|
Description This breed exhibits an elongated head shape and a long narrow body. The ears are erect and pointed, while the face has rectilinear lines as well as the snout. Colours range from a pale gingery to dark mahogany red. Early in the breed history, colours were red and black, but breeding has been conducted to remove the black colouration. 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. Tamworths are considered a medium sized porcine breed, with a full grown boar ranging from 250 to 370 kilograms and the mature sow from 200 to 300 kilograms. The adult length ranges from 1.0 to 1.4 metres and heights of about 50 to 65 centimetres are common. The curled adult tail is about 24 to 30 centimetres long. This animal is characterised by having a neck and legs that are long, and by deep sides, but narrow backs. They have ham structures that are quite muscular and un-flaccid. The breed is also known for having excellent foot structure and a good skeletal system. Litter sizes are typically somewhat smaller than commercial breeds. Unacceptable features according to breed aficionados are: curly hair, coarse mane, turned up nose, and dark spots on the coat. Behaviour
History Originating in England, the breed name derives from the town of Tamworth in Staffordshire. Sir Robert Peel of Tamworth brought in some stock from Ireland called Irish Grazers in the year 1809 to begin cross-breeding with his Tamworth stock. This herd, further improved and altered in the English Midlands during the early 19th century is thought to be the origin of Tamworths. From the time of Sir Peel's efforts, the breed has been kept quite separate from others and thus is thought to be one of the purest swine breeds. In the year 1865 Tamworths realized English breed recognition and in 1885 the herd book was started. Tamworths were imported into the United States by Thomas Bennett of Rossville, Illinois, in 1882. Soon they entered Canada, where a population now exists. Breed Associations for Tamworth Swine are active in the UK, USA, and Canada; however, they are considered a minor breed. From 1913 to mid century the breed reached peak numbers in Canada, reaching up to ten percent of the total swine population. In Australia the breed reached peak numbers of about 1000 in the mid 1900s. Modern herd numbers have reached critically small numbers in each of the five recognised countries holding these animals. Genetics and conservation
Bibliography See also | ||||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
 |
|
| |