Pied Bentheimer

    Extrieur

    The Pied Bentheimer is a medium-sized country pig with lobors (ears that hang down past the head) and a long snout. The skin is soft pink to gray in color, scattered over the body they have irregular, black spots. Bears of this breed average 250 kilograms and reach a shoulder height of 75 centimeters. Sows are somewhat lighter at 180 kilograms and have a shoulder height of about 70 centimeters. The animals have a high life expectancy and can reach about 19 years of age. Sows of this breed have good mothering characteristics and fertility is very high. Both sows and boars should have at least 12 nipples.

    The Bonte Bentheimer is a rare spotted pig breed that originated around the border area of Bad Bentheim (DE) and Twente (NL).

    In the early 1800s, fat piglets were in high demand in northern Germany due to the emerging industry. Around the year 1850, the Pied Bentheimer originated from crosses between the German country pig and the English boars (Berkshire and Cornwall pig). The piglets were very popular and were mainly kept for their high fertility, friendly character and the sows possessed good mothering qualities.

    The 1950s were the heyday of the Pied Bentheimer. After World War II, the demand for good and cheap pork was very high. Because women took care of the piglets at that time and the Pied Bentheimer has a friendly character, this breed was very desirable during this period.

    As the economy changed in the following years, consumer demand also changed. Instead of the fatty, marbled Bonte Bentheimer meat, people at this time preferred pork that contained less fat. As a result, there was less demand for the Pied Bentheimer, resulting in the breed being threatened with extinction. In the 1990s there were only an estimated 100 Pied Bentheimers left in Germany, used as breeding stock. Mr. Shulte-Bernd ensured the continued existence of this pig breed; this farmer was the only one to continue breeding the breed.

    HISTORY

    Meat

    The meat of the Bonte Bentheimer was known to be perfect. The meat contains high fat marbling and the beautiful spotting pattern made this a popular breed of pig.

    The Pied Bentheimer does best when kept frugally and extensively. Slow growth and a food rich in structure ensure that the meat marries well. As a result, the meat is of a very good quality and the taste is optimal.

    The marbled meat of the Bonte Bentheimer is among the top among pig breeds. The meat can therefore be compared to the beef of Wagyur cattle. Because the intramuscular fat content of the meat is very high.