The Mulefoot pig is a rare breed of domestic pig which is used for it’s lean meat. It is from Spain and named for it’s intact, uncloven hooves reminiscent of a mule.
Such characteristics will occasionally occur as a single gene mutation, producing occasional “mulefooted” pigs within a variety of other breeds.
Exact origins of the Mulefoot pig are unknown. But it likely originated with the pigs brought to the Gulf Coast by the Spanish. Pigs with single hooves are found in writings as far back as Aristotle.
But the Mulefoot pig is the only pig population to be considered as a breed with an established standard type and extensive agricultural usages.
The breed may share a similar ancestry to the Choctaw pig and is possibly related to it. Total population of the breed began to decline in the mid-20th century. One breeder R.M Holiday of Louisiana, Missouri established what would become the last herd of purebred Mulefoot pig by 1964.
He used selective breeding for maintaining the breed standard and acquired stock from all known purebred breeders. Registries for the breed closed by 1976 and the herdbooks, pedigrees and other registration information was lost.
For re-establishing the breed registry and expanding breeding programs to additional farms, the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy and Mark Fields began working in 1993. Read more information about the breed below.
Mulefoot Pig Characteristics
Mulefoot pig is a medium sized animal. It is typically black in color, with rarely having white markings over their body. Some pigs have wattles on either side of the neck, but it’s not common. Their ears are usually picked forward.
Average body weight of the mature Mulefoot boars is around 250 kg. And the mature sows on average weight around 200 kg. [1]
Appearance
Mulefoot pigs have a distinctive appearance, with a solid black coat and a curly tail. They are a medium-sized breed, with mature boars weighing between 500-700 pounds, and mature sows weighing between 400-600 pounds.
Mulefoot pigs have a short, broad head and a slightly arched back. Their legs are straight and sturdy, and their hooves are fused together to form a single, rounded structure.
Temperament
Mulefoot pigs are known for their docile and friendly temperament. They are easy to handle and are well-suited to small-scale farming operations.
Mulefoot pigs are social animals and should be raised in groups or pairs for optimal health and well-being. They are curious and intelligent animals that enjoy exploring their surroundings.
Adaptability
Mulefoot pigs are adaptable to a variety of environments, including pasture, woodlands, and mixed farming systems. They are excellent foragers and are known for their ability to root through the soil to find food.
Mulefoot pigs have a slow growth rate and reach maturity at around 18-24 months of age. They are a hardy breed and are resistant to many common pig diseases.
Diet
Mulefoot pigs are omnivores and require a balanced diet that includes a variety of grains, fruits, vegetables, and protein sources. They are excellent foragers and can subsist on minimal feed inputs if given access to forage.
Mulefoot pigs require supplemental minerals such as calcium and phosphorus for optimal growth and health. Consult with a nutritionist or veterinarian to determine the appropriate diet for your Mulefoot pigs.
Breeding
Mulefoot pigs are a slow-growing breed and reach maturity at around 18-24 months of age. The breeding season for Mulefoot pigs typically begins in the fall, with sows giving birth in the spring.
Mulefoot pigs are known for their good maternal instinct and make excellent mothers. They have a relatively low litter size, with sows typically giving birth to 5-6 piglets.
Health
Mulefoot pigs are a hardy breed and are resistant to many common pig diseases. However, they can still be affected by external and internal parasites.
Regular monitoring for parasites and appropriate treatment can help maintain the health of your Mulefoot pig herd. Mulefoot pigs also require proper veterinary care, including vaccinations and routine health checks.
Usefulness
Mulefoot pigs are raised primarily for meat, but they can also be used for their lard, which is a high-quality cooking fat. The meat of Mulefoot pigs is marbled and flavorful, and is prized by chefs and foodies.
Mulefoot pigs are an ideal breed for small-scale and sustainable pig farming operations. They have a low carbon footprint and are well-suited to sustainable and regenerative farming practices.
Conservation Status
Mulefoot pigs are a critically endangered breed, with only a few hundred pigs remaining in the United States. They were nearly extinct in the 20th century due to the rise of industrial pig farming and the decline of small-scale farming.
Efforts to preserve the breed began in the 1990s, and today, Mulefoot pigs are making a comeback among small-scale farmers and homesteaders. By supporting the preservation and promotion of Mulefoot pigs, we can help ensure the continued diversity and sustainability of American agriculture.
Special Notes
The Mulefoot pig is very hardy and actually well known for it’s hardiness. It can thrive well when raised on pasture or kept in free range pig farming system.
It is an excellent forager and has retained the ability to forage for food very well. The sows are excellent mothers, having litters that average 5-6 piglets.
The breed is not immune to hog cholera, although many breeders originally claimed. The animals are usually active and have a relatively docile temperament.
The Livestock Conservancy considers the breed to be critically endangered, as of 2013. Review full breed profile of the Mulefoot pig in the following chart.
| Breed Name | Mulefoot Pig | |
| Other Name | None | |
| Special Notes | Very hardy, active, docile temperament, good for extensive farming, excellent foragers, sows are good mothers, litters averaging 5 to 6 piglets | |
| Breed Size | Medium | |
| Boars | Around 250 kg | |
| Sows | Around 200 kg | |
| Climate Tolerance | Native climates | |
| Color | Mainly black, sometimes with white markings | |
| Rarity | Rare | |
| Country/Place of Origin | Spain |
Mulefoot Pig Facts
Here are some interesting facts about this pig breed.
- Mulefoot pigs are a rare breed of domestic pig that originated in the United States.
- They are named after their unique hoof structure, which resembles a mule’s foot.
- Mulefoot pigs are a medium-sized breed, with mature boars weighing between 500-700 pounds, and mature sows weighing between 400-600 pounds.
- They have a dark black coat and a distinctive curly tail.
- Mulefoot pigs are known for their docile and friendly temperament.
- They are adaptable to various environments, including pasture, woodlands, and mixed farming systems.
- Mulefoot pigs are excellent foragers and are known for their ability to root through the soil to find food.
- They have a slow growth rate and reach maturity at around 18-24 months of age.
- Mulefoot pigs are a hardy breed and are resistant to many common pig diseases.
- They have a high meat quality, with marbled and flavorful meat that is prized by chefs and foodies.
- Mulefoot pigs are an ideal breed for small-scale and sustainable pig farming operations.
- They are a critically endangered breed, with only a few hundred pigs remaining in the United States.
- Mulefoot pigs were historically a popular breed among farmers and homesteaders in the Midwest United States.
- They were originally bred for their ability to forage and survive on minimal feed inputs.
- Mulefoot pigs were nearly extinct in the 20th century due to the rise of industrial pig farming and the decline of small-scale farming.
- Efforts to preserve the breed began in the 1990s, and today, Mulefoot pigs are making a comeback among small-scale farmers and homesteaders.
- Mulefoot pigs have a unique digestive system that allows them to efficiently digest and utilize fiber-rich diets.
- They are known to produce high-quality manure that can be used as a fertilizer for crops and gardens.
- Mulefoot pigs are considered a “heritage” breed, which means they have been around for at least 50 years and are considered historically important to American agriculture.
- They have a low carbon footprint and are well-suited to sustainable and regenerative farming practices.
- Mulefoot pigs are raised primarily for meat, but they can also be used for their lard, which is a high-quality cooking fat.
- They are an ideal breed for free-range and pastured pig farming systems.
- Mulefoot pigs are social animals and should be raised in groups or pairs for optimal health and well-being.
- They are easy to manage and do not require extensive housing or confinement.
- Mulefoot pigs are known for their intelligence and curious nature.
- They have a good maternal instinct and make excellent mothers.
- Mulefoot pigs are an ideal breed for small-scale pig farming operations that prioritize animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and high-quality meat production.
- By supporting the preservation and promotion of Mulefoot pigs, we can help ensure the continued diversity and sustainability of American agriculture.
Tips for Raising Mulefoot Pigs
Here are some best tips for raising these pigs:
Choose healthy breeding stock: It’s important to start with healthy breeding stock when raising Mulefoot pigs. Look for pigs that are free from genetic defects and common pig diseases.
Provide adequate housing: Mulefoot pigs require a dry and comfortable living space. They should have access to shelter from the elements and enough space to move around.
Allow for ample outdoor space: Mulefoot pigs are natural foragers and require ample outdoor space to forage, root, and explore.
Ensure access to clean water: Provide your Mulefoot pigs with clean and fresh water at all times. They require a lot of water, especially in hot weather.
Provide a balanced diet: Mulefoot pigs require a balanced diet that includes a variety of grains, fruits, vegetables, and protein sources. Consult with a nutritionist or veterinarian to ensure you are providing the optimal diet for your pigs.
Avoid overfeeding: Overfeeding can lead to health problems such as obesity and joint issues. Feed your Mulefoot pigs according to their weight and activity level.
Provide supplemental minerals: Mulefoot pigs require supplemental minerals such as calcium and phosphorus for optimal growth and health. Consult with a nutritionist or veterinarian to determine the appropriate supplementation.
Practice rotational grazing: Rotational grazing is a method of moving animals from one area to another to allow the grass and vegetation to regenerate. This practice can help maintain the health of the soil and pasture, as well as provide fresh forage for your Mulefoot pigs.
Practice good biosecurity: Good biosecurity practices can help prevent the spread of diseases among your Mulefoot pigs. This includes keeping your pig area clean, quarantining new pigs, and minimizing contact with other pig populations.
Monitor pig behavior: Monitoring the behavior of your Mulefoot pigs can help you identify potential health issues and make adjustments to their diet or living conditions.
Provide proper veterinary care: Mulefoot pigs, like all animals, require proper veterinary care. Establish a relationship with a local veterinarian who is experienced in treating pigs.
Provide a mud wallow: Mulefoot pigs love to wallow in mud, which helps keep them cool and protects them from the sun. Provide a mud wallow in their outdoor area for this purpose.
Keep pigs cool in hot weather: Mulefoot pigs can become overheated in hot weather. Provide access to shade, water, and a mud wallow to keep them cool.
Provide shelter from the cold: Mulefoot pigs can withstand cold temperatures, but they require shelter from the wind and rain. Provide a dry and insulated shelter in the winter.
Keep pigs clean: Mulefoot pigs are naturally clean animals, but they can become dirty if their living conditions are not clean. Provide regular cleaning of their living space to prevent the buildup of dirt and debris.
Monitor for parasites: Mulefoot pigs can be affected by external and internal parasites. Monitor your pigs for signs of parasites and provide appropriate treatment.
Provide enrichment: Mulefoot pigs are intelligent and curious animals that require stimulation. Provide enrichment such as toys, rooting areas, and objects to play with.
Consider a breeding program: If you are interested in breeding Mulefoot pigs, consider establishing a breeding program to maintain genetic diversity and improve the health of the breed.
Learn proper handling techniques: Proper handling techniques can help prevent injury to both the pigs and the handlers. Learn how to handle pigs safely and effectively.
Establish a marketing plan: If you plan to sell your Mulefoot pigs or their products, establish a marketing plan to reach potential customers.
Consider alternative markets: In addition to selling to consumers, consider alternative markets such as restaurants, farmers’ markets, and specialty food stores.
Participate in local events: Participating in local events such as fairs and festivals can help raise awareness of your Mulefoot pig farm and attract potential customers.
Join a farmers’ cooperative: Joining a farmers’ cooperative can provide access to marketing and distribution channels, as well as peer support and resources.
Keep records: Keeping records of your Mulefoot pig herd can help you track their growth, health, and breeding history.
Consider genetic testing: Genetic testing can provide valuable information about the health and genetic diversity of your Mulefoot pig herd.
Stay up-to-date on industry trends: Stay informed about the latest trends and developments in the Mulefoot pig industry by attending conferences and reading industry publications.
Network with other pig farmers: Networking with other pig farmers can provide valuable advice and support, as well as potential business opportunities.
Be patient and persistent: Raising Mulefoot pigs can be a challenging but rewarding endeavor. Be patient and persistent in your efforts to establish a successful Mulefoot pig farm.
Mulefoot pigs are a rare and unique breed of domestic pig that are known for their hardiness, adaptability, and excellent meat quality. They are an ideal breed for small-scale and sustainable pig farming operations, and are well-suited to a variety of environments and farming systems.
Mulefoot pigs are a critically endangered breed, and efforts to preserve and promote the breed are essential for the continued diversity and sustainability of American agriculture. By raising Mulefoot pigs, we can support the development of a more resilient and sustainable food system for future generations.
