Best Pig Breeds for Smallholding UK (Easiest & Best Meat)

When it comes to smallholdings in the United Kingdom, one of the most important decisions is deciding which pig breed is best for your needs. With so many different pig breeds available, it can be hard to choose which one is best for you. Here, we will take a look at the best pig breeds for smallholdings in the UK that have the easiest and best meat.

The best pig breeds for a smallholding in the UK are the Large White, the Gloucestershire Old Spot, and the Tamworth. Berkshire, Oxford Sandy and Black, and British Saddleback can produce excellent-quality meat. British Lop and Middle White are well adapted to the UK climate.

Fortunately, some breeds are particularly well-suited to a smallholding in the UK, with their meat being some of the best around. Let's explore what makes these breeds produce the best and easiest meat.

8 Best Pig Breeds for Smallholding in the UK

Pigs are a great addition to a smallholding and can add to the rural lifestyle in the UK. But, with so many pig breeds to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which one is best for your smallholding. This list of the best pig breeds for smallholdings in the UK is designed to help you find the easiest and best meat breed to suit your needs.

1. Large White is a very popular breed of pig in the UK

The Large White is known for its white coat, large size, and excellent quality of meat. This breed is known for producing the highest quality of pork in the UK and is often used for commercial production.

The Large White is an excellent choice for pork production, as they are known for producing high-quality meat that is both lean and tender. They typically have a good meat-to-fat ratio, meaning they provide more meat and less fat. The average weight for an adult Large White is between 250 and 350kg.

In terms of pricing, Large Whites are typically priced in the middle of the market. Depending on the individual pig, prices can range from £75 to £120 in the UK.

2. Berkshire is known for being one of the oldest and most prized breeds of pigs in the UK

The Berkshire breed of pigs is a heritage breed known for producing some of the best-tasting pork in the world. The Berkshire pork has a deep red color and a rich, sweet flavor.

The Berkshire breed is known for being one of the easiest breeds to raise and produce excellent quality pork. They are hardy and have good resistance to disease and parasites. They also have a high feed conversion rate, meaning they can convert feed into meat more efficiently than other breeds.

In terms of price range, Berkshire pigs tend to cost more than other breeds. In the UK, you can expect to pay anywhere from £200 to £800 for a piglet.

3. Gloucestershire Old Spot is a rare breed of pig that is known for its superior-quality pork

The Gloucestershire Old Spot (GOS) has been bred in the UK since the 1800s and is known for its docile temperament and hardiness. GOS pigs have distinctive white coats with black spots, giving them their name. They are medium-sized pigs, reaching heights of up to 1.2 meters and weights of up to 250 kg.

GOS pigs are renowned for their high-quality, flavorsome meat. The breed is naturally lean, producing pork that is high in protein and low in fat. This makes the meat easy to digest and tender. The meat is also known for its distinct flavor, which can be attributed to the breed's foraging lifestyle.

In the UK, GOS pigs are typically sold in the £400–£800 price range.

4. Tamworth are relatively easy to raise and are known for their good nature

The Tamworth breed of pigs is a long-bodied, red-haired breed of pig that is native to England. Tamworths produce some of the best-tasting pork because of its low-fat content and firm, lean muscle. They can also be fairly low maintenance, as they do not require a lot of space or specialized feed.

In the UK, Tamworths can range in price from £50 to £200 depending on the size and age of the pig. They are typically sold in groups of two or more, and the price can vary depending on the seller.

5. Oxford Sandy and Black is known for producing excellent quality meat

The Oxford Sandy and Black is a large, sturdy pig breed originating from Oxfordshire, England, with a high proportion of lean muscle and a lower proportion of fat, making it an ideal choice for pork products.

This breed is known for its hardiness and disease resistance, meaning it is easy to maintain and produces an excellent yield with minimal inputs. The Oxford Sandy and Black can reach weights of up to 600 kilograms (1,323 lbs) and will usually reach market weight in around 12 months.

In terms of price, these pigs are relatively affordable, with the average price in the UK ranging from £1 to £1.50 per kilogram.

6. British Saddleback is known for its hardiness and docile nature

The British Saddleback breed of pig is a large, black-and-white animal that has long bodies with deep chests and a distinctive white "saddle" on the back. This breed is a good choice for those looking to raise pigs for meat production.

British Saddleback pigs have a fast growth rate and excellent feed conversion, meaning they produce more meat than other breeds on the same amount of feed. They also have good mothering instincts and can produce large litters of piglets. British Saddleback pigs are known for their tender and juicy meat, which is high in quality.

The average price for a British Saddleback pig in the UK ranges from £150 to £200. This price can be influenced by the size of the pig, its age, and the quality of the meat.

7. British Lop is known for its meat production qualities

The British Lop is a breed of pig that is native to England and characterized by its large body size and short legs, which give it a distinctive look. The British Lop pig has a deep body with a wide back and belly and a large head with a long snout.

The British Lop is a great choice for meat production, as it is:

• A hardy breed that can handle outdoor conditions and produces excellent-quality meat
• Produces lean and tender meat
• Known for its high levels of fat, which adds flavor and juiciness to the meat
• A good choice for the production of bacon and ham
• Often used in the production of sausages

The price range for British Lop pigs in the UK varies depending on the age, sex, and quality of the individual animal. Prices can range from £50 - £150 per pig.

8. Middle White is known for its ability to produce high-quality meat

The Middle White breed is known for its pale pinkish-white coat and distinctive snout with a good flavor and texture. Middle White pigs are medium-sized and have a good feed conversion rate, making them relatively inexpensive to keep.

The Middle White pork is well-marbled, juicy, and tender, making it a popular choice for roasting, frying, and grilling. The Middle White pig is considered to be a good all-around pig, producing good quality bacon, ham, and sausages.

The Middle White pig is relatively inexpensive to purchase in the UK, with prices ranging from £50 to £200 depending on age, sex, and size.