Help ALBC Save the Choctaw Hog!

Did you read the update in the ALBC News¹ about the Choctaw Horse Rescue? ALBC supporters were instrumental in making that a success. These horses are descendants of the same horses that accompanied the Choctaw people over 150 years ago on the Trail of Tears - an arduous and difficult journey that called for strength, endurance, and a will to survive. Their tenacious and brilliant spirit is mirrored in the horses and livestock that accompanied these exiles as they faced possible extinction.

Now, because of your generosity, almost 300 horses with genetically significant bloodlines are safe in the hands of fellow members who will forever protect this American treasure. This would not have been possible without the support of ALBC's members and friends. Thank You.

Now, we again urgently need your help.We have just discovered an extraordinary opportunity to conserve a population of critically endangered Choctaw hogs in Oklahoma and today, more than ever, with the window for finding rare breeds closing rapidly, we have to act immediately. Your donation will help save the hogs that provided sustenance to the Choctaw Indians as they faced an uncertain future and food to the Oklahomans during theDepression.

Of course, if you are familiar with ALBC's work, you understand that cultural and historical significance are only part of the big picture. As one of the last domestic breeds that are free ranging, Choctaw hogs are genetically special. According to world renowned expert in rare breeds Dr. Phil Sponenberg, Choctaw hogs are “smart, hardy, and agile,” and are remarkably self-sufficient in mothering and foraging in the rangeland of Oklahoma. These traits mustbe included in the world’s portfolio to maintain genetic diversity and provide options for the future.

Yet there is so much that is unknown about this rare breed that you can help discover. Maybe, like the Ossabaw Island hog, they will offer new opportunities for medical research.  The Ossabaw, a once feral pig, is now used for cutting-edge research on diabetes in humans. Or perhaps Choctaw hogs will offer new culinary delights, like the Guinea hog, which was once disdained for its muscle to fat ratio, but is now highly prized by elite chefs for charcuterie. Until we have the opportunity to study them we just won’t know.  And for that, we need your help.

These Choctaw hogs face substantial obstacles to survival. And, as with any discovery operation, the outcome is never predetermined, but we have to try. Your past generosity has supported many successful rescue operations like the Choctaw horse, Ossabaw Island hog, and Spanishgoat rescues. Please help us add the Choctaw hog to this list. We think you’ll agree that the benefits far outweigh the risks.

There is hope for the Choctaw hogs and that hope is you.
Your gift today could help buy:

• $10 - Ear tags
• $25 - Feed for one day, health testing
• $30 - Vaccinations for one animal
• $50 - Toward fencing for protective enclosures

And much more! These are just some of the up-front costs of a successful rescue. Future costs include genetic testing and research that will uncover other unique traits of this critically rare breed. Please will you help us?

Even if you don’t breed - or even own - livestock or poultry, you have the power today to make a difference in rare breed conservation. These hogs, just like the Choctaw horses, played a significant role in American history and culture. They have important genetic traits – possibly even one-of-a-kind traits – that could be lost forever without your help. Never has the conservation of genetic diversity been so important than today. The future of agriculture – agriculture that feeds and clothes the nation and the world – depends on it. It depends on you. Please donate now.

Thank you, in advance, for your kindness,

Dr. Eric Hallman
Executive Director

P.S The future of the Choctaw hog is in your hands. Please give today!

¹ Looking Back and Forward with Choctaws.  McConnell, M. and J. Beranger. ALBC Newsletter Vol 30, Issue 1.