What does CI stand for?
CI stands for the Coefficient of Inbreeding. It is used for all registered animals across the globe. The CI measures the amount of inbreeding in a specific animal. The higher the percentage, the higher the inbreeding. A CI of less than 10% is considered good for a rare breed. However, in order to keep the Large Black lines more distinct, much of our stock is higher than 10%. We have done this on purpose to help preserve the breed. In a rare breed if too much crossing of lines happens the genetic diversity is muddled, much of it is lost & should something happen to one of the lines, extinction could occur due to there being no new genetics to introduce back into the breed. We have made the conscientious decision here at Cornish Heritage Ventures to produce Large Blacks that keep closely to the named lines. Yes believe it or not the pigs do look slightly different. Let me explain.
