The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: david c on July 18, 2016, 09:53:46 am

Title: when is a pig too old for chops and joints?
Post by: david c on July 18, 2016, 09:53:46 am

I've a February 2015 sow which has had one litter. Middle white / saddleback which I am wanting to butcher. Will she be any good for chops and joints or will she need to go as sausage at this age?

Cheers,

David

Title: Re: when is a pig too old for chops and joints?
Post by: JedM on July 18, 2016, 10:38:53 am

Sorry, cant help but I'm looking for the answer too!  Mine is a bit younger though - 10 months old and had first litter on friday.

Title: Re: when is a pig too old for chops and joints?
Post by: harmony on July 18, 2016, 10:41:50 am

She is past being a prime pork pig so personally I would go for sausage, bacon and pies are also an option. That said there will be someone who will tell you they ate their sow and it was fine. It is said the best bacon comes from a young sow after she has had one litter.

Title: Re: when is a pig too old for chops and joints?
Post by: hughesy on July 18, 2016, 08:04:15 pm

Wait and see what it looks like when slaughtered. The meat will be darker in colour than a young pig and will have a more mature flavour. Biggest problem might be a high fat content but in my experience there can be some very good meat in an older pig carcass.

Title: Re: when is a pig too old for chops and joints?
Post by: david c on July 19, 2016, 01:05:26 am

I think I'll give it a shot. She needs to go.

Re past prime pork - what generally is the upper age limit for prime pork.

Another dumb question - re bacon suggestion. Bacon would be from the loin - is it done from the belly too? Roughly how much bacon would I get from her - she's about 110kg.

Title: Re: when is a pig too old for chops and joints?
Post by: greenbeast on July 19, 2016, 08:09:02 am

Quote from: david c on July 19, 2016, 01:05:26 am

I think I'll give it a shot. She needs to go.

Re past prime pork - what generally is the upper age limit for prime pork.

Another dumb question - re bacon suggestion. Bacon would be from the loin - is it done from the belly too? Roughly how much bacon would I get from her - she's about 110kg.

Streaky from the belly :)

10-12kg maybe?

Title: Re: when is a pig too old for chops and joints?
Post by: hughesy on July 20, 2016, 02:59:24 pm

If you don't want pork what about this. Loins and bellies for bacon. Legs cured for gammon. Shoulders for sausages. Job's a good 'un.

Title: Re: when is a pig too old for chops and joints?
Post by: HappyHippy on July 20, 2016, 10:11:52 pm

I'd get a couple of joints or gigots - slow cooked (in cider) they'll fall to pieces and you'll get the best 'pulled pork' of your life  ;)
And don't forget burgers - good to have some pork and apple or chilli on standby for sunny bbq days  :yum:

Title: Re: when is a pig too old for chops and joints?
Post by: waterbuffalofarmer on July 20, 2016, 11:25:23 pm

Quote from: david c on July 19, 2016, 01:05:26 am

I think I'll give it a shot. She needs to go.

Re past prime pork - what generally is the upper age limit for prime pork.

Another dumb question - re bacon suggestion. Bacon would be from the loin - is it done from the belly too? Roughly how much bacon would I get from her - she's about 110kg.

You can also get cheek bacon, some of the nicest so I am told.