Photo by Eugenia Porechenskaya
RiversRachelPhoto:
Magazine
The S ndy Pig Issue 2Autumn 2022 Oxford Sandy and Black Pig Foundation Charity Magazine Big Fat Pig Quiz 2022 AfricanFeverSwineKids Country Food & Farming Day
Lets rootle…….......................................04 Up Comming events & Replays……....05 Kids Country & Farming Day………….06 OSBPG Farrowing Update……………..09 OSBPG Exhibition & Sale………………11 Meating Our Pork Producers…………..12 Fundraising Update ..……………………15 ASF - Not to be Ignored…………………16 OSBPG 2022Awards ……………………19 Big Fat Pig Quiz 2022……………………20 Farming Through the eyes of a child...21 GSAUpdate……………………………….23 Vet ReadersYourChat…………………………………….24Thoughts…………………………….26Recipe…………………………...28AHDB-notjustaboutPigMovements..29OSBPGBreedersDirectory…………….30Competition……………………………….37
Photo by Kathleen O’Shea
In This Issue
● Order your disinfects for the farm/holding.
If there is something you wish us to cover in the next edition of the Sandy Pig magazine we will be very happy to hear from you.
Not long now to our Exhibition and Sale, we are so looking forward to meeting you all even if you have nothing to sell or buy it is a wonderful opportunity to come and mingle. Our venue has changed due to requests, and so we listened. The East of England
African Swine Fever is being covered in this edition ofThe Sandy Pig magazine. Nicola Gumery who heads up the Bureau, which is responsible for the pig movements, eAML2, will be enlightening us about all the other departments that her dedicated and efficient team are responsible for.
Happy reading and remember you are
Showground seemed to be the best solution with easy and accessible routes from all corners of the UK. There will be a hog roast for us to enjoy and for those taking part in the exhibition; rosettes, prize money and theAndrew Sheppy trophy with glass bowl for the champion. Its all good fun. The auction will take place after lunch allowing us all to get away for around 16:30 hrs. We will have a judge, to be announced nearer the time, and Louise Blenkhorn, our Charity vet will also be in attendance.
This year has been tough, and we face even tougher times ahead as we move in to Winter. Feed prices will continue to fluctuate but will stablise as we see a positive downward trend.This is due to a signed deal between Russia and Ukraine which took place on 22 July 2022 for the grain export to resume from the ports of the Black Sea. Straw and hay will be fluctuating, compounded with household bills rising, which does not make the future of pig keeping any easier. Therefore, it will not surprise you to learn that we are noticing an increase in breeders giving up, the impact being that the number of pig breeds in the UK is in decline. Thankfully, the Oxford Sandy and Black has not been as badly impacted as other breeds. The implementation of the Fostering Programme has given some light relief within our community and has proven to be a huge success.
Photo: Eilidah Verstage
● Look at your direct debits. You will find that by cancelling one or two DD will help pay for extra bags of feed or perhaps put that money in a saving pot to go towards those household bills. If the direct debits can not be justified then this is where you can save.
● Fill those Jerrycans. One for unleaded, one for red diesel, one for regular diesel. doing
The Oxford Sandy and Black Pig Foundation is the only pig breed-specific registered charity in the UK, it is something to be proud of and be apart of. As you know, the Charity is constantly finding ways to help you, as we know it's not easy at the moment and it looks like we are all going to have to dig deep. Whether you are an Independent Producer, Breeder or Keeper, we strive to develop programmes and initiatives that help you and support you in keeping our breed safe, ensuring that we are creating a better future for our breed, its breeding potential and bloodlines. Please keep an eye on our website and facebook to see what is our next project and what we are doing to help you.
What can we do to prepare ourselves?
Here we are in September and what a thrill it is to bring you our second magazine. The compliments have been off the scale with how you enjoy the new format and easy to read content. Thank you!
Let’s have a good ole rootle
The Trustees are reading your views and noticing the great work you are doing on the Charity facebook platform, it is overwhelming to see the enthusiasm and inspiration shared, we want you to know that we are here for you, to help you and guide you. We take many calls and messages of help and support so please do not suffer in silence.
great work!
● Speak with your feed merchant and agree a bulk cost for feed at today's prices going forward,
We can not let this edition go by without mentioning the sad loss of our Sovereign and Monarch, HRH Queen Elizabeth II, she was a great supporter of the countryside and farming and will be a great loss to our Country. God Save the King.
● Order bedding and hay now,
CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES IS 20 SEPTEMBER 2022 @ 23:00 hrs
TheInPigSow &Farrowing
Upcoming Events & Replays
Exhibition& Sale2022
OSBPG CommercialSupporter,PigVet and independent pig veterinary consultant Louise
JoinyourHavecalciumexperiencedailmentsassistyourfarrowing,MRCVS,BSc(Hons),Blenkhorn,BVM&S,talkstousaboutlookingafterinpigsow,whentoatfarrowingandthethatmaybesuchasdeficiency.alistenwhilstdoingchores.thepodcasthere
A day to come and say hello. A day to bring your OSBs and be apart of the exhibition and enter the Then,Auction.after an OSB hog roast, take part in the auction. An opportunity to purchase breeding stock and Bringfatteners.yourtrailers and come and enjoy our 5th Annual Exhibition and Sale on 1 October at the East of England hereToPeterboroughShowground,enteryourpigsclick
Friday July 1st 2022 saw the OSBPG Foundation Charity representing our beloved
which had our pork nutrition and what to feed you pigs posters, some car sticks and our breed history leaflets (all of which you can get for free from our shop here).
Andrew O’Shea Reports on the Day.
Kids Country Food and Farming Day 2022 East of England Showground
was Holly from Farcet Primary School, who won our much wanted OSBPG Hoodie. I spoke with Nicola Martin, Deputy Headteacher, who was over the moon to learn that one of their pupils had won and arranged for Holly to be awarded her prize.
The biggest hit of the day was our Quiz Sheet, which gave children a chance to win one of our hoodies. I was taken a back by the number of entries we had, and the fact i got homework to take home ; marking over 250 quiz sheets :) . We had so many 100% correct sheets that we had to pick a winner at random. So after folding up over 50 A4 pieces of paper, putting them in a box and a good old shake up we had a Thewinner.Winner
After Holly received her prize, Nicola gave me a few words about their day at the Show;
“All of Farcet Primary School attended.The day was a huge success with all the children (ranging in ages from 4 to 11) learning about different aspects of farming. Many children were heard to say that it was the best trip they had ever been on. The children loved the wide variety of activities on offer, particularly where they could get involved via the use of 'hands-on' activities or quizzes.”
Nicola Martin, Deputy Head, Farcet Primary School
Lucy and I, had a great day representing the charity and our breed, we were asked to provide feedback to the show organiser, which we did with great positivity, a huge amount of work goes into organising an event on this scale. I asked show ground for their review of the event and they told me;
OSBPG Foundation Charity Hoodie Winner - Holly
“Kids Country, the educational arm of the East of England Agricultural Society, were delighted to welcome over 2,500 primary school children back to the East of England Showground for their flagship Food and Farming Day on Friday 1st VisitorsJuly.to
Kids Country education manager, Sandra Lauridsen, says: “After a two-year break due to the pandemic, I don’t think any of us involved in
the Food and Farming Day moved around eight learning zones (Field to Fork, All About Animals, Interactive Area, The Sheep Show, History of the Working Horse and the Working Dog, Machinery, Small Displays, and Tractor Rides), for a day that offered learning experiences to match many aspects of the National Curriculum.
organising the Food and Farming Day could stop smiling – to see over 2,500 children having such a fun day whilst also learning so much engaging with our educators makes all the hard work more than worth it.”
Photo: Tim Scrivener
to representing us and returning to the event on June 30th 2023.
Sandra continued: “We are so proud of our Food and Farming Day, it is a unique learning experience for children from across the East of England and we can’t wait to see it go from strength to strength now, roll on 2023! I would also like to say a huge thank you to all the volunteers who helped make the day happen, and also all the educators who put such effort in to their displays – the children learned so Imuch.”lookforward
Regionally is has been great to see so many farrowings recorded in the Central, North and Scottish regions. With the south west equating to 28.44% of our recorded farrowings, they’re hard to catch given the breeding density there. However the central region is picking up pace with 18.34%,The North with 14.6% and Scotland with 10.09%.
It is very rewarding to see such numbers and very encouraging to the breed, and the availability of OSB Pork being more readily accessible to consumers, which in turn ensures support for our independent producers.
Sincelines.
OSBPG Farrowing Update
Up to the 31stAugust 2022 the Charity has recorded 109 farrowings from our members producing 463 Gilts (47.78%) and 506 (52.22%) Boar weaners.The Cynthia Bloodline is still top of the farrowing charts with 24 (22.01%) recorded litters, next to Clare at 15 (13.76%).
the last edition of the magazine, we have now seen all bloodlines recorded in farrowings, withAlison and Mary sharing 6 farrowings ( 3 each), which is a positive step.The charity’s Genetic SpreadAllowance(GSA) program has been key in supporting these bloodlines, and seeing them move out across the UK.
The breeding boars continue to remain strong across the breeding pool, however it would be a positive step to see the Clarence line used more widely, as they currently represent 16.51% of sires, compared to 31.19% with theAlistair, 24.77% for the Jack and 27.52% fromAlexander
OSBPG Farrowing Update (continued)
With the array of data we have been collecting, we thought it would be interesting to see a breakdown of which sow and boar breedings were occurring in our regions.
The data tables here represent our supporters breeding profiles.
These tables show a good diversity of breeding across the UK, as we continue to gather this data, we will look to dig deeper and present more information in future editions of the magazine. If you’re interested in seeing the data in a given form please email andrew@oxfordsandyblackpiggroup.orgAndrew
OSBPG 2022
●
●
●
The
Have
Exhibition & Sale
Saturday 1st October atThe East of England showground (Peterborough).
● pigs to be penned by 10:00 hrs showing commences at 11:00 hrs Lunch at 12:30 hrs - OSB hog roast Auction at 14:30 hrs. Entries closeTuesday 20 September at 23:00 hrs entry form along with the days detailed agenda can be found HERE a question, email show@osbpg.org
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Lucy Middleton of Paradise Produce, first came across Oxford Sandy and Black pigs at the GreatYorkshire Show a number of years ago.
I remember thinking to myself that I would get some of them one day. At the time, I was a full time Veterinary Surgeon and Dairy Farmer. After having two children and deciding to stay at home to work, with dreams of a farm shop, I managed to purchase four Oxford Sandy and Black pigs.Two pedigree gilts and two boars to fatten for ourselves and family.
I now have ten breeding sows and two boars and rear all the weaners on to produce pork products that I sell in my little farm shop in EastYorkshire.
I began in the boot room of our house for a couple of years and then refurbished a farm outbuilding into a preparation room and a shop. I also sell our home reared, Belted Galloway beef and grass-fed lamb.
Having tasted the pork, I vowed never to buy pork again and went on to breed our two Clare gilts with Mrs Cook'sAlistair boar. From then on I have never looked back!
Valuing OSB Pork - doing what we do best
Meating our Pork Producers
are a best seller throughout the year, my Grandma's recipe being particularly popular having only pork mince, salt and pepper, sage and a pinch of nutmeg.
I have a wonderful retired butcher who comes to the farm one or two days a week to butcher the pigs after I have collected them from a small, family run abattoir about 26 miles from us. I then cut, pack and process the pork into joints, steaks, chops, sausages, burgers, meatballs and more. I find people who don't especially like pork very much change their mind when they have tasted Oxford Sandy and Black pork, especially theThechops.sausages
Valuing OSB Pork - doing what we do best
I keep the sows and boars in paddocks throughout the summer and bring them into loose boxes for the winter.The weaners are reared outdoors in large arcs with hurdles to make pens. I don't seem to have much luck with electric fencing!They escape too
Whatoften!is
not to love about Oxford Sandy and Black pigs?They are delightful to work with and such characters, beautiful to look at and scrumptious to eat!
services for the
Mike Jayne Carter, long time supporters the OSBPG Charity, those seeking transportation movement
of
● Mike and Jayne have a 750kg trailer and are both qualified competent attendants and have breakdown cover for both trailer and vehicle which includes recovering of trailers including livestock. ● In addition, Mike is also a HGV driver (retired from theArmy and use to driving heavy vehicles) and travels extensively up and down the country. The logistics would be as follows: ● movement starts from Mike and Jayne (Wigan) to point of collection to point of delivery and return back to Wigan. Trailer details is as follows: ● Small trailer max 750kg = 1 large pig male/female, or two 6 month old pigs, or 6/8 weaners.This trailer can be partitioned into 2 sections to carry one of either sex of medium size pig and weaners. ● Small trailer cost would be 80p per mile + VATbilled to purchaser.And if you qualify for the GSAyou may also use it in connection with the movement. Requirements ● It would be advantageous to have an idea of weight of each animal being transported in the event of multiple pigs being moved.. ● Loading and unloading would be the responsibility of the vendor/purchaser. In addition to the above we have copies of Mike and Jayne hauliers licence and their driver/attendants certificates for movement of livestock Category 1 up to 8hrs. If you would like to find out more or book Mike and Jayne, please visit our website here
Qualified competent attendants
and
of pigs.
OSBPG PIG HAULIERS FOR UK
are happy to lend a hand for
As a result of your continued support of the charity through these programs, we were able to cross the £2,000 milestone, to £2,054.34, which is amazing and a great celebration of our 2nd anniversary.
As the Charity marks its 2nd birthday, we received our Q2 2022 Amazon Smile payment.This quarter, thanks to your continued support, We received £50.14, taking the total raised to £460.90. In addition, we received £100 from Facebook fundraising bringing that total to £1,593.44.
The monies raised via these streams, go directly to support the charity through our work with; Genetic SpreadAllowance, Breeding Initiative, Fostering Support, Reducing our carbon footprint with Zoom Hosted Events, Podcasts, free materials in our shop and more.
On behalf of the Charity and its trustees, we would like to say a big thank you, as we know the cost of living is having a significant impact on everyone, so reaching this milestone at this time is very humbling.
OSBPG Fundraising Update ABigThankYou
African swine fever is caused by theAfrican swine fever virus, a large double-stranded DNAvirus from theAsfarviridae.
In total, since January 2020ASF has been reported as present in five different world regions in 39 countries, affecting more than 1,124,000 pigs and more than 36,000 wild boars (data reported through INs and FURs), with more than 1,860,000 animal losses.
The threat ofAfrican Swine Fever is ever closer as with the latest reported case near the French border in Germany. Which means thatASF is a short ferry crossing or short flight away from the UK the consequences will be devastating both to our herd and our British pork industry.
What isASF
ASF is a highly contagious disease it infects both domestic and wild pigs with the outcome being up to 100% fatality. It is severe. Symptoms are lack of energy, lack of appetite, internal bleeding, bleeding under the skin of ears and flanks and then death. It has been reported that some pigs have shown no clinical signs before death occurs.
As you may imagine,ASF is a notifiable disease which means there is a legal requirement to report cases of the disease to theAnimal and Plant HealthAgency (APHA) on 03000 200 301.
African Swine Fever(ASF) - not to be ignored
Red blood cells attaching to the surface ofASFV -infected macrophages.This is used as a diagnostic test to confirm the presence of hemadsorbing strains ofASFV
Map of the world displaying the presence ofASF byAdministrative divisions (2020 – 04/08/2022) World Organisation forAnimal Health (WAHIS) between 22 July and 04August 2022.
As an Independent producer, breeder and keeper of our fine and versatile Oxford Sandy and Black Pig, you will not be a stranger to the word "biosecurity" and the purpose to which we must exercise good biosecurity on our farms and holdings. We are mindful of it everyday and it is down to good biosecurity that keeps our pigs safe and keeps diseases at bay such as PRRS, Swine Dysentery, Swine Influenza and others. The impact on keeping our farms/holdings safe, our pigs healthy and our pork production on going is paramount, not only to us as producers providing a service to our niche markets, but also to the survival of our breed.
Dr C.A.L Oura
● on your return journey ensure your vehicle is cleansed before arriving home
● illegal disposal of carcasses
It is called BIOSECURITY. Putting strict measures in place on your farm/holding is paramount. This includes obtaining good disinfectant and foot dips. The use of protective clothing is another measure, especially if visiting other farms where you will be visiting pigs. Ensuring your footwear is clean and scrubbed when arriving on a farm and leaving. Remember to ask your visitors to do the same, especially if they have visited a previous farm before yours. You may have spare wellington boots that they may use or offer disposable over shoes.
The first outbreak was in Portugal in May 1957. The cause given was contaminated food waste fed to pigs from anAfrican airline flight and/or ships at ports. The second reported outbreak was in Georgia 2007, where it has continued to spread and invaded the Russian Federation and Eastern Europe. Today the disease is now reported in more than 15 European countries.
● contaminated pork products
China, the world’s largest pig producer reported their first case ofASF inAugust 2018 it has spread like wildfire going through China and conquering 16Asian and 2 Oceanic countries. Then after 40 years of being clear fromASF, 2021 saw the disease returning to theAmericas in the Dominican Republic and then moving on to Haiti. Now in 2022, we seeASF introducing itself to Italy and Germany, with new confirmed locations in Nepal and Kerala in India. In addition 4 countries have reported the first occurrence ofASF and 4 countries have reported the first occurrence in a new location.
● we must not bring back pork products when on holiday.
What can we do
Highly contagious,ASF holds no prisoners and is not fussy. Spreading to healthy pigs and wild boar in the following ways
● contact with anything contaminated with the virus IE shoes or clothes
● if travelling to shoot wild boar ensure your shoes and clothing are removed cleaned and that you are cleansed
● Contact with infected pigs
ASF is not in the UK, and to keep it that way we must be vigilant and protect our country and pigs.
African Swine Fever
● eating of meat or infected products
ASF came out from EastAfrica in and around 1900s. Since then it has flowed steadily through south of the Sahara and invaded 32 countries since 2005. The disease has spread out ofAfrica twice.
How doesASF spread
KeepingASF out
The Progression ofASF
● movement of infected animals
For these signs and more visit HERE and order for free from AHDB Pork
● do not feed pigs kitchen waste
Having a quarantine area will be beneficial for the purpose of housing new stock coming onto your farm/holding.
● avoid contact with pigs in countries that haveASF.
Sign up HERE. Please note the first column is your DEFRAHerd Mark followed by the second column for insertion, Oxford Sandy and Black Pig Foundation Charity
In total, since January 2020ASF has been reported at present in five different world regions in 35 countries, affecting more than 1,110,000 pigs and more than 34,000 wild boars (data reported through INs and FURs), with more than 1,840,000 animal losses.
● Of those cases - Wild boar 34,635 Total losses 1,843,158
This is a way to save our bloodlines, preserve our breed and keep the success of our bloodlines.
Total outbreaks:
● Europe: Outbreaks: Domestic pigs - 3501 wild boar - 18978 Cases: Domestic Pigs - 997,699 Wild boar - 31942 Losses: 1375869
During an outbreak of exotic notifiable animal disease, it may be necessary to cull animals to control disease spread. Our breed, as well as others are on the APHAUK breeds at risk list which may be spared from the cull to preserve their genetic resource.
To ensure you are on the "Owners of breeds at risk" register, please click the Animal and Plant HealthAgency (APHA) link below.The form is to be returned toAPHAonce filled in.
Agovernment press release was issued on the 31August to…Strict new controls on pork and pork products to protect Britain’s pig sector againstAfrican swine Thefevernew control will strengthen the requirements for bringing pork and pork products into Great Britain from the European Union and EFTAstates. Read more Here
Summary of theASF situation by world region (2020-April 2022)
● Americas: Outbreaks: Domestic Pigs - 255 Domestic Pig. Cases Reported: 9,567 Losses: 17,766
● Asia: Outbreaks: Domestic Pigs - 1,164 Wild boar - 2,083. Cases: Domestic pigs - 92,767 Wild boar - 2,693 Losses: 428,142
List of CountriesAffected byASF (source: World Organisation forAnimal Health)
Losses are: deaths + animals killed and disposed of: this figure refers to losses in the establishments affected by the outbreaks and it does not include the animals culled in areas around the outbreak for controlling the disease.
African Swine Fever
C Lea
We are very fortunate in thatAfrican swine fever is not in the UK. It continues to spread from Eastern Europe westwards and is infecting wild boar and pockets of domestic pigs. It continues to roam around Europe covering many miles and it is believed that a contributing factor is due to us humans.
Visit our website for further helpful information here
● Of those cases - Domestic pig 1,114,176
Mr
● Oceania: Outbreaks: Domestic pigs - 4 Cases: Domestic pig 500 Losses: 397
● 5097 in Domestic pigs.
Biosecurity is still the most important and effective measure available to prevent and controlASF. We all have to play apart in keepingAfrican Swine Fever out of the UK.
● Africa: Outbreaks: Domestic Pigs - 173 Domestic Pig. Cases Reported: 13,643 Losses: 20,984
● 21061 Wild boar
Sign up to theAPHAUK Breeds at risk List
It’s time to vote
ShowingProducerPorkrecognition and appreciation is an uplifting form of gratitude and it is indicative of the importance we all hold dear.
Lets celebrate these individuals and let them know they have been OSBPGnoticed.
After the overwhelming support of last year we are now opening the doors again for our 2nd year . Achance to nominate our independent producers, breeders and keepers of the Oxford Sandy and Black Pig Foundation
TheAwards are:
2021Awards went to Kathryn and Martin Smith for Pig Excellence. Kieran and Catherine Roseblade for Pork Producer. Winners were awarded GBP200.00, OSBPG Plaque, Richard Bramble plates and OSBPG fleece.
2022 OSBPGAWARDS
It is our importance we give to natural behaviour, welfare of our pigs, how we value what we do and how we harness the appreciation of OSB pork and its versatility.
ClosingCharity.date for nominations is 30 November 2022
● OSBPG
Email your nomination to: Awards@osbpg.org
● OSBPG ExcellencePig
£1,096 raised
The tie breaker was between
AbigTHANKYOU has to go to all those who donated items for our auction. LisaTwyman, Sallie Wakely, Dutchy Charcuterie, B&Q, Christopher Moss, Ed &Anita Withers, Muck Boots, RidgelineTorrent, Fiona Doig, Robin Mackay and those who wish to remain anonymous.The night would not have been such a success without their and our supporters kind generosity which raised £1,096 for the charity.
Martin and Kathryn
The Big Fat Pig Quiz 2022
With pens and paper at the ready, they all wrote there answer to the tie breaker. “Without going over, how many passengers could the titanic carry?”The answer was 3,327, and the winners of the £100 cash were.
This BFPQ 2022 was back for its 3rd successful year and didn't fail to meet expectations. It was great night, lots of humour, some taxing questions, high tension auctions, drinks & nibbles. Which all ended in a 3 way tie breaker.
● Team Cooke (Johnny & Laura Cooke)
● Team Ryecroft (Mike and Jayne Carter)
● The Green-Smith (Kathryn and Martin)
We loved keeping pigs so much that we begged Mummy and Daddy to let us have some Mummy pigs so we could have our own piglets. They bought us 3 Oxford Sandy Blacks, who we called King, Queen and Princess. Queen is Grace’s pig and Princess is Henry’s pig. King was their brother so he couldn’t stay around for very long, plus he liked to bite our wellies so we enjoyed him as sausages.
Farming through the eyes of a child
We are Grace and Henry, and we’ve just had our 7th and 6th birthdays. We live on our farm with our Mum, Dad and little sister, Sophie, who is 2.
On our farm we have lots and lots of sheep and some pigs, chickens, geese, dogs, guinea pigs, cats and a pony.
Mum and Dad first started keeping pigs 5 years ago to help clear the garden and vegetable area. We’ve had lots of pigs since then, and they’ve all gone into our grandparents and friends freezers. Mummy taught us that the more love and care we give our pigs the better the meat is for our bodies at the end, and our pigs are easy to love!
We now have a temporary husband called Jack staying with Queen and Princess, which means they should have piglets before Christmas. It will be the best Christmas present ever and they will be amazing mummy’s.
We are at the farm nearly all the time as Mummy teaches us from home, and we love being able to be with our animals between lessons. Every week we go on an adventure, sometimes two, to the park, woods, beach, other farms, and we love going to our MartialArts,YouthTheatre, cricket and swimming clubs too!
Farming through the eyes of a child
Henry’s favourite part of farming is collecting the eggs from the chickens, incubating them and watching the chicks grow inside the shell using a special torch, and then looking after them once they’ve hatched. Sometimes we have our friends over to see this so they learn too! Grace’s favourite part of farming is having space to keep more and more animals, and she would like another horse, some ducks and a white cow.
We both like to feed the pigs every day, and give them pig nuts and fodder beet. Whilst they are eating they love us to give them a scratch all over! We love their floppy ears and chatty oinks.
The pigs themselves have travelled 5,551 miles, the same as flying from Cardiff to Kandy in Sri Lanka.
As of 2 September 2022, the charity has supported the move of 34 pigs all across the UK, adding key bloodlines to regions without or with low levels. Our supporters have clocked up a whopping 11,102 miles, this is the same distance as flying from Cardiff toAuckland in New zealand.This is epic when you think about it.
Genetic Spread Allowance
Since the last update we have seen an Elsie gilt move from Oxfordshire to Lincolnshire.ASybil with piglets move from Caernarfon to Lincolnshire. Finally the first Lady line to the east side of the UK, moving from Colwyn Bay to Lincolnshire.
Our program has donated £3,325 to our members, supporting them with these key moves to diversify and conserve our dynamic Oxford Sandy and Black.
£3,325 and counting
Temperature and speed of change of daylight length are two key causes of seasonal infertility. It is worth noting that the cause is not short day lengths per se, but rather the speed of change.This speed of change is most notable during earlyAutumn as seen in the below graph.
Seasonal infertility is often confounded by weight loss in lactation following lower feed intakes during hot summer months.
Louise Blenkhorn
Following a dry hot summer, only recently am I starting to notice the days draw in and the temperatures start to plummet.
Vet Chat
Photo: Pig333
Seasonal Infertility
Louise Blenkhorn, BSc(Hons), BVM&S, MRCVS, is an independent pig veterinary consultant and a pig farmers daughter. Louise's private life is just as busy. Amother of two to Emma andAva. Louise and her husband Neil, run a successful herd of Limousin beef cattle.
Typically, gilts and young sows are most affected. Seasonal infertility manifests as increased returns to service (often regular i.e. 3 weekly returns), anoestrus/ failure to cycle and late abortions. Generally, the sows remain well in themselves and show no other signs of ill health. Of course, infectious diseases should be ruled out so please consult your veterinarian if you are worried.
Photo: Pig333
● Keep lights on a timer for 16 hours a day at 250 lux – this is very bright!
● The use of boar spray can also help oestrus expression, esp in gilts
● Offer 0.25kg/head/day more for 6 weeks after service
● Keep huts and yards well bedded to avoid chilling and excessive temp fluctuations
● Ensure good boar contact after weaning and when encouraging cycling.
● Dextrose can be top dressed at 500g/head/day to ‘flush’sows for 5 days pre-service.
Of course, there are no 100% effective solutions and some farms appear to be more affected than others.There are hormonal medications which can be used in cases of anoestrus and poor cycling however these often have limited success. If you are experiencing seasonal infertility, please consult your veterinarian.
● Try to avoid excessive weight loss in lactation
Pigs are naturally seasonal breeders so in the commercial world, we try to limit the effects of seasonal infertility to allow sows to breed all year round. During these periods the following guidelines are normally advised :-
Vet Chat
● Boars should be rotated if possible
Andy and I wanted to be pig keepers for a long time. Andy’s family and my grandmother had kept pigs in the past and I had worked with pigs when I was in my late teens. It was a natural progression.oneofthegilts
The Sandy Pig
We relocated over 300 miles from Kent to County Durham in 2016 to live the dream and own our own piece of land, we found our smallholding and moved in November 2017.
After some research we decided to go with the Oxford Sandy and Black breed, they seemed a perfect fit for our situation, so in theApril we managed to source three weaners in NorthYorkshire and after a fair drive home they arrived. That was that, OSB’s have lived on our holding ever since. We made a rookie mistake, haven’t we all, and kept
from the weaners then also purchased another OSB sow the summer of that year. Both were not of breeding standard, we bred from them both in 2018 and had two litters in early 2019. Both of these litters sold as meat weaners and we kept a couple for ourselves.The one that our youngest daughter fell in love with is still here and had a litter of her own this year.
Your Thoughts by Lisa Corcoran
This year another pig joined our small herd Marji a Clarissa gilt. We plan to hire a boar and get Flo and Marji in pig in the very near future for February farrowing which is very exciting for us all.
We were also featured in the Northern Echo and Northern Farmer magazine, highlighting that we currently keep the only Oxford Sandy and Black pedigree pigs in Durham which all goes towards raising the breed profile and the wonderful work of the OSBPG Charity. The photos of the piglets went down a treat.
Your Thoughts
Last year in Summer we converted two existing outbuildings into Winter housing/farrowing pens, which were a great asset. We are now in the process of converting a further two which will allow us to bring all our pigs in this Winter. We are also just starting to sell our produce which we have a waiting list of orders for which is all very exciting and positive, we think it helps that we have a bridleway that runs through our land, and we often talk to villagers who stop and admire the pigs and can see how they are reared. We can't wait to see what 2023 brings to our smallholding!
We have lived in the property for 5 years and are getting used to the land. For the last four years our pigs have lived out all year, but over recent years we have had flooding in a few of our paddocks and we have also been hit badly with snow and .stormArwen also took out a tree in the wooded paddock, luckily in the opposite direction of the ark. The pigs have all coped remarkably well.
We decided that breeding was something we wanted to do to conserve this wonderful breed and with the help of the OSBPG Foundation Charity, Florence our lovely Lady sow joined us in 2021 and after hiring a pedigree boar, she had her first litter in February this year. What a wonderful mother she turned out to be. We ended up with 9 beautiful piglets from her, 7 of which were reserved and went to new homes at 8 weeks old leaving us with two boars that we are growing on for a bit
● 300ml Water
● 3tbs Soya Sauce, 1tbs Brown Sugar, 2tbs Vinegar mixed together
● 60g Seasoned Flour (Salt & Pepper)
Serve with white rice. Serves 3-4 adults.
By Lucy Kenney
Ingredients
3. Heat the oil in a suitable pan, then add the coated meat and brown them for about 8 mins. Make sure you keep stirring the meat to ensure even cooking and browning.
● 15g Curry Powder
Mean Kau Lau (Cambodian Curry)
● 1Tbs Desiccated Coconut
● 240g Sliced Mushrooms
● Chopped Coriander Leaves
2. Add the diced pork and chicken to the bag, shake and coat the meat well.
5. Now add the rest of the ingredients to the pan, and cover with a lid and simmer for 15-20 mins or until meat is cooked and potatoes are soft.
6. Remove the lid, add the coriander and season with salt and pepper to taste.
● 240g peeled sliced Potato (parboiled)
Mean Kau Lau, Cambodian Chicken, Pork and Mushroom curry from the book 'Oriental Cookery' by Jean Conil and Daphne MacCarthy. Highly recommended by Lucy Kenney and works well with turkey and OSB pork .. bon appetit everyone.
1. In a large bag add the seasoned flour, curry powder and mix well.
● 454g Diced Chicken
4. Add the coconut, sliced potatoes and soya mix and fry for 1 minute.
● 300g Diced lean OSB Pork
● 90ml Oil
E: W:eAML2@Ahdb.org.ukeaml2.org.uk
E: W:pighub@ahdb.org.ukemb-pigs.ahdb.org.uk/#/
Not just about Pig Movements
How to contact us
Bureau Team Services - Nicola Gumery and Team Joy, Carolyn, Nicky, Alar, Zoe & Claire
0844 335 8400 option 2
0844 355 8400 option 2
eMB is a tool for all pig producers to record their medicine data online. Data can be input in a variety of ways to suit your size and on farm practices. In addition, you can access anonymised benchmarking data to help inform your business.
Online pig movement system to pre-notifyALLpig movements in England and Wales to ensure compliance with legal requirements design to enable disease traceability and animal health
Professional development tool for the pig industry. Record, track and manage essential information about your training and qualifications at an individual and business level.
What is it
Pig Hub is used to record, store and update your information relating to your business. You can add vet details, type of production (nursery/finisher/weaner etc.) contact details. You can also access a myriad ofAHDB tools and services such as the disease charter and pig health scheme
E: W:pighub@ahdb.org.ukpighub.org.uk/iip/home.eb
0844 355 8400 option 3
We are a front-line customer support team with a wealth of knowledge and experience that allows us to support and inform our customers about the tools and services that we deliver. They are a friendly team and can assist with anything from clearing your cookies to detailed technical queries.You may have met some of the team already as a large part of service is supporting the pig movement system, however, that is not all that we do! The table below is a list of tools and services that we support and how to contact us.
Part of RedTractors standards to record medicine use in eMB
PigPro also has links to essential training such as the Moving and Handling training below…
0844 335 8400 option 1
E: LinkW:pigpro@ahdb.org.ukpigpro.ahdb.org.uktoVideoguidesHERE
PigPro has recently been associated with the UK Pig Industry WelfareTraining, another tool that the Bureau team administers.The training completion data is transferred through to PigPro for those who own accounts with the service.
E:
TheAHDB Knowledge Library is always a good place to start!
Services
0844 335 8400 option 3 (PigPro)
E: W:Farmbench.support@ahdb.org.ukfarmbench.ahdb.org.uk Team
What is it How to contact us
ahdbpork pig welfare (vbms.co.uk)
E: W:comms@ahdb.org.ukahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library
024 7518 9300
General enquiries line set up to assist with finding and orderingAHDB publications and to manage your data at AHDB (CRM). Call this number if you cannot find what/who you need on theAHDB webpages.
Aquick and easy tool focusing on elements of resilience in 1.farming:BPS impact assessment calculator 2. Business resilience assessment 3. KPI express calculator 024 7518 9300 E: e/Indexfarmbusinessreview.ahdb.org.uk/HomW:farmbusinessreview@ahdb.org.uk Professional development tool for the dairy industry. Focused on individual/business memberships and training records with lots of courses advertised using the site. 024 7647 8681 E: W:dairyproenquiries@ahdb.org.ukdairypro.co.uk/index Electronic medicine book for beef, lamb and dairy producers, similar to eMB 024 7771 9414 E: W:medicinehub@ahdb.org.ukmedicinehub.ahdb.org.uk Publications Bureau
UK Pig Industry WelfareTraining Platform
024 7601 6237
024 7774 0386 HerdAdvanceGen@ahdb.org.uk
Collaboration betweenAHDB & Welsh Govt as part of the Dairy Herd Genetics Improvement Programme in Wales
Farmbench is a detailed benchmarking tool that allows you to see how your business is doing compared to those of a similar size and production and make evidence-based business decisions.
● reporting, via your vet, confirmed (SD) or suspected (PED) disease cases
● agreeing for alerts to be sent to fellow members about cases, sharing just the first half of the holding's postcode
And that Ladies and Gentleman is BureauTeam Services.
TheAHDB Pork Significant Diseases Charter is an extension of the original Swine Dysentery Producer Charter which was launched in 2009.The new Charter has been launched byAHDB in the face of threats from challenges such as Porcine Epidemic Diarrhoea (PED) and currently covers both PED and Swine Dysentery Membership(SD). of the Charter involves sharing information about disease quickly, making the control and elimination of disease easier and faster, by:
Bureau Team Services
Simple.
The process of signing the charter is simple and done via PigHub (https://www.pighub.org.uk/iip/home.eb):OncesignedinusingyoursameloggingindetailsforeAML2,youwillseethispage.Click“DiseaseCharter”,highlightedinyellow. Charter” where you will be asked your chosen method to be contacted in case of a disease breakout.
Diseases charter:
You will directed to this Clickpage.the tab “Sign the
Name: Beth Hallam Tel: +44 7557803316
Tel: +44 1566783232 Email: kim@kbrook.co.uk County: Devon
Email: smithlandandlivestock@outlook.com County: Dorset
Tel: +44 7736150503
Tel: +44 7985732753
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Name: Christopher Moss
OSBPG Breeders Directory
Email: klbrooks@hotmail.co.uk County: Dorset
Name: Lucy Middleton
Tel: +44 7813444517
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Name: Lillie Smith
Name: Katie Cooper Tel: +44 7572965381
Name: Sarah Claffey
Email: lucyparadiseproduce@gmail.com County: EastYorkshire
Name:Aimee & Stephen Edmond
Email: emma@scrubditchcarefarm.org.uk County: Gloucestershire
Tel: +44 7533410068
England
Name: Lisa Corcoran Tel: +44 7826 051175 Email: lisaberry316@gmail.com County: County Durham
View our Breeders map here
Tel: +44 7968463599
Name: EveAtkins Tel: +44 7944522219 Email: info@thethreelocksfarm.co.uk County: Buckinghamshire
Name: Natasha Powell Tel: +44 7866541088 Email: natasha-j101@hotmail.co.uk County: Herefordshire
Email: sarah_claffey@yahoo.co.uk County: East Sussex
Email: wowie@wolfhanger.co.uk County: Dorset
Email: mossprecision@btconnect.com County: Cumbria
Email: ryecroftrarebreeds@outlook.com County: Greater Manchester
County: Devon
Email: elizabethhallam1@gmail.com County: Devon
Name: Kim Brook
Name: Maggi Gardiner
Tel: +44 7551256325
Name: Wowie Dunnings Tel: +44 7799661266
Email: tamartrades@gmail.com County: Cornwall
Name: Nicola & Mark Johnson Tel: +44 7745003520 Email: nicthomason@hotmail.com County: Essex
Tel: +44 7805067114 Email: angela.pratt@watamu.co.uk County: Kent
Name: CliveAllcorn
Tel: +44 7891524711 Email: maggigardiner@hotmail.com
Name: Mike & Jayne Carter
Name: Charles Upham Tel: +44 7812 103448 Email: langallerfarm@gmail.com County: Devon
Email: stkittsfarm@hotmail.com County: Cornwall
Name: Leanne Edwards
Name: Justin Newman Tel: +44 7977249386
Tel: +44 7766408373
View our Breeders map here
Tel: +44 1691 870511
Name: Barbara & John King Tel: +44 7561822306
Name: Heber Hargreaves Tel: +44 7834986171 Email: omhargreavesheber@googlemail.c County: Lancashire
Name:Andrew O'Shea Tel: +44 7590381188 Email: Enquiries@slatehousefarm.co.uk County: Lincolnshire
Email: basouthcombe@icloud.com County: Somerset
Email: beef@parkhillfarm.co.uk County: Shropshire
Name: MandyAbberley Tel: +44 7903765292
Email: littlewildfarm@outlook.com County: Oxford
Name: Lucy Kenney Tel: +44 7570137133 Email: lucy.kenney@btinternet.com County: Lincolnshire
Name: Pat Pimlott Tel: +44 7450358812
Name:Andrew Rock Tel: +44 7539038574
Name: Kelly wright
Email: rock.sunnyside@sky.com County: Lincolnshire
Name: Kevin Jackson Tel: +44 7973424833 Email: wilties@hotmail.co.uk County: Leicestershire
Name: Sally Dunkley Tel: +44 1653694530 Email: hello@thedoodales.co.uk County: NorthYorkshire
Name: DarrenAshton Tel: +44 7368888422
Name: Lydia Johnston
Name: Russell Gleeson Tel: +44 7968769251 Email: russ.gleeson@gmail.com County: Lincolnshire
Tel: +44 7775176403 Email: cotleafarm@gmail.com County: Lancashire
Email: darrenashton1@gmail.com County: nottinghamshire
Name: Oldlands Tel: +44 7857 648199 Email: oldlands.osb@btinternet.com County: Oxfordshire
Name:AndrewAgnew Tel: +44 Email: whitemountainpork@gmail.com County: Louth
England (continued)
Name: Jennifer Baker-Harris Tel: +44 7837983601
Email: omcownwyvalleyproduce2018@gmail.c County: Shropshire
Name: Louise Lyons Tel: +44 7779298468 Email: reddeerfarm@hotmail.com County: Somerset
Name: Dawn Horler Tel: +44 7977665073 Email: motormend@hotmail.com County: Somerset
Name: Jonathan Furber Tel: +44 7973257311 Email: friarfurber@btinternet.com County: Minsterley
Email: abberleyfarm22@gmail.com County: Oxfordshire
Email: jen.sim@btinternet.com County: Somerset
Email: scottlynas1990@gmail.com County: NorthYorkshire
Name: Jessie Chapman Tel: +44 Email: jessiechapman@rocketmail.com County: Loughborough
Name: Scott Lynas Tel: +44 7730391441
Name: Harry Bowler Tel: +44 7957394684
Name: Harriet Gallagher Tel: +44 7949977134 Email: harrietmarshall@icloud.com County: Somerset
Tel: +44 7502226843 Email: l.co.ukkinecroftsmallholding1@hotmai County: Wiltshire
Tel: +44 7724443108 Email: abbyd65@gmail.com County: County Down
Ireland
Tel: ++353874025189
Name: Chris Skelly
View our Breeders map here
Email: staff@choldertoncharliesfarm.com County: Wiltshire
Email: stuartcooke86@yahoo.co.uk County: Cork
Name: Catherine & Kieran Roseblade Tel: +353858629769 Email: ruaircsfarm@gmail.com County: Galway
View our Breeders map here
Name:Abby Davidson
Name: James Girvan Tel: +44 7703176140 Email: jamesgirvan@hotmail.co.uk County: CountyArmagh
Northern Ireland
Name: Gerard Rynne Tel: +353 831482798
Name: Mr Daniel McSorley Tel: +44 7787590856
Name: Stuart & Kim Cooke
Name: Linda Hricko Tel: +44 7528018668 Email: ash.paddocks@gmail.com County: Warwickshire
Email: inaghfreerangefarm@gmail.com County: County Clare
Northern(Continued)Ireland
Name: Lucy Blumberg Tel: +44 7896723913 Email: blum93@icloud.com County: Worcestershire
Name: Robbie Neill Tel: +44 7762194559 Email: stonebridgesuffolks@hotmail.co.uk County: County Down
Name: Rachel Rivers
Name: Dawn Stevens
Tel: +44 7795 908450 Email: rachel.rivers.uk@gmail.com County: Wiltshire
Tel: +00 353872516623 Email: winetavernfarm@gmail.com County: County Wicklow
Name: DermotAllen
Tel: +44 7849555290 Email: cskelly44@hotmail.com County: CountyArmagh
England
Name: Chris Cebula Tel: +44 7873395357 Email: chris.cebula@hotmail.co.uk County: Suffolk
Email: Sales@brandpod.co.uk County: Powys
Name: DavidAshton
Tel: +44 7730899139 Email: daiashton@outlook.com County: Powys
Name: Jane &Adam Mason Tel: +44 1456486738 Email: lynemhorcroft@gmail.com County: Inverness-shire
Tel: +44 7900036019 Email: taigilly@yahoo.co.uk
Tel: +44 7875726063 Email: mkerrie.chalmers@btinternet.co County: SouthAyrshire
View our Breeders map here
County: Cardiganshire
Email: slichie@btinternet.com
Tel: +44 7779030676
Email: mickjlarkin@btinternet.com County: Gwynedd
Name: Richard Lea
Name: Scott Morrison Tel: +44 1851643487
County: Powys
Name: Iolo White Tel: +44 7815795806 Email: iolowhite87@gmail.com County: Powys
Tel: +44 1492 518713 Email: gbenfi1021@aol.com County: North Wales
County:Aberdeen
ScotlandNorthern Ireland
Email: mark.swimming@btinternet.com
Name: Robert M Fair Tel: +44 7778 568 336 Email: rabfair@gmail.com County: Dumfries and Galloway
Email: westhavenpork@gmail.com
Name: Mick Larkin Tel: +44 7525423557
Email: comkeeperscottageandkennels@gmail.
Tel: +44 1224875879 Email: dooniesfarm1@gmail.com
Name: Catherine Jones Tel: +44 7856061833
Name: Fiona MacLennan Tel: +44 7783116399 Email: fiona@diverseecology.co.uk County:Argyll
Name: Kerrie Chalmers
Name: Nic & Dave Rae Tel: +44 1492580989
Email: nantganolfarm@gmail.com County: Llanrwst
Tel: +44 7493107731
County: East Lothian
Name: Clemancy Shadbolt
Name: Sue Goodwin
Name: Graham andAlice Lennox
Email: nicolarae@hotmail.com County: Conwy
Tel: +44 7762317580
Name:Anita Withers Tel: +44 7718 302681 Email: mcliftonlodgesmallholding@gmail.co County: Roxburghshire
Email: catherinejones1101@live.co.uk County: Flintshire
Name: MABeasley
Name: Bob Pratley Tel: +44 7834365959 Email: bob@tullich-highland.co.uk County: Ross-shire,
Name: Nicola Wardle
Tel: +44 1690710093
Name: Mary Benfield
Name:Aden Foster
IrelandWales
County: Isle Lewis
County: Scottish Borders
Tel: +44 7776292813
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FIND HENRIETTAFOURPIGS & Win Eco Smoker From hotsmoked.co.uk Hidden in the picture above are four mischievous pigs. Can you find them? Email magcomp@oxfordsandyblackpiggroup.org and tell us where they are hiding. All correct entries will be entered into the wheel of names to select a winner . Win!Win!
Visit our online shop https://oxfordsandyblackpiggroup.org/osbpgshopnow! The Oxford Sandy and Black Pig Foundation Charity is a Registered Charity No 1190469
