Celtic | |
Status: | Rare breed |
Also Known As: | Galician: {{noitalic|Porco celta |
Country: | Galicia, Spain |
Distribution: | Galicia and Portugal |
Maleheight: | 80cm (30inches)[1] |
Skincolor: | Black & White |
The Celtic pig (Galician: Porco celta) is a breed of pig native to the autonomous community of Galicia in north-western Spain.
Though they were relatively common until the early 20th century, Celtic pigs had nearly disappeared by 1980s. The breed is recovering and there are now more than 2 500 purebred sows.
Celtic pigs grow more slowly and develop more fat than modern breeds like the Large White, making them less well-suited to intensive commercial meat production, but ideal for the creation of cured pork products.
Year | Sows | Boars | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|
2009 | 2 643 | 1 751 | 4 394 | |
2010 | 2 687 | 1 787 | 4 474 | |
2011 | 2 587 | 1 889 | 4 476 | |
2012 | 2 684 | 1 907 | 4 591 | |
2013 | 2 634 | 1 668 | 4 302 | |
2014[2] | 2 532 | 1 596 | 4 128 |