Express UK Delivery
From £7.99
Building a Pig Breeding Herd: What Smallholders Need to Know
Thinking about starting your own pig breeding herd? Whether you’re dreaming of raising your own pork or simply want to dip your toes into pedigree breeding, there’s a lot to consider before bringing home your first boar or sow. Here’s a practical guide to help you make confident choices and set your pig enterprise up for success.
Pedigree or Not?
One of the first questions is whether to go for registered pedigree stock or unregistered animals. Pedigree pigs come with paperwork and a known lineage, which is essential if you plan to breed and sell registered offspring. However, if you only want pigs for home-reared pork or sausages, unregistered weaners may be more affordable and perfectly suitable.
Key points:
- Only the original breeder can register a pig as pedigree, and only if it meets strict breed standards.
- Pedigree registration requires the breeder to be a member of the relevant breed society and to follow official notification and tagging rules.
- Beware pigs advertised as “pure-bred” without paperwork—if they aren’t registered, they can’t legally be called a specific breed.
Choosing Breeding Stock
Don’t rush into buying the first “bargain” you see. Take your time to:
- Buy from a reputable, experienced breeder.
- See the parents if possible and check the health, temperament, and living conditions.
- Study the breed standard and know what a good example looks like—agricultural shows are a great place to learn and talk to exhibitors.
- Take an experienced breeder with you if you’re new to pig keeping.
Physical Structure & Health
Healthy breeding pigs should have:
- Strong, straight legs and good mobility (“a leg at each corner”)
- No lumps, concave dips, or humped backs
- Deep sides and a broad, well-balanced frame
Check the underline (the rows of teats):
- Sows should have at least 12 well-spaced, evenly formed teats, starting as close to the front legs as possible.
- Avoid pigs with blind or inverted teats, as this can affect piglet survival and growth.
Understanding the Breed Standard
Every pedigree breed has a detailed standard—a blueprint for what the ideal pig should look like, including size, colour, markings, and other physical traits. While it can feel a bit like “livestock policing,” it helps maintain the quality and health of the breed for future generations.
Feeding Your Breeding Herd
Good nutrition is essential for healthy breeding pigs and strong piglets. Explore our pig feed collection for balanced feeds to support your sows, boars, and growing weaners at every stage.
Final Thoughts
Building a breeding herd is a big step, but with careful planning and the right foundation stock, it can be a rewarding and sustainable addition to your smallholding. Always buy thoughtfully, prioritise health and welfare, and feed your pigs well for the best results.
If you need advice on feeding your herd, check out our full range of pig feeds or get in touch for friendly, expert support.