
Our Berkshire Pigs



Why Berkshire Pigs?​
There are over 60 different breeds of domesticated pigs. At 7Anubis Farms, we raise Berkshires. They are friendly and non-aggressive pigs with a very happy temperament, so we can feel confident about spending time around these pigs; being slightly smaller than most other pure breeds, Berkshires also tend not to appear such a daunting prospect in the domestic environment.
Another major advantage of the breed is that it deals extremely well with inclement weather conditions which makes them perfect for our changing Colorado weather. The Berkshire is a very hardy pig, and ideally suited to the rigors of outdoor living. They are highly regarded for juicy, tender, and flavorful pork which is heavily marbled with fat. Known as Kurobuta pork in Japan, Berkshire is to pork what wagyu is to beef.
How we do it
Our Berkshires are grown out on pasture and in the wooded areas of our farm. Because pigs are monogastric animals (mono = one, gastric = stomach), they need a balanced diet of pasture greens, grains, and from our "pig garden". We raise corn and pumpkin in a special area of the farm specifically for the livestock to supplement their diet. Even though they do well in the winter, we like to keep the pigs in sheltered pens in the winter. It allows us to keep a better eye on their health and make sure they have access to food and water and extra straw if the weather is going to act up.




Our Mommas
Berkshire sows are pregnant for 3 months, 3 weeks, and 3 days. We have 3 breeding sows that we cycle through so that each girl gets some time off to rest. We farrow our girls in our barn where they can feel safe and secure while they are giving birth and we have no issues with piglets getting injured by the other pigs. Around 2 weeks before the farrowing day, we make sure the feeder and water barrel are working and ready to go and that there is fresh straw in the 8ft by 3ft farrowing area. Once momma has had the piglets and they have nursed for the first time, we open up the rest of the barn for momma to be able to move around and get needed breaks from the piglets to do what she needs to do. Once the piglets are weaned at 8 weeks, then they are moved to either pasture or our grow out area in the woodline behind the farm.