Why should I register with the GOSPBU if I am already a member of the GOSA?

Being a member of GOSA and registering with GOSPBU can serve two different purposes, and they can complement each other. GOSA membership connects you with the broader Gloucestershire Old Spots community, education, networking, and breed support, while GOSPBU registration helps document and preserve the individual pigs themselves through accurate herd book records, pedigrees, ownership history, and transfers. Registration is not just about belonging to a club; it creates a reliable paper trail that supports conservation, protects rare bloodlines, helps breeders make informed breeding decisions, and gives buyers confidence in what they are purchasing. You do not have to choose one over the other — supporting both can strengthen the future of the breed while helping maintain accurate records for long-term preservation.

Some people say that photographs are important, and that they are afraid that people will register impure GOS hogs. How can this be prevented?

Photographs can be helpful for general identification, but they are not a guarantee of purity. This is a concern in all livestock breeds, not just swine. Some Gloucestershire Old Spots crosses may closely resemble purebred GOS pigs, which means a photo alone cannot verify lineage. The strength of any registry ultimately depends on accurate records, responsible breeding practices, and the integrity of its members.

GOSPBU requires members to follow the organization’s Code of Ethics. Any breeder found knowingly registering impure pigs as purebred Gloucestershire Old Spots may be removed from the club, and all pigs registered by that breeder may be voided pending review. The matter would be subject to a hearing process, and DNA verification may be required when appropriate to help confirm lineage.

If there is a concern that a pig does not meet the Gloucestershire Old Spots breed standard, members are encouraged to submit the photo and question to the Board of Directors at support@GOSPBU.org for review.

What if I have a pig with health issues? Do I report it? I do not want my farm to be negatively affected if word gets out on an issue my animal has.

Common health issues (like injuries, parasites, or infections) should be treated and documented on your farm but don’t usually need to be reported. If the issue appears to be genetic or hereditary, it’s important to share it with the registry or trusted breeders so patterns can be identified and avoided in future pairings. Reporting is kept confidential — the goal is herd improvement, not punishment.

What do I do if my pig goes off feed?

Look for signs of stress, difficulty breathing, high temperature etc. Contact your vet if you think it is an emergency. Sometimes a pig in heat will not have a huge appetite. Try to rule out a serious health issue before calling the vet.

When should I call a vet?

The best thing to do is form a relationship with your vet. Invite the vet out to see your operation, and walk the farm with you; ask for suggestions. Then, when something does happen, and it likely will, the vet will understand your farm and livestock issues.

How many litters will a sow have in a year?

The gestation period of a GOS sow is 3 months 3 weeks and 3 days. They will typically have 2 litters per year.

How many piglets are typical per litter?

This is a variable number. Sow and Boar fertility, survival, disease, and general health can affect this number. On average, most GOS sows have 6-8 piglets per litter.

Why don’t you require photo’s of registered pigs?

GOSPBU does not currently require photos as part of the registration process because, while photos can be helpful for identification, they can also create a significant burden for breeders and the registrar. Photographing one or two pigs may be simple, but when breeders have multiple litters at the same time, collecting, organizing, and submitting individual photos can quickly become cumbersome. We understand that the spot pattern on a Gloucestershire Old Spots pig is unique and may assist with identification; however, relying on photos is not always the most practical or consistent method. It remains the owner’s responsibility to accurately identify and track their pigs through reliable methods such as ear notches, tags, tattoos, or other permanent identification. We do encourage breeders to keep clear photos of their pigs for their own records, as they can be a helpful tool for personal identification and herd management.

How old should a pig be before I decide if it is quality or not?

Ideally the pig should be as old as possible, but this is not practical. A pig that looks great at 8 weeks might not mature to the standards of the breed. It is up to you, the breeder, to breed GOS pigs that will help the health of the herd. If you determine a pig is not helping the genetics of the herd, please retire that animal.

Will the Livestock Conservancy (formerly ALBC) recognize the GOSPBU as a legitimate GOS association and registry?

The Livestock Conservancy will work with us as a recognized GOS pig breed association and registry.  How lucky we are to have The Livestock Conservancy!  We strongly support all the work they do with heritage breeds, and we are grateful to them for being such a valuable resource.

Can I expect my sows to farrow in huts, in winter without heat?

Yes, talk to breeders that have success with winter farrowing. It is not hard, as the pigs do most of the work. Try to develop a base of hay a few weeks prior to farrowing. Let the sow in a week or so before she is due, and limit the access she has to a source of hay; they will often over pack a hut with hay while building a nest. Keep the drafts and moisture at a minimum, and the results will amaze the skeptic.

How old will a sow be when she reaches reproductive age?

Gilts can become reproductive at 6-7 moths. They will typically have their first litter on or about their first birthday; if allowed to run with the boar.

Should the sow be kept separate from the boar?

They do not need to be kept apart. Pigs are very social animals, and do well together. Some breeders like to separate the sow two weeks prior to farrowing, but then allow them to return to the herd after a week or two. Remember to notch their ears before they have a chance to mix with piglets from other litters.

Should we castrate our boar piglets?

This is up to you and your customers. Some processors have refused to take intact boars for slaughter.  If you know the pigs are going to be for the table, then castration should be performed at three days old. If you are Animal Welfare Approved, you will need to follow their protocol.

I have never raised pigs before. Where may I find more information?

Find a copy of “Small Scale Pig Raising” by Dirk VanLoon. It is out of print, but still available on ebay or amazon.

What should I do with my registration paper if my pig dies?

Please inform the registrar of any pig that is no longer alive. We need to keep an accurate population census.

Can I vaccinate my pig for rabies?

A swine vaccine is not available, at this time.

How many pigs can I keep in one pasture?

This has too many variables. Weather, soil type, and the age of pigs all determine the length on pasture. Generally, you can keep them on a pasture until they graze the forage down to a few inches tall. If there is more attractive food underground, such as worms and grubs, than the choice of forage offered to them, they will root.

Should I ring their noses?

That is up to you and your philosophy. Most people that are into pastured animals are against this as a practice.

How old will a GOS pig live or be reproductive?

This is a difficult question to answer. Old spots have been reproductive to 9 years or so. Many will not reach that age, or be able to reproduce that long. More data needs to be collected on this topic. Many farms cull at a younger age if the sow becomes too large etc.