The Ossabow Island pig is a key pig breed that originated from the feral pig population of Ossabow Island, Georgia, USA.
It is also called Ossabo Island and the real Ossabo pigs are descended from pigs released on the island in the 16th century by Spanish explorers.
Spanish explorers explored the American coast in the 16th century. And they left livestock, like pigs, on the islands as a source of food for the future. So there was a pig from Ossabo Island.
The general feral pig population remained isolated on Ossabau for the next several hundred years.
A breeding population has been established on US farms off the island, but they are still critically endangered.
Currently, the breed’s total population is very small and it is listed as “critical”. Learn more about the breed below.
Characteristics of Ossabo Island pigs
The Ossabo pig is a relatively small animal and can be of different colors. But the most common coloring is the black and spotted variety.
Compared to other breeds of pigs, this breed also has a long snout, erect ears, and thick hair. The average height of an adult animal is less than 51 cm.
The average live weight of an adult Ossabo Island boar is less than 90 kg, and the sows are also almost uniform in weight. Photos and information from Wikipedia.
Special Notes
The Ossabo Island pig is a relatively active and fairly robust animal. It is an excellent forager and good for an extensive pig production system.
The breed is distinguished by its intelligence and friendliness in terms of temperament. It is well adapted to the local climate, as well as a high salt diet and minimal availability of fresh water on the island.
Ossabo pork is dark with a unique texture, and the meat is prized for resembling Iberian black pork ham.
It is considered an artisanal and ancestral product, particularly well suited for use in pork, jerky and whole roast pork. See the complete profile of this breed in the following table.
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| Breed name | Ossabo Island | |
| another name | Pork from Ossabo Island | |
| Special Notes | Well adapted to the natural climate, relatively active, quite hardy, excellent forager, very good for an extensive system, very intelligent, friendly, with a good temperament. | |
| Breed size | Little | |
| Boars | Up to 90 kg | |
| sows | Up to 90 kg | |
| climatic tolerance | native climate | |
| Color | It comes in a wide range of colors, but the most common coloring is black and mottled. | |
| scarcity | critical | |
| Country/place of origin | UNITED STATES |
