The animal management team at Berkshire College of Agriculture (BCA) is set to play a part in the future survival and development of the Berkshire, the rare pig breed which originated in the county.
Having just welcomed the arrival of two 18 month old Berkshires from Bicton College in Devon, the BCA team is “looking forward to working with the breed further and helping increase Berkshire numbers in the UK”.
There are currently only 300 registered Berkshire sows in the UK, representing a breed which is “renowned for its laid back and friendly mannerisms” and can be identified by its black skin and white points, often seen on legs, faces and tails.
“With BCA being situated in the heart of Berkshire it seems fitting to have the pigs back on campus since the college has been without the breed since 2006,” said BCA animal centre manager, Calvin Allen, adding that the college has plans for showing the pigs in the future, as well as contributing towards conserving the breed.
BCA animal care student, Darren Wicks, with one of the college’s new Berkshires
