Gascon pig

{{Short description|Breed of pig}}

{{Infobox pig breed

| name = Gascon

| image = Truie gasconne1.JPG

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| image_caption = Sow of the Gascon breed

| status = endangered

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| country = France

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The Gascon is a rare breed of domestic pig which has survived in the more mountainous and remote regions of France. In the Midi-Pyrénées region, the Gascon survives as probably the most ancient breed of pig in France.{{cite book | title=Rare Breeds | author=Alderson, R | year=1994 | publisher=Laurence King Publishing | isbn=1-85669-052-0}}

Unsuited to large-scale commercial production, the numbers of black Gascon pigs dwindled until, in the 1980s, there were only a couple of males and 34 females alive. A focus on the breed's uniqueness has helped to recover the numbers, and by 2020 there were 8,000 born in that year.{{cite book|first=Colin Duncan|last=Taylor|title=Menu from the Midi: A Gastronomic Journey through the South of France|year=2021|publisher=Matador |language=English|url= https://www.amazon.co.uk/Menu-Midi-Gastronomic-Journey-through/dp/1800464967/ref=sr_1_1?crid=NECZ6EM49TBD&keywords=Menu+from+the+Midi%3A+A+Gastronomic+Journey&qid=1665087722&sprefix=menu+from+the+midi+a+gastronomic+journey+%2Caps%2C87&sr=8-1| isbn= 978-1800464964}}

Despite its endangered status, it has many valuable characteristics. Like most old-fashioned breeds, it is prone to becoming very fat, but it is vigorous, hardy, thrifty and tolerant of hot climates. The sows are prolific and have a good supply of milk for their litters.