Red Wattle hog


The Red Wattle hog is a breed of domestic pig originating in the United States. It is named for its red color and distinctive wattles or tassels, and is on the threatened list of the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy.

Characteristics

The Red Wattle hogs are characterized by their red coat and distinctive wattles. They typically weigh. Large specimens can reach in weight, in height and in length. They normally have 10 to 15 piglets per litter. They grow fast, forage well, and are hardy, mild-tempered, and resistant to disease. They are suitable for extensive management. Additionally, these hogs are known for their mothering ability, as well as producing high-quality marbled and tender meat.

History

The early history of the Red Wattle hog is not clear. The modern breed descends from animals found in East Texas in the late 1960s and early 1970s by H. C. Wengler, who cross-bred two wattled red sows with a Duroc boar to start the "Wengler Red Waddle" line. Other animals were found, also in East Texas, about 20 years later by Robert Prentice, and became the Timberline line of Red Wattles. Prentice also crossed his Timberlines with Wengler's line to make the Endow Farm Wattle Hogs. In the 1980s, three breed registries were maintained, but with no central breed association. In 1999, the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy found only 42 breeding animals belonging to six breeders. A Red Wattle Hog Association was started, which since September 2012 has maintained the pedigree book for the breed. The Red Wattle hog is listed by Slow Food USA in the Ark of Taste.