TheChoctaw hog , one of the most noted heritageswine breedsin the U.S. , has a storied past . It has provided sustenance to people of the West , from Choctaw Indians locomote along the Trail of Tears to Oklahomans trying to survive the Great Depression . However , after a late trip to Oklahoma , staff at the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy chance on that this historical breed confront a bleak future if fleet military action is n’t taken .
Due to several factors , include mod farming trends , uttermost weatherand change in the saving , the Choctaw hogget is on the verge of extinction , with only about 100 in creation , says ALBC executive theater director Eric Hallman . This newfangled population appraisal designate the Choctaw squealer as likely the most endangered swine breed and one of the most endangered animals on the planet . Only a few farmers in southeastern Oklahoma raise the breed ’s entire universe , which makes its status even more precarious .
“ When all of the animals in a particular breed are place in one geographic location , the threat of quenching increases dramatically because a exclusive catastrophic event could pass over out the entire universe , ” say Alison Martin , PhD , ALBC ’s technical plan theater director .
As one of the last loose - ranging domesticated swine breed , Choctaw hogs are genetically unique , and the ALBC places high priority on their preservation . According to world - renowned expert in rarified livestock breeds , Dr. Phil Sponenberg , DVM , PhD , Choctaw hogs are smart , hardy and agile and are “ unco self - sufficient in beget and foraging in the rangeland of Oklahoma . ”
“ A deprivation of this strain would be a important coke to biodiversity in Agriculture Department , ” Martin says .
advanced agricultural practices lean to focus on the consumption of a few highly specialized breeds selected for maximal output in a controlled surroundings , make any traditional farm animal breeds , such as the Choctaw , to dwindle in popularity .
The late economical receding has also lead to the Choctaw hog ’s dying . Because heritage breed grow more easy than industrial breeds , they be given to trade for a high price . As more consumer lean toward purchasing cheaper foods , the requirement for heritage core has fall and farmers are breeding few creature , adding to the challenge for endangered stock . Choctaw pig still have a role in agriculture , however . Because of their small sizing and splendid foraging capableness , they make an ideal animal to advance on minor - scale kinsperson farms . In add-on , chef around the world have require note of the heritage breeds ’ exceptional savour and are incorporating them into their card .
The ALBC is cursorily putting together an first step to start up a preservation cover herd to increase the Choctaw hog ’s act .
“ Currently , we are in need of funds to purchase fencing , feed and other items for the conservation ruck , ” Martin suppose . “ After the population becomes more stable , breeding stock will start to become uncommitted to the public . We have had winner with exchangeable project in the past — a phone number of strain , including Randall Lineback cattle , San Clemente goats and Santa Cruz sheep , have been rescued from standardized circumstances by ALBC . We hope to do the same for the Choctaw pig . ”
call theALBC websitefor more information on the Choctaw hog breed and conservation program .
