I'm after satin longs in order to create satin texels/merinos. Although a satin curlycoat would be better to start with they are pretty much non-existant so I'm working with what I have. It'll take a few generations to get both the curly coat and the satin genes into one pig because they are both recessive genes but it's an interesting project to try.
So I've bought a boar and a sow. There's another sow available as well but I'm still undecided on her, it depends on Ebbie's litter (which still hasn't been born BTW). They are from a line free from osteodystrophy and dropped shouldercoat. Two very very important things.
So I don't know the age of the boar but he is at least 18 months old and has been proven. Apparently he's sired eight litters already and is a very good breeder. I believe he's a slate and gold satin coronet, though there may be some white as well. He seems rather sweet, here's the pic I was sent:
The sow is five months old (so born December/January). She's had one litter (will ask for more info later) and is the daughter of the boar above. I'm not sure if she's slate, gold and white or chocolate, gold and white. I'm in love with her look, it's a pity she was never shown she certainly has more than a bit of wow factor...
And this was the other sow. I haven't asked the breeder to hold her or anything, but if Ebbie does have all boars and this girl is still available I'll take her as well. She's 15 months old and had one litter, she's half sister to the sow above and daughter to the boar. I'm fairly sure she's a slate and gold.
So I'm looking forward to meeting them. Sterling is destined for the coronet sow, though I may still change my mind and use Eddie and use Sterling later on in the program...
Anyway that's me for the day. Ebbie's simply refusing to pop. I'm starting to think she's weeks off of actually having her babies. Though god knows how. As of today she's 68 days pregnant, her pelvic bones have been open for ten days, her babies have been grinding for ten days and movement started 23 days ago. She's also not rapidly gaining weight anymore. She never loses but it's more like 5g a day rather than the alarming 70g she was doing for a while. She's at 1520g and I honestly don't think her belly can expand any further. She's incredibly content and the babies are as active as ever so I guess I just have to keep waiting. Ebbie's eating and drinking like a horse so at least I don't need to worry about toxaemia.
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