The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: exmoorlady on June 18, 2009, 10:20:04 am

Title: The pigs have gone
Post by: exmoorlady on June 18, 2009, 10:20:04 am

Our two lovely gos's have gone to slaughter. It was actually quite a painless experience for us. They slept the night in the trailer and seemed quite relaxed on the way to the abbatoir. We are visiting the butcher on Friday to see how we want them cut. We think they were about 65-70 kg live weight so will be interested to see what they come back as. Think I will try to make some belly bacon from one of the recipes I found on here.
I do miss them though, they were such characters. Cant wait to get the next lot. :pig:

Title: Re: The pigs have gone
Post by: Roxy on June 18, 2009, 10:34:16 am

I have been tempted to have a couple of pigs myself, but I have an awful feeling I would get too fond of them and find it too hard to send them for slaugher.  Coming from a farming background, and having beef cattle which obviously go for slaughter, I should be able to cope.

I have to admit that from pigs we have had on the farm in the past, there is nothing quite like the taste of home cured bacon and ham.  I am quite envious of you having all this to look forward to.

Title: Re: The pigs have gone
Post by: carl on June 18, 2009, 10:47:40 am

It is always a mix of saddness, guilt and excitement for me when my pigs go. I get attached to them but get very excited at the thought of all that meat. get some more , quickly.

Title: Re: The pigs have gone
Post by: dixie on June 18, 2009, 01:42:29 pm

I never thought I'd get so attached to my first ones but I did! I know how you feel, its strange without them, hurry up and get some more thats my advice :pig:

Title: Re: The pigs have gone
Post by: sausagesandcash on June 28, 2009, 08:50:27 pm

Sorry to be suck an unsensitive git, but what deadweight did they come back at? Did you have much back fat?

Regards,

Morgan

Title: Re: The pigs have gone
Post by: nellie on June 28, 2009, 10:36:28 pm

sorry I never get attached - too much slobber on my nice white trousers and I have had my toes tread on too many times :o

Title: Re: The pigs have gone
Post by: Hilarysmum on June 29, 2009, 07:05:13 am

Have you got some more lined up yet?

Title: Re: The pigs have gone
Post by: exmoorlady on July 01, 2009, 09:44:25 pm

Just eaten first bit of pork and it was absolutely delicious. Did feel a twinge of guilt when we left them but they had a great life. They came back at  69 and 72 kgs dead weight but one was minus its head. One was a little fatty and butcher said he could have done with coming in a couple of weeks earlier but overall happy with them. Really pleased with that and will do it again but not for a while as we have a freezer full of pork as we only managed to sell one half. Making some belly bacon which will be ready at the end of the week. :)  :pig:  :pig:

Title: Re: The pigs have gone
Post by: dixie on July 02, 2009, 09:16:05 am

Tasting your own reared pork is fantastic! well done, glad you enjoyed the experience, and dont feel guilty they had a good life!