Celtic pig
Breed of pig
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Celtic pig (Galician: Porco celta) is a breed of pig native to the autonomous community of Galicia in north-western Spain.
Celtic pig in Silleda (2010). | |
| Conservation status | Rare breed |
|---|---|
| Other names | Galician: Porco celta |
| Country of origin | Galicia, Spain |
| Distribution | Galicia and Portugal |
| Traits | |
| Height |
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| Skin color | Black & White |
| |
History
Though they were relatively common until the early 20th century, Celtic pigs had nearly disappeared by 1980s. The breed is recovering and there are now more than 2 500 purebred sows.
Characteristics
Celtic pigs grow more slowly and develop more fat than modern breeds like the Large White, making them less well-suited to intensive commercial meat production, but ideal for the creation of cured pork products.
Livestock census
| Year | Sows | Boars | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 2 643 | 1 751 | 4 394 |
| 2010 | 2 687 | 1 787 | 4 474 |
| 2011 | 2 587 | 1 889 | 4 476 |
| 2012 | 2 684 | 1 907 | 4 591 |
| 2013 | 2 634 | 1 668 | 4 302 |
| 2014[2] | 2 532 | 1 596 | 4 128 |
