Wessex Saddleback
Originally from England the Wessex Saddleback was crossed with the similar looking (but genetically different) Essex pig after WWII, as both breeds numbers had declined dramatically, and were re-named the British Saddleback. It was later discovered that Saddleback pigs in Australia arrived prior the amalgamation of the Essex & Wessex in England and thus only pure Wessex Saddleback pigs ever reached Australia. This has meant that Australia now holds the last of the pure strain of Wessex Saddleback pigs in the entire world. Alarmingly the entire population only numbers under 100 registered animals. Within this there is 2 particular 'Sow Lines' which are on the brink of extinction; the 'Mary', with only 3 sows representing that particular bloodline, and the 'May' with just 4 sows. The herd of Wessex Saddleback pigs at the Rare Breeds Farm is fortunate enough to include 2 of the 'May' sows.