Native breeds

Working with native breeds of the region is part of Quinta Mourisca's values. Choosing a breed like the Bísaro, instead of opting for a more "industrial" type of pig or one designed for rapid growth, is choosing:

• Adaptation to the territory : native breeds are accustomed to the local climate, terrain, and conditions, which favors more stable and consistent breeding.

• Preserving living heritage : keeping these breeds active means preserving the knowledge, practices, and genetic diversity that are part of the region's rural history.

• Quality linked to time : when the goal is not to accelerate cycles, there is room to respect the animal's rhythm and what that brings in terms of texture, fat, and depth of flavor.

There is also a less visible but essential aspect: biodiversity and genetic diversity. When local breeds are replaced by highly uniform lineages, variability is lost, and with it, resilience (the capacity to adapt to diseases, climate, and changes in the ecosystem). Working with indigenous breeds helps maintain this balance and protect a resource that does not recover from one year to the next.

Ultimately, it's a decision about the type of agriculture and food production we want to support: more grassroots, more transparent, and less standardized.

What is the Bísaro pig (and why does it matter)?

The Bísaro is a native Portuguese breed, historically present in the Minho and Trás-os-Montes regions. It is known for its hardiness and ability to adapt to more extensive systems, where the animal has space, routine, and a diet designed for balanced growth.

When working with a breed like this, you're also working with a certain type of result: meat with texture and depth, and fat that contributes to juiciness and aroma.

15 acres to walk, explore and live at your own pace

At Fazenda Mourisca, the Bísaro pigs are raised directly on the property. They have a fenced area of about 15 hectares where they roam freely.

This space changes the animal's daily routine:

• Allows for natural movement and behavior.

• It reduces stress and promotes well-being.

• Give it time, and time, here, is part of the method.

More than just "having space," it's about creating conditions so that the animal's life isn't rushed.

Nutrition: simple, consistent, connected to what the land provides

Nutrition is one of the most influential factors in animal development. On the farm, the diet is based on grains, acorns, and agricultural byproducts, following a responsible consumption model aligned with the pace of farming.

Small scale, real attention

Small-scale farming allows for a different relationship with the process. At Quinta Mourisca, there are approximately... 10 to 20 adult animals.

In practice, this means:

• Closer observation and more informed decisions;

• Routines tailored to the animals' needs;

• A production process that doesn't depend on speeding up cycles.

Why did we choose this path?

The Bísaro pigs at Fazenda Mourisca live with space, routine, and time, in a fenced area of 15 hectares, with simple feed and a small scale that allows attention to each animal and its needs. And, above all, they represent a choice: working with what is from the region, respecting the rhythm of the countryside, and keeping alive a heritage that cannot be replaced.