She's Helping Preserve Rare Guinea Hog Breed

She's Helping Preserve Rare Guinea Hog Breed AG WORLD 31-1-23 There are only approximately 70 known adult breeding "American Guinea Hogs" in the world, making this breed "critically rare". At this point, there are only four bloodlines that are being maintained by five active breeders in the U.S. In an effort to preserve the breed and replenish their aging and dwindling herds, these enthusiastic producers are searching for others who might also have Guinea Hogs. "If any other bloodstock is out there, it's paramount that we work together to help disperse the bloodlines," says breeder Arie McFarlen of Maveric Heritage Ranch Co. at Dell Rapids, S. Dakota. "That way, we could do something about bringing the numbers up. We are willing to purchase, lease or trade Guinea Hogs with other folks to help increase everyone's breeding population." McFarlen has only six adult breeding stock Guineas and sells piglets twice per year, however she has a waiting list for well into 2008. This breed is solid black with prick ears. Sows weigh between 85 and 125 lbs., and boars are between 125 and 200 lbs. on average. They were once popular in the southern U.S. and are very hardy. According to the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, "the American Guinea Hog is a small, black breed of swine that is unique to the United States. Also known as the Guinea Forest Hog, the breed was popular for a long period of time in America, but today is nearly extinct. Hogs were believed to be imported from West Africa to America in conjunction with the slave trade." McFarlen says other colorful names for guineas include Yard Pigs and Acorn Eaters. They should not be confused with Pot-Bellied Pigs, however. "Guineas are functional, practical and fun. They produce a smaller carcass, and are therefore appealing to people with limited or no freezer space," she adds. "For homesteading, Guineas are wonderful service hogs. They can be used to till up garden areas and clean up weedy spots. They are easily raised on a variety of forage and feeds in pasture or confinement. They are considered a lard hog." Guineas are also intelligent, friendly and loving, making them wonderful pets and companions, McFarlen says. They make good additions to petting zoos, exhibit zoos and pig races, too. Due to the rarity of Guinea Hogs, buyers should expect to pay a premium for these animals, she adds. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Arie McFarlen, Ph.D., Maveric Heritage Ranch Co., 47869 û 242 St., Dell Rapids, S. Dak. 57022 (ph 605 428-5994; info@maveric9.com; www.maveric9.com) or The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, Box 477, Pittsboro, N. Carolina 27312 (ph 919 542-5704; fax 919 545-0022; http://albc-usa.org).

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