GASCON PIGS

Genetically speaking,there is a considerable gap between the ancient and modern breed of pig, much more so than with other domestic animals, because the selection and development of methods of breeding and rearing have been very rapid.

The old methods always involved the pigs having 'free range' of pastures. Their food was very varied, but often coarse, so their growth was quite slow, more in keeping with their predecessors in the wild.

The 'Ferme Conservatoire' has tried different types of diet with the pigs, allowing them to range in pastures and bringing them green fodder. It has been possible to reduce cereal supplements by half, and to almost cut them out completely in autumn, when the pigs are able to feed on acorns and chestnuts. It is important to continue with such trials, because we know that, in the old days, when Gascon pigs were looked after by a child or an old person, they used to reach weights of around 100 kilos with practically no supplements at all. Rather, their guardians used their intimate knowledge of the plants in the pastures where their pigs ranged.