Pigs : BERKSHIRE

Origin: Berkshire, England

Australian Status:

International Status: VULNERABLE in its home country the UK.

Arrived in Australia: Thought to have arrived on the first fleet.

Australian Population:

Distribution:

History: The Berkshire pig has the oldest herd book and the original Berkshires were thought to have been present on the first fleet.

The Berkshire is probably the most suited of the old breeds to modern production standards and can be grown commercially quite successfully without the back fat problems of the Tamworth, Large Black and WSB. Berkshires have good eye muscle and ham areas and they will develop marbling in heavier carcasses. They are well regarded by chefs and butchers alike.

The most successful Berkshire stud in Australia is Lynjoleen owned by Colin and Joy Leinert, they have exhibited Berkshires at for 53 years at Royal shows and exported to 23 countries. 

Breeds traits: A medium sized breed, sows weigh around 220kg and boars 280kg. The Berkshire is a compact, short legged breed with a dished face, medium length snout and prick ears. They are black with white “socks”, white tail and a white mark on the face.

Breed Organisations:

Additional Notes:

Photo: Berkshire piglets, enetered into the RBTA's 2020 IHBW photo competition by Jason Bates.

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