The registration of pedigree stock is very important. If the following procedure is not closely followed, the pig is not a pedigree animal and any offspring bred from it will be ineligible to be considered pure or to be registered. There is no provision for retrospective registration and if you are buying pigs for the first time, make sure that you insist on evidence of BPA acceptance.
There are two levels of acceptance. 'Eligible for Registration' applies to all pigs over 8 weeks of age and to qualify, the breeder must have submitted a pre-paid form to the BPA, giving details of the litter and its date of birth, ear numbering and parentage. Also, by that date, the ears must have been tattooed with the allotted ear numbers, (together with the herd letters on boars for breeding).
Registration
Only pigs which have been birth notified in this way can be registered. The breeder must sign the Application for Registration forms so if you intend to breed pure, it can be easier to get the breeder to complete the paperwork at the time of purchase, even if registration takes place at a later time.
Once you own your pedigree pig, you must join the BPA in order to register pure bred litters. You may offer your own selection of herd prefix for approval and you will be allocated herd designation letters, from which all pigs bred and registered by you can be identified. You will need to tattoo your own pigs' ears which is done by a special pair of pliers into which designated letters and numbers are fitted.
The club is pleased to assist new members to find stock boars they can use or direct them to Al facilities which are available from Deerpark Pedigree Pigs, Tel. 02879 386287.
