Glynllifon pigs win Traditional Reserve Champion at Royal Welsh Winter Fair
Students and staff in the Animal Studies department have been raising the rare pigs, which were nearly extinct just two decades ago
Coleg Glynllifon’s rare Oxford Sandy and Black pigs won the Traditional Reserve Champion prize at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair recently.
Students and staff in the Animal Studies department at Glynllifon have been raising the pigs for the past three years.
The breed was almost extinct as recently as 20 years ago, so it was a proud moment for the department to win their category at one of the finest prime stock shows in Europe.
Sian Thomas, lecturer in animal studies, said: “It was a privilege to be able to show our lovely pigs on behalf of Glynllifon college.
“Bringing this breed back into the fold of British farming has been a long and difficult journey. Seeing out success in the Royal Welsh Winter Fair is therefore much sweeter.
“We’ve had our drove of Oxford Sandy and Black for a few years, and the students have really enjoyed working with them. They are lovely to work with, they have such an easy-going temperament. Being named the champions at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair is such an honour for us as a college.”
The Oxford Sandy and Black is a British breed of domestic pig, noted for its distinctive markings, its excellent temperament and mothering abilities, and for producing meat of very high quality and flavour.
For much of the 20th century numbers were very low - with no more than one new boar registered in some years in the 1940s.
Students on the Animal Management Level 3 course are enjoying raising the pics, with Rebecca Hughes saying: “I love working with the pigs because they allow us to handle them and have different experiences like pregnancy detection. I smiled all day after hearing the whooshing noise confirming Cynthia is pregnant!”
Lois Chapman said: “I like all practicals with the pigs. I've gained experience in handling, tagging, weighing, pregnancy detection and selecting piggies that are of breed standard to keep. I even had the opportunity to bathe and groom two boys ready for the Royal Welsh Winter festival.”
The Royal Welsh Winter Fair draws crowds from far and wide to enjoy two days of competitions, festivities and Christmas shopping, with the Food Hall packed full of the best Welsh producers.
Coleg Glynllifon’s Animal Studies and Veterinary Nursing department develops skills and knowledge in animal health and welfare, training, breeding, nutrition, grooming and business management.
Do you want to work in the animal care industry? To learn more about courses available at Glynllifon, click here.