[Andy1982]

Hi all,

Been a while but we are very busy (rather, i am doing jobs i've never done nor wanted to, block building 2 sheds which are now finished and started the kitchen and be glad when it's done).

That's not why i brought you here though.

I got my pig slap marker the other day and have a few questions cause the thing came with no instructions. i know i have to slap on both shoulders,but will this show up ok on a saddleback once the hair comes off? the next thing is how hard to slap the little darlings so it marks and cause of the breed i'm not going to know if it was a success which leads me to the third part of,when i take one off the meet their buctcher and i'm wanting pork back as they cut, how the hell am i going to know if all the bits i am getting back are in fact my pig? or do i just get 2 halves back and the only trouble is that my kitchen (see above) ain't done yet and the pokey kitchen we have is not big enough unless i cut it up in the garden or in my new shed. This would also require some basics as to where to make cuts etc. I am looking on youtube for videos on butchery but still felt the need to ask.

Thanks in advance.

Andy

[chickenfeed]

dont worry your slap marks will show up.

most people worry about getting their own pigs back and whilst you should always get your own back there have been times where this is not the case.

there is lots of info on the internet about home butchery, its not as daunting as you may think all carcases have natural lines to cut to just stand back and look you will see you joints etc.. if space is a issue ask the slaughterhouse to split the pig and then when you go and collect the carcase and you can see its your pig then ask very very nicely if they could cut each side into 3 so you bring back the middle (chops & belly) in 1 piece and the leg and shoulders back whole, we have done this a few times and never had any problems.

we always slap on the 2 shoulders as reugulations state but then also do the rear end too.

[Hilarysmum]

I love the title of this thread 

[Stevie G]

Surely the slapper needs dipping in "black ink" before you slap your pig(s)?
I notice there is no mention of that, unless of course times have changed?
Fully understand that your slapping Saddlebacks(is a different colour used?), but surely this still applies?

[oaklandspigs]

Yes, slapper needs inking - you can do this with an (old!) toothbrush or buy a pad, but you'll need ink - queue "supplies for smallholders" - who'll no doubt post some helpful info.

www.suppliesforsmallholders.co.uk/pig-items-c-131.html

Yes regs say do both shoulders (PRIMO 2007 in England 2008 in Wales) and if you are getting your pig back as two halves, the slapmark will clearly show on the two halves - pigs "dress out" white as part of the de-hairing process.  The black is a very thin layer of skin, comes off like tissue paper once scoulded.

Yes abattoirs do make mistakes, but this is generally cock-up over conspiracy, and with food chain it is very unlikely that you will get anything but your own meat back. Yes there are examples before people post, but these are rare.

You should do a reasonable slap - like hitting a tennis ball.

If a butcher is going to cut for you then by all means do as chickenfeed suggests and slapmark the legs as well - that way the prime joints will have part of the slapmark showing.  However you do need to have a certain trust in your butcher.

If you plan to try and butcher yourself - unless you are qualified or have practised/been taught and have all the right tools -  you'll take at least two days, exhaust yourself, have a complete mess, and probably less useable meat than if the butcher had cheated you of a third.

The best on-line guide to pig butchery is
http://www.qmscotland.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=112&Itemid=65
and select pork from the drop down list - lots of execellant videos


Good luck, and let us know how you get on !!

[supplies for smallholders]

Yes, slapper needs inking - you can do this with an (old!) toothbrush or buy a pad, but you'll need ink - queue "supplies for smallholders" - who'll no doubt post some helpful info.

Thanks Oaklands - but I was not going to post on this thread....But since you gave me an opening.... Don't bother with an Ink pad unless you are slapping 20 pigs at a time. As Oaklands says use an old toothbrush (or your wifes)

Thanks

[little blue]

As Oaklands says use an old toothbrush (or your wifes)

.... can I just say, here it likely to be me doing the tatoo slapping, and therefore my husband's toothbrush, not mine!!