in each of the five recognised countries holding these animals. Litters normally range in size from six to ten piglets. The breed originated in Sir Robert Peel's Drayton Manor in Drayton Bassett almost next to the market town of Tamworth, Staffordshirewhere they were first sold, after the existing herd was interbred from 1812 with pigs from Ireland known as "Irish Grazers", that Peel had seen in Ireland in 1809. A two-year old sow weighing 750 pounds had 18 live pigs at one farrowing, and a Tamworth at the Iowa Agricultural College raised 33 pigs in one year. Traditionally raised in the woods, the pig's long angular snout makes it an excellent forager — Tamworth pigs do not confirm to industrial agriculture needs. Social and Friendly. From these early imports, the Colorado agricultural College’s three year farm average for all sows was ten live pigs to a litter. In Canada the Tamworth was admitted to the Dominion Swine Breeders Association Herd Book in 1893. Much of the improvement took place locally in Staffordshire and in Warwickshire, Leicestershire, and Northamptonshire, all in England. An En… The trim, fine-coated Hampshire is black with a white saddle, which includes the forelegs, and its ears are erect and forward pointing. This crossbreeding resulted in a much stronger Tamworth breed. The Tamworth pigs are a medium sized breed of domestic pigs native to the United Kingdom. Tamworths arrived in Eastern Canada in 1877. [3] This animal is of ginger to red colouration and is thought to have descended from wild boars, via native pig stock of Europe. Of all the native breeds the Tamworth experienced the least influence from imports of Asian pigs during the 18th and 19th centuries. secretary@tamworthswine.org, Site Map In 1865, Tamworths achieved English breed recognition and in 1885 the herd book was started. A slow growing breed, the Tamworth is active and hearty. The sows are excellent mothers, being milky, docile as well as protective. Litter sizes are typically somewhat smaller than commercial breeds. Adding livestock to a family or hobby farm can be like adding a new member to … In the following decade, Tamworths were also imported into Canada and the breed gradually became known in both countries. It is from this place they derived their name. This colouration has led to to the breed being known as ‘Sandybacks’ or ‘Tamworth Reds’. With farmers looking for ways to produce faster growing pigs many of the traditional English breeds were cross bread with imported pigs from Asia but fortunately Tamworths were considered to not requiring “improving”. All Rights Reserved Tamworth (/ ˈ t æ m w ər θ /) is a large market town and borough in Staffordshire, England, 14 miles (23 km) north-east of Birmingham and on the West Coast Main Line.The town adjoins Warwickshire to the south and east, Lichfield to the north and west and local junctions of the M6 Toll motorway. Add to Favorites . They produced meat and bacon that is lean and fine grained.Want to see more like this? The Tamworth originated in Ireland where they were known as “Irish Grazers”, being given that name due to the fact that they were such wonderful foragers. [4] The ears are erect and pointed, while the face has rectilinear lines as well as the snout. Tamworths have been used in developing other breeds in the United States. Colours range from a pale gingery to dark mahogany red. Tamworths were imported into the United States by Thomas Bennett of Rossville, Illinois, in 1882. Tamworths are considered a medium-sized porcine breed, with a full-grown boar ranging from 250 to 370 kg (550 to 820 lb) and the mature sow from 200 to 300 kg (440 to 660 lb). The density of their hair defends their skin against ultraviolet harm from the sun. History The Tamworth is considered Britain’s oldest pure breed and is similar in appearance to the Old English Forest Pig. History The Tamworth’s history is subject to much speculation. To get started, we’ll begin with the history behind this breed. The breed is used in forage-based farming systems. The American Tamworth Swine Record Association was founded in 1887 with their national headquarters in Ames, Iowa. Tamworths can be identified by their large ears and long straight snouts. The American Tamworth Swine Record Association was founded in 1887. Tamworth pigs possess distinct, finely textured red coats. Like other traditional pig breeds, the Tamworth suffered greatly in the years following the Second World War, as farmers were urged to concentrate on faster-growing, more economical breeds. About 1812 Sir Robert Peel, being impressed with the characteristic of these hogs imported some of them to his estate at Tamworth, England. They quickly spread across the country to become one of the most popular breeds of pig and a fundamental part of our agricultural history. It is now pretty generally conceded that the blood of other breeds has not been used to any extent in the improvement of Tamworths. The bristle density protects their skin from ultraviolet harm from the sun; nevertheless, when they moult between June and August (in the Northern Hemisphere), shade is sought along with copious mud coating to prevent sunburn. If you are interested in history, heritage and recipes of the traditional English breakfast, check out our official English Breakfast Handbook, lovingly produced by the English Breakfast Society. Today, Heritage Livestock Canada lists this rare breed as critically close to extinction. The most salient feature of the Tamworth is its great hardiness with respect to adverse climates. The Tamworth originated in Ireland where they were known as “Irish Grazers”, being given that name due to the fact that they were such wonderful foragers. The name Tamworth was derived from Tamworth, Staffordshire United Kingdom and was crossbred with Irish pigs known as “Irish Grazers” back in 1812. The adult length ranges from 100 to 140 cm (39 to 55 in) and heights of about 50 to 65 cm (20 to 26 in) are common. Piglets at birth are usually wild and wary of humans, but easily adjust to human interaction. However, the breed’s most distinctive feature is its ginger, orange-red coat. Copyright © 2021Tamworth Swine Association They come in a range of colors, from pale ginger to dark mahogany red. Tamworth Swine Association But subsequent to this period they sank into obscurity, and were only known in some local districts. The animal is not only durable and rugged, but also is extremely well-suited for forest grazing, being able to thrive on bracken. Tamworth pigs used to be one of the most common pigs raised on Canadian farms. Over the centuries, Tamworths have been bred and selected to be well suited to an active, outdoor life. Unacceptable features according to breed aficionados are: curly hair, coarse mane, turned up nose, and dark spots on the coat. It is from this place they derived their name. During the next five years many other Tamworths were imported into Canada, and hogs from the Canadian importations and others from England have found their way into the United States. However, it was constructed according to the situation of warfare during the medieval time by adding defense. By 1920 the breed was dispersed across most of the United States and Canada, though it never became numerous since it was a bacon breed at a time when lard pigs predominated. The Tamworth is traditionally considered a “bacon” breed. As with all traditional breeds, the Tamworth is hardy and can be kept in environments ranging from rough pasture to meadowland. The Tamworth Pig The Tamworth originated in Ireland where they were known as “Irish Grazers”, being given that name due to the fact that they were such wonderful foragers. The first Tamworths were brought to the United States in 1882 by Thomas Bennett of Rossville, Illinois. It is from this place they derived their name. The Tamworth, like the Yorkshire, was slower in becoming as popular with the American hog producer as the thicker breeds, although there have been some strong advocates of the breed. The breed originated in Sir Robert Peel's Drayton Manor in Drayton Bassett[6] almost next to the market town of Tamworth, Staffordshire where they were first sold, after the existing herd was interbred from 1812 with pigs from Ireland known as "Irish Grazers", that Peel had seen in Ireland in 1809. This animal is characterised by having a neck and legs that are long, and by deep sides, but narrow backs. ; an unusual proportion of lean meat, and large litters of pigs; also that Tamworths will make as many pounds of gain, largely lean meat, from a given weight of feed as will hogs of any other breed. Today's Tamworth is thought to be the most typical breed descended from the old indigenous species, the Old English Forest pig. Hampshire, breed of pig developed in the United States from the Wessex Saddleback and other varieties first imported from England around 1825; in the late 20th century it was one of the predominant breeds in the U.S. It is also known by some other names such as Sandy Back and Tam. Tamworth hogs are one of the oldest domesticated breeds of pigs in the world. Today's Tamworth is thought to be the most typical breed descended from the old indigenous species, the Old English Forest pig. The breed originated in the United Kingdom hundreds of years ago in Tamworth, Staffordshire England. The breed is among the oldest of pig breeds. Golden-red, abundant, straight and fine. The Tamworth pig originated on Sir Robert Peel’s Estate in Tamworth, Staffordshire, England, after his existing herd was interbred in 1812 with pigs from Ireland known as 'Irish Grazers'. Tamworth it appears is now famous for amongst other things, the Tamworth Pig, The Modern Day Police Force and the Reliant Robin. Photo by Mars Vilaubi. When the droves were mainly kept in the woods and forests. 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, the Tamworth was not deemed fashionable and hence left alone. About 1812 Sir Robert Peel, being impressed with the characteristic of these hogs imported some of … Here is the Tamworth breed standard: COAT. 53147 Rosewood Road In the UK the Reliant Robin is seen by many 4-wheeler drivers as a vehicle they would never drive, and despite being amazingly clean animals pigs … Tamworth pigs were first imported to North America by Thomas Bennett of Rossville, Illinois in 1882. In Australia, the breed reached peak numbers of about 1000 in the mid-20th century. About 1877 a demand grew up for more hogs of the bacon type, and breeders of Tamworths brought their favorites to the front in England. The first Tamworths in the United States were those imported by Thomas Bennett of Rossville,Illinois in 1882. They appear to have been improved to a considerable extent before the middle of the 19th Century, as they were given First Honors at the Royal Agricultural Society’s Show when competing with large breeds as early as 1847. They were long of limb, long in the snout and flat in the rib. The Tamworth, also known as Sandy Back and Tam, is a breed of domestic pig originating in its namesake Tamworth, Staffordshire United Kingdom, with input from Irish pigs. They were active, hardy, good rustlers, and very prolific, but they were slow feeders and late in maturing. Kelley Bradshaw, Secretary Facts about Tamworth Castle 8: in the English civil war. [9] The breeding societies in each country consider conservation the highest priority, with a great emphasis upon record-keeping. Tamworth pig numbers became seriously low, but, thanks to the hard work of dedicated breeders, the Tamworth was saved from extinction. [5] The curled adult tail is about 24 to 30 cm (9.4 to 12 in). All pigs being considered for pedigree registration should be measured against the relevant breed standard, and any being shown will be marked according to the standard, too. The color of the Tamworth Pig breed varies from pale gingery to shady mahogany red. The Tamworth Two were a pair of pigs that escaped while being unloaded from a lorry at an abattoir in the English town of Malmesbury, Wiltshire in January 1998. Thus, the breed does well in its more northerly settings such as Scotland and Canada, where winters are severe, not only in regard to cold but also high winds. The breed is little interbred with non-European breeds and close to ori… The Tamworth pig is a breed of domestic pig from United Kingdom. History: The only native red breed to England, its heritage traces back to the wild pigs of Middle Age Europe. Breed associations for Tamworth swine are active in the UK, the USA, and Canada. Soon they entered Canada where they have also endured. New Carlisle, IN 46552 [7] Much of the improvement took place locally in Staffordshire and in Warwickshire, Leicestershire, and Northamptonshire, all in England. It was Sir Robert Peel who had the Irish Grazers when he saw the pigs in Ireland. Sir Robert Peel was regarded as the fa… The American Tamworth Swine Record Association was organized in 1897. From 1913 to mid-century, the breed reached peak numbers in Canada, reaching up to 10% of total swine. Tamworth pigs were imported to North America beginning in the mid- to late 1800s. Check us out at www.baconacresfarm.com Our Registered Tamworth Pigs are called 'Irish Grazers' They love grass and can acutely survive on it!!! The mud coating also provides a way for the pigs to cool down, as pigs cannot sweat. The breed is little interbred with non-European breeds and close to original European forest swine. This animal is very efficient at excavation while rooting for food in the forest or pasture. This domesticated breed of pigs originated from Sir Robert Peel’s Drayton Manor Estate at Tamworth, Staffordshire. The breed is also known for having excellent foot structure and a good skeletal system. Tamworths graze compatibly with cattle, being able to retrieve forage that cattle leave behind in the open pasture. Early in the history of the Tamworth Pig breed, the colors of the breed were purple and orange, but reproduction has been conducted to eliminate the orange coloration. Adult Tamworth pig, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, "American Livestock Breeds Conservancy watch list", http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/unit/10277097/boundary, Pig Breeds, Tamworth, Oklahoma State University, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tamworth_pig&oldid=1006344727, Conservation Priority Breeds of the Livestock Conservancy, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 12 February 2021, at 11:05. It was originated in Sir Robert Peel’s Drayton Manor Estate at Tamworth, Staffordshire, United Kingdom with input from Irish pigs and it was named after it’s origin place. The Tamworth has two characteristics for which it was entitled to preeminence; i.e. Principal populations today are in the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, New Zealand, and Canada. Early in the breed history, colours were orange and purple, but breeding has been conducted to remove the orange colouration. About 1812 Sir Robert Peel, being impressed with the characteristic of these hogs imported some of them to his estate at Tamworth, England. This breed exhibits an elongated head shape and a long, narrow body. About 1812 Sir Robert Peel, being impressed with the characteristic of these hogs imported some of them to his estate at Tamworth, England. (574) 222-0073 . The sows demonstrate good maternal skills, being consistent in suckling all littermates.