Resilience Shines Through: Independent Pork Producers, Breeders, and Keepers Thrive Despite Challenging Weather.
OSB Pork Continues to Delight Consumers, Bolstering Support for Local Producers.
UK's only pedigree pig breed that is a registered charity in England & Wales and Scotland setting the Standards High
Issue 8 Spring 2024
In This Issue
3. Lets Rootle 4. Upcoming Events & Replays 5.Wild Boar Dangers in Forest of Dean 6. Fundraising Events 7. Soya Free Pig Feed 8. Farrowing Report 12. Your Guide to Home Butchery 14. Education Update 16. Help is Close at Hand 17. Riddle MeThis 18. OSBPG Pork Labels 19.Young Farmers 21. OSBPG GSAUpdate 23. Vet Chat 25. OSB Pork Recipe 26. Breeder & Producers 27. Social Media Info
Photo by Kathleen O’Shea
Lets Rootle - Tempus adest ver
It was MarkTwain who once said, "In the Spring, I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside of 24 hours".Asaying i'm sure we will all agree with thus far in 2024. It's been a testing and trying time for all of us smallholders and farmers, we've had 70 mph winds, torrential Rain, Snow, Heavy frost and Sunny days reaching over 20 degrees celsius for most of us.The weather has left our land thick with mud, flooded, frozen and just when its almost dry mother nature throws us some more rain.The time has drawn on our strengths, played on our weaknesses but here we are. Daylight days are longer, the clocks have changed which i'm sure we have all used to our benefit to catch up on those much needed tasks. Our beloved OSB's and other livestock have just taken it all in their stride and with our care and support they too are appreciating what we have done for them and the lavishing the improving weather.You have made it!
In Spite of the toils of the winter, its positive to have seen so many farrowings, healthy pigs and great produce enlightening our social media timelines. I have noticed a significant shift in the quality of weaners improving our breed with thanks to all our breeders hard work and dedication. Some cracking pigs with great shape, colour and stature and not to mention the number of gilts/boars we are seeing with 16 evenly spaced teats. I personally want to thank everyone of our breeders dedication and investment to make such sights possible.
As we drive further into spring lots of smallholders are looking for this years supply of quality pork and boy do they have a lot of OSB weaners to choose from to enlighten their holdings for the coming months. If you're looking for some porkers and not able to find any, don't forget to visit our breeders and producers map and sign up for our weekly stocklist, i'm sure there will be something to suit you all.
Finally i wanted to remind you all the OSBPG Charity and the community around us are here to help wherever we can so please reach out if we can help in anyway.You are not alone we are all sharing the same challenges the winter and early spring have given us, but i can see a very bright light at the end of the tunnel which was winter.
Andrew O’Shea, Chairman - OSBPG Foundation Charity
Upcoming Events &
Tune in as Christopher Moss (OSBPG Trustee) demonstrates trimming a boars tusk with little stress and under a minute.
YouTubePremier
18thApril20:00BST
OSB Scotch Eggs - In anAir Fryer.Tune in as Katie Cooper (South Paddocks) shows us how to make your own OSB Scotch Eggs, all cooked in anAir Fryer.These will make you hungry just watching. Click theYouTube Button to set a reminder, and whilst you’re there subscribe to our channel so you never miss an episode
Pigging Out: FromAward Winner to Pork ChopsTheTrotter'sTale. In this episode Kim Brook catches up with Lisa Corcoran to see what she is doing a year on from winning the OSBPG Pig ExcellenceAward.
TimeMachine: LookingBack
OSBPG Foundation Charity keeping in touchLets go back to May 2022, where Kim Brook visits Scrubditch Care Farm andTalks to Emma Costley-White about the OSB and therapeutic farm-based activities for adults and young people with learning difficulties, challenging behaviour, and mental health problems.
Replays PodcastLisaCorcoran OSBPGBoarTuskTrimming
Communications Campaign to Highlight Wild Boar Dangers
in the Forest of Dean
For some time now, in light of the looming threat of African Swine Fever (ASF), the OSBPG Charity's attention has been drawn to the presence of wild boar in the Forest of Dean and the urgent need for contingency plans. Their sightings, rummaging through bins and the accessibility of the Forest to the public raise significant concerns about cross-contamination.
Pig World recently featured an article discussing AHDB's proactive measures to address this potential threat. It is important to note that wild boar populations extend beyond the Forest of Dean
encompassing regions such as the South East and South West of England, South East Wales, and North West Scotland. However, the highest concentration of wild boar in Great Britain is found in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire.
In November, the OSBPG Charity and its Scottish members collaborated with a veterinarian studying epidemiology at the University of Glasgow, conducting a survey on wild boar/feral pig presence. Analysis of this data is ongoing and will be shared soon.
To ensure residents and visitors to the Forest of Dean understand the dangers posed by wild boar, a comprehensive communications campaign will be launched.TheAHDB-led Feral Wild Boar working group convened recently to discuss the current situation and the threat ofASF.
APHAis responsible for managing feral wild boar, implementing strategies to monitor and control the population. Forestry England manages land where boar populations reside, conducting population control alongside surveys to maintain a healthy balance while mitigating their impact.
Recent surveys conducted by Forestry England in the Forest of Dean estimated around 658 individual animals, with the 2024 survey results expected in summer.Trained Forestry Commission rangers conduct controlled culls and collect samples forASF testing at the Pirbright Institute, with recent samples testing negative.
APHAencourages reporting of wild boar sightings and provides guidance to local authorities. Engaging with farmers and the public is crucial to raise awareness about the risks posed by wild boar.
Moving forward, joint communications strategies will be developed to address wild boar issues, emphasising the importance of avoiding contact with these animals to preventASF transmission.
Overall, asASF preparedness efforts intensify, the discussion on wild boar remains integral to ongoing industry discussions.
If you suspect a notifiable disease you must contactAPHA immediately.
England: 03000 200 301 Wales: 0300 303 8268 Scotland: contact your local Field Services Office
HAVE A FUN DAY WITH A FUNDRAISING DAY
This year, if you are holding an event, whether it be a farm open day, a competing event like running, cycling, swimming, dancing, having a stall at a country show, hosting a coffee morning, helping organise a community or school event, enjoying cake with friends, or even participating in a charity fundraiser, you can make a meaningful impact.
Apply for one of our fundraising packs, which are brimming with goodies, inspiration, and support materials to assist you in running a successful event. The aim is to raise awareness of our beautiful Oxford Sandy and Black breed and all the joys they bring, as well as the incredible work accomplished by those hosting the event through breeding and rearing outdoors, resulting in wonderful produce.
To receive your free fundraising pack for your upcoming events, please apply here.
Raising awareness of our remarkable breed and the OSBPG Charity, which is always here to support each and every one of you, is crucial. It goes without saying that we couldn't achieve as much as we have without the unwavering support of individuals like you, our valued supporters.Thank you for your dedication and passion for our cause. Together, we can make a real difference.
To register your wonderful ideas of fun and obtain your free fundraising pack, email: fundraising@osbpg.org
OSBPG pigs give the thumbs up on Soya-Free!
The evolving interests of consumers, driven by a desire to understand and support local produce and producers, are a clear indication that our independent pork producers are successfully showcasing the quality of OSB Pork.Today's consumers are increasingly concerned about the origins and sustainability of their food, questioning aspects such as its source, rearing practices, breed, and the growing trend of feed composition fed to our pigs.
In theAutumn edition ofThe Sandy Pig, we shared our collaboration with Harpers Feeds Ltd, in partnership with Massey Feed Group. Harpers Feeds not only emphasises environmental responsibility but also adheres to ISO 14001 standards, actively working to reduce their carbon footprint and promote sustainable farming practices. Last year, they introduced a soya-free feed, which has gained significant success.
The OSBPG Charity is now actively involved with Harper Feeds, proudly announcing the successful deployment of the soya-free feed.An exclusive account has been established at Harper Feeds for our supporters, allowing them to order directly. While this account focuses on pig feed orders, Harpers also offers feeds for poultry, cattle, and goats that supporters are welcome to include in their orders.The soya-free feed, available in 20kg bags or dumpy bags, is available in sow rolls, or 6mm pencils, comes with a minimum order of 1 tonne (50 bags) at the current price of GBP8.20 per bag, with a protein level of 15%.
For more information and to set up an account (without immediate commitment to order), please enquire about this exciting OSBPG Charity initiative Email: hello@oxfordsandyblackpiggroup.org.
OSBPG Farrowing Update
As we begin to compile the information on farrowing in 2024 thus far, let's take a retrospective view of the data from the last three years and examine the trends in our breeding numbers. We have been collecting data since late 2020, but for the purpose of this analysis, we will concentrate on the period from January 2021 through December 2023.
● There's some variability in the number of farrowings across the months, but we can see some seasonal patterns.
● Months like June and May tend to have higher average farrowings, while October and February have lower averages.
● There seems to be an overall increasing trend from 2021 to 2023, especially noticeable in months like June, July, and December.
Indeed, the seasonal variations in farrowings present intriguing data. Now, let's delve into a geographic analysis focus on the UK regions.
● South West: Shows a clear upward trend, with a significant increase in farrowings from 2021 to 2023.
● North and Central: Both exhibit an increasing trend over the three years, with notable growth, especially in 2023.
● Wales: Shows a slight fluctuation but generally maintains a stable trend over the three years.
● Scotland: Demonstrates a fluctuating trend with peaks in 2022 and 2023.
● South: Exhibits a mixed trend with a decrease in 2022 followed by an increase in 2023.
● Anglia and Ireland: Show a decreasing trend, particularly noticeable in Ireland's data.
● N. Ireland: Displays a relatively stable trend with very low farrowing numbers throughout the period.
OSBPG Farrowing Update (continued)
As you are aware, there are a total of 17 OSB bloodlines, comprising 4 male and 13 female lines. Some of these bloodlines are more widespread than others. Using the data, we have collated, we can determine the number of farrowings where the piglets are sired by a boar and farrowed by the sow for each of these bloodlines. Looking at the Line graph for our boars, we can make the following observations:
● Alexander: Shows a slight decrease in farrowings from 2021 to 2023.
● Alistair: Demonstrates a notable increase in farrowings, especially from 2021 to 2022.
● Clarence: Exhibits some fluctuation but generally maintains a stable trend over the three years.
● Jack: Shows a significant increase in farrowings, with a particularly notable spike in 2023. The sow lines
● Alison: Shows a fluctuating trend with a notable increase in 2023.The average number of farrowings forAlison increases from 14 in 2021 to 17.33 in 2023.
● Clare: Demonstrates a relatively stable trend with consistent farrowings over the three years.The average number of farrowings for Clare remains relatively consistent, ranging from 19.33 to 20.67.
● Clarissa: Shows a significant increase in farrowings from 2021 to 2023.The average number of farrowings for Clarissa increases from 3.33 in 2021 to 11 in 2023.
● Cynthia: Exhibits a steady increase in farrowings over the three years.The average number of farrowings for Cynthia increases from 25 in 2021 to 28 in 2023.
OSBPG Farrowing Update (continued)
● Dandy: Shows some fluctuation but maintains a relatively stable trend.The average number of farrowings for Dandy ranges from 13.67 to 13.
● Duchess: Demonstrates a decrease in farrowings over the three years.The average number of farrowings for Duchess decreases from 7 in 2021 to 7 in 2023.
● Elsie: Shows a slight increase in farrowings over the three years.The average number of farrowings for Elsie increases from 5.33 in 2021 to 5.67 in 2023.
● Gertrude: Shows a fluctuating trend with a notable increase in 2022.The average number of farrowings for Gertrude increases from 4.33 in 2021 to 12.33 in 2023.
● Gloria: Demonstrates a steady increase in farrowings over the three years.The average number of farrowings for Gloria increases from 13.67 in 2021 to 16.67 in 2023.
● Iris: Shows a slight increase in farrowings over the three years.The average number of farrowings for Iris increases from 10.67 in 2021 to 11.67 in 2023.
● Lady: Exhibits a fluctuating trend with a notable increase in 2023.The average number of farrowings for Lady increases from 8.67 in 2021 to 11 in 2023.
● Mary: Demonstrates a decrease in farrowings over the three years.The average number of farrowings for Mary decreases from 6 in 2021 to 6 in 2023.
● Sybil: Shows a fluctuating trend with a notable increase in 2023.The average number of farrowings for Sybil increases from 5.33 in 2021 to 8.67 in 2023.
As depicted in the chart, there is a slight variation in the average litter size, typically around 8 offspring per litter.Additionally, the gender distribution among the offspring shows that boars account for 52% while gilts make up 48%, indicating a slight imbalance from the expected 50:50 ratio.
Oxford Sandy and Black Pig Foundation
Charity - OfficialApp
The FREE application from the Oxford Sandy and Black Pig Foundation Charity #1190469 (England & Wales) SC052662 (Scotland) .
Our app gives you access to all our key info and tools whilst you're on the move.Tools such as:
- Pig WeightTool
- Farrowing DateTool
- Standstill Calculator
- Feed Calculator
-Abattoir Checklist
-Access to our Breeders Map
- GSAProgram
- and loads more
availableUpdatenow withnewtoolsto helpyou
YOUR GUIDE TO HOME BUTCHERY
Many of you might be intrigued by the idea of butchering your own OSB pigs, and it can feel daunting. Questions like "Where do I begin?" or "How do I separate the loin from the ribs for bacon?" might arise. Similarly, you might wonder about boning a whole leg. Look no further! We've got you covered with a comprehensive 6-part series that walks you through the entire process, including a demonstration of the infamous butcher's knot. Episodes can be viewed onYouTube by clicking the image next to each Episode.
Episode 1 - The Primals: In the first installment of this series, Nigel Goodchild demonstrates the breakdown of half a pig into its "Primal Cuts" - Leg, Loin, Belly, and Shoulder. You'll receive precise guidance on where to make the cuts and which knife to utilise for each step of the process.
Episode 2 - The Shoulder: Nigel takes us through maximising the potential of the shoulder. He demonstrates boning, rolling, and cutting it into joints, as well as slicing juicy shoulder steaks. Additionally, he showcases how to prepare the hock, which can be cured to create a delicious pea and ham soup.
Episode 3 - The Loin: Discover how to expertly remove the loin from the bone to craft your own bacon. Nigel will demonstrate the cutting and preparation of loin chops, loin roast, and more in this episode.
Episode 4 - The Leg: Nigel covers a wide array of techniques in this episode, including tunnel boning, preparing rump steaks, creating roasting joints, selecting cuts for curing, and even mastering the famous butcher's knot
Episode 5 - The Belly: Often underrated and commonly used for sausage making, the belly holds hidden culinary gems. In this episode, Nigel will guide you through preparing belly joints, ribs, and belly slices, perfect for slow-roast meals or grilling on the BBQ
Bonus Episode - Sausage Masterclass: Due to popular demand following the success of the butchery series, Nigel returns toAndrew O'Shea's farm in Lincolnshire for a sausage masterclass. Nigel guides us through the optimal method of making sausages at home, sharing his expertise in this special episode.
DidYou Know:
Episode 6 - Knife Sharpening: A sharp knife is essential for any butchery task, whether it's a cleaver, loin knife, or boning knife. Nigel demonstrates how to achieve that perfect edge in this final episode of the series.
We have been gathering OSB pork statistics for almost 3 years now, we have been looking at live weights vs dead weights, and how our members have the carcasses butchered.The data makes some interesting reading
Top5Choices 1. Sausages 2. RoastingJoint 3. Chops 4. Belly 5. BackBacon
YOUR GUIDE TO HOME BUTCHERY Join us on OSB Rare Breed Pork
Education: OSBPG Breed Conservation Talk Success at Coleg Glynllifon
The OSBPG Charity was delighted to have our very ownAndrew O'Shea speak to the students at Coleg Glynllifon in Wales in early December about rare breed pigs.The focus was on why conservation and diversity is crucial for protecting our native breeds.
The feedback we received was extremely positive, and the students thoroughly enjoyed the talk.They had numerous questions about the different breeds we have in the UK and why, as a charity, we are particularly focused on the Oxford Sandy and Black breed.
At the end of the talk, we organised a small competition for the students, offering a chance to win one of our hoodies, aprons and travel mugs.The winners were:
1st Place (OSBPG Hoodie) - Niamh 2nd Place (OSBPGApron) - Maddie 3rd Place (OSBPGTravel Mug) -Trystan
Following the prize distribution, the students and their Lecturers took some photos of themselves, their pigs, and the winners with their prizes - along with some Christmas wishes for us all.They kindly granted us permission (with the all the relevant consent required) to share these on our social media channels.
The charity would like to express heartfelt thanks to Coleg Glynllifon, their tutor Sarah Roberts (Lecturer inAnimal Studies), the students, andAndrew O'Shea for their time in supporting the charity's educational, conservation, and diversity objectives outlined in our Constitution.
Qualified competent attendants
Mike and Jayne Carter, long time supporters of the OSBPG Charity, are happy to lend a hand for those seeking transportation services for the movement of pigs.
● 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 8 hrs.
If you would like to find out more or book Mike and Jayne, please visit our website here
OSBPG PIG HAULIERS
FOR UK
To each and every one of us, the daily routine can seem all too familiar: waking up, tending to the children, tending to the livestock, and then finding a moment alone with our thoughts, perhaps shedding a few tears. We put on a brave face, telling ourselves and others that we're okay, but beneath the surface, the weight of responsibilities—feed bills, living costs, school costs — can feel overwhelming.
The pressure can become relentless, a never-ending cycle that pulls us into a negative spiral. We convince ourselves that we can't burden others with our worries, that we must soldier on alone. But it's true what they say: 'It is good to talk,' and 'a problem shared is a problem halved.'
You're not a nuisance for reaching out; you're courageous. Whether it's a simple chat in the barn or a text with just the word 'hello,' know that help is within reach. When the OSBPG don't see some of you around for a while, they will contact you — not out of nosiness, but out of genuine concern.
Remember, the OSBPG Charity is here for you.Though we may be small, our hearts are big, and we are ready to listen and support you.And if we can't provide the help you need directly, we will find someone who can.
We all know someone or we may be that someone
If you are unsure where to turn, here are some helplines that offer assistance:
● Addington Fund
● FCN Charity
● Rabi Charity
● RSABI
● Yellow Wellies
You can also contact us at hello@oxfordsandyblackpiggroup.org
Additionally, the Farming Help helpline, operated by the FCN Charity, is available at 03000 111 999.
Let's break the silence together and support one another through these challenging times.
HELP IS CLOSE AT HAND
OSBPG Competition Time Win an OSBPG Bamboo Double Walled 400ml Travel Mug Just solve the riddle for a chance to win. Email you answer to hello@oxfordsandyblackpiggroup.org and use the subject “Sandy Pig Competition” Good Luck! Riddle Me This! When I am young I amTall When I am old I am Short What am I? Clue:Awindy day will put me out
Helping our Independent Producers, the OSBPG charity provides valuable support
The OSBPG Foundation Charity is always thinking of ways to help our independent pork producers. Our pork is first and foremost as it is representative of our breed, its flavour, its texture, its colour and its versatility. The OSBPG Charity recognise the hard work and dedication from our independent producers, breeders and keepers of the Oxford Sandy and Black pig. Furthermore, we see the value in what you do, and as such Kathryn Green-Smith has designed the OSBPG Charity Pork labels. The labels are free, personalised and are in recognition of the value that you show in producing OSB Rare Breed pork.
Just like Mr. & Mrs. Edmond of Poppyfields Fine Produce, you can also own your free 150 OSB Pork Labels here .
Young Farmers' Perspectives: Thoughts, Inspiration, and Experiences
From Faith Haines
I have been asked to write about farming through the eyes of a child But unfortunately I’m no longer a child! So I suppose I will have a different outlook on it to younger children.
My mum always wanted to be a farmer ever since we were young but unfortunately we lived somewhere she couldn’t live out her dream, but that never stopped
her, she tried her hardest and reminded us every day of animal welfare, how farming impacts the earth and thinking about the food we eat...so much so that mum, my older sister and I became vegetarian until we could find a better way of eating meat.
With her veg patches, a few chickens, rabbits, any other animals she could collect and my electric mini John Deere it was pretty much like we lived on a farm. We only ate our own eggs and vegetables, and still to this day I refuse to eat any eggs that aren’t our own.
Then in 2019 we moved onto our farm and straight away my mum was collecting animals. We now have sheep, pigs and chickens!
I’m happy to know that we are not contributing to the ill treatment of animals just for meat… and that the animals that do go off for meat have lead a very happy life!
It’s also great to see my mum so happy knee deep in mud cuddling a pig every day, or happy to just be busy on the farm whilst juggling her main job managing care teams for people with acquired brain injuries, parenting and looking after her grandchildren (who help her every day!).
Sometimes I think she thinks she can do everything! So I make sure she has a home cooked meal at the end of the day… or more commonly a bottle of wine for the evening. And I make sure that any other jobs are done so she can focus on her farming dream.
This year we have had our first home bred piglets and lambs and my mum has been very invested to say the least. She spends most days with the animals now and she loves it! Hopefully she doesn’t love the animals more than me!
Young Farmers' Perspectives: Thoughts, Inspiration, and Experiences
Genetic Spread Allowance
So far in 2024, the charity has supported the transfer of 5 pigs across the UK through our Genetic SpreadAllowance, providing £950 to our members to encourage the movement of pigs across a wider geographic area.
In February, the charity allocated £250 to facilitate the transfer of a promising Clarence Boar over 321 miles from Devon to NorthYorkshire.The Clarence lineage, along with many others, is scarce in the North of England. Given the boar's esteemed bloodline and confirmation, this decision was readily approved by theTrustees.The 6-month-old Clarence boar has settled comfortably in his new abode and will commence his duties later this year. The charity eagerly anticipates observing his offspring.
At our March meeting, we approved the relocation of two pigs, backing each move with an additional £250.The first of these was the transfer of an 8-month-oldAlison Gilt from the West Country, spanning 221 miles north to Carmarthenshire. Kim Brook andAndrew O’Shea had previously assessed theAlison Gilt in October 2023. Over the six months since their assessment when she was just 6 weeks old, she has shown significant and continued development.
Clarence Boar
Alison Gilt
Genetic SpreadAllowance
The second relocation involved a 7-month-old Alistair boar, chosen to move to the South East of England, where breeder numbers are relatively scarce.The boar journeyed just over 300 miles from South West Wales to a village near Canterbury in Kent.The charity's assistance through the GSAprogram has ensured that a much-needed bloodline in the South East has found a splendid home in what is often referred to as the Garden of England.
The table below provides a summary of the GSAprogram to date.As you can see, the charity has endorsed 32 applications, facilitating the transfer of 50 pigs over a distance exceeding 8,000 miles across the UK.The program has provided our members with over £5,000 in financial assistance thus far.Additionally, we have recently received another application involving the Mary bloodline, which we will be reviewing at our May meeting, so stay tuned for updates.
For information on the GSAProgram, or to apply please visit our website here
Alistair Boar
Vet Chat
Louise Blenkhorn
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.
Swine Dysentery - know the score
As I am sure you are all aware, the threat from swine dysentery is still very real. There have been several cases of swine dysentery reported and confirmed in Yorkshire in the last few months. So, let me run through what causes swine dysentery, how swine dysentery spreads, what clinical signs to look out for and how to protect your unit from swine dysentery entering.
What causes swine dysentery?
● Brachyspira hyodysenteriae
● Mobile spirochaete
● Different strains - virulence differs
● Able to mutate - antibiotic resistance?
● Survives best in moist, cold, mucky conditions
Typical clinical signs of swine dysentery
● Diarrhoea with varying amounts of blood, mucus and necrotic material
● Rapid loss of body condition
● Can affect any age; peak incidence at 6-12 weeks of age and naive herds
How to protect your unit from swine dysentery
Vehicles
● Keep all unnecessary vehicles out! Especially those collecting fallen stock.
● Restrict lorry access to the unit perimeter
● Disinfectant wheel washes/ knapsack sprayers for wheels
Animals
Rats can roam for up to 4 miles if they are hungry. Rats shed B.hyo for 2 days; mice for 180 days! So...
● Cover hoppers and feed and avoid feed spillages; keep unit tidy to minimise refuge points
● Bird proof buildings/ use of deterrents and falconers
● Bait around the unit perimeter
● Buy in pigs of a known health status
● On larger units - closed breeding herd programme and all-in-all-out pig flow
Visitors
● No unnecessary visitors – if they must come onto the unit they MUST wear protective clothing and shoes provided for exclusive use on that unit and must be ‘pig free’
● Any equipment must be clean
● Disinfectant foot dip on entry
● Sign visitors book with last pig contact
Cleaning and Disinfection
● Wash down, disinfect buildings and allow to dry
● Include hoppers and water lines in the cleaning protocol
Vet Chat
OSB Campfire Stew
With Kim and Stuart Cooke
Ingredients
● 1 OSB Gammon Joint
● 2 Onions
● 3 Bell Peppers
● 3 Cloves of Garlic
● 1tsp Paprika
● 1tsp Cumin
● 1stp Coriander
● 1 tin Baked Beans
● 1 tinTomatoes
● 1 tin Kidney Beans
● 1 Carrot
● 300g Mushrooms
● 2 tbspTomato Puree
● 2 Chilis
● 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
● Salt & Peper (to taste)
To find out how to make this wonderful dish, tune in to our cook-a-long with step by step instructions. Click here
Our cookbook “Pork-licious” can be purchased from our online shop here
1.
OSBPG Breeders and Producers
If you’re looking for weaners, wonderful OSB Pork, breeding stock, or boars to hire, then look no further than our Interactive “Breeders and Producers Map” We have over 100 breeders and producers located all over the United Kingdom and Ireland. So if your looking pop on over to our website and see who is near you.
If you’re an OSB Pork Producer or Breeder yourself, then why not get yourself listed for “FREE” on our map. Our website has over 3,000 visitors every month, with hundreds looking for OSB Pork, Breeding Stock and Weaners.
Click here to add yourself to our map for “FREE”
Join Us on Social Media
OSBPG Foundation Charity
YouTube Channel
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Instagram Stories
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Pork Group
Visit our online shop now! oxfordsandyblackpiggroup.org/osbpgshop The Oxford Sandy and Black Pig Foundation Charity is a Registered Charity No 1190469 OSBPGApron £19.99