The DNA samples we collected and submitted for analysis will be used to establish what DNA markers Red Wattles share as a breed.
As far as choosing the best breeding pair: it is difficult to tell how a piglet is going to turn out when it grows up. Find a breeder you are comfortable with. Look for a pig built like a brick - square like with a leg on each corner.
There is a link posted in the "For new RW breeder/Owners" section of this forum. It's not specific to RW's but it will help you get a feel for what a real good pig looks like. Ask questions about the hog's parents: how many piglets does the mother usually wean? how many teats on the boar and on the sow? (you want no less than 10) what size are the sows piglets at weaning? (bigger is better) Look up a meat cutting chart on the internet. Use it to familiarize yourself with where each cut comes from. This will help you visualize what you would get from a hog. Understand why certain traits are good to look for in a hog.
Also, there is an article in the RWHA Summer Newsletter about choosing a pig.
I'll be happy to send you a sample copy if you will provide your email to :
redwattles@hotmail.comDot Jordan
RWHA
Sec/Treas.