Chris Graham spent an enjoyable afternoon with master butcher Mike Alexander, brushing-up on his butchery skills Great care is needed when jointing pork. Mike makes everything look deceptively easy, thanks to his years of experience, but beginners must always err…
Your pigs must be fed correctly throughout the year, based on their breed, age and condition Joanna Palmer, a nutritionist for Smallholder Range, offers some essential advice on winter feeding and how to ensure your pigs remain in optimum condition…
Pig protection pointers Michaela Giles offers some practical hints and tips on how best to help your pigs through the coming winter, and advises keepers to act now! It’s sometimes hard to distinguish between the seasons in the UK, but…
Agricultural shows provide a great insight into rural life, it is a window into the world of agriculture, a meeting place for many and a platform to show case both tried and tested and new ways of working. No matter…
Michaela Giles explains how pigs regulate their body temperature, and the dangers that can arise when they’re unable to do so Pigs are endotherms (warm-blooded), like all other mammals, meaning that they maintain their body temperature through internal biological processes…
Magic Mangas! Chris Graham travels to beautiful North Yorkshire to meet Lisa Hodgson and her flourishing Otterburn Mangalitza herd We’re all attracted to pig-keeping for different reasons but, for Lisa Hodgson it was a chance encounter with some ‘Lincolnshire Curly…
Watch what they’re eating! Michaela Giles explains which plants can be harmful to your pigs, and how to recognise the signs when trouble strikes. The two most common poisonings caused by plants that are reported by the Animal and Plant…
Josh Farrell is the farm manager at the Nightingale Community Academy in Tooting, South London. ‘NCA’ is a state-funded, special needs academy for boys ages between five and 19, who are diagnosed with social, emotional or mental health issues. It…
Important Berkshire buying tips The Berkshire is a relatively hairy breed; the hair should be black, long, fine and plentiful according to the breed standard. The darkness of the hair is also said to help protect the pig from the…
Water consumption drives feed intake in pigs. You may, or may not, be surprised to learn, that 85% of growing pigs drink within 10 minutes of eating. Not providing enough good-quality, clean water will not only compromise pig health, but…