Chinese pig breeds can be raised everywhere, but are found primarily in Asia. An ancient breed of pigs - Meishan - belongs to the greasy direction. In China, this variety is bred for the production of by-products, the yield of fat per individual is 45%, while the dimensions of the animals are below average, the weight of an adult boar does not exceed 230 kilograms. Also raised in China are Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs and Wuchizhan.
History of the breed
The Meishan pig breed is one of the ancient types of livestock.It is believed that the birthplace of Chinese piglets is Zheqiang Province, near Lake Taihu. Farmers breed Meishan in China and nowadays, pigs of this breed are especially valued for their offal, lard and skin.
In Europe and the USA, it is quite problematic to meet Meishan or Asian Pot-bellied females on farms. American farmers value this breed only for its fertility; breeders grew Meishan with the aim of improving this quality in other breeds, but the experiment failed.
Appearance, characteristics and temperament
The appearance of Chinese pigs is original, the muzzle looks ugly, the belly looks awkward, the decorative qualities of the breed are low. Appearance Features:
- The large skull is located below the withers.
- The spine is sagging.
- The neck and muzzle are short.
- Huge ears hang below the snout.
- The entire muzzle and head are covered with skin folds.
- The color of the bristles is gray or black.
- The tail is straight.
- Legs are short and not powerful.
- Clumsy gait.
- Pink patch.
On a note. Meishan's ears are strewn with blood vessels that release excess heat to the environment, this is how animals are saved from overheating.
When choosing a breed for raising, pay attention to the breed qualities of Meishan. Breed characteristics:
- Height at withers - 65 centimeters.
- Fertility, the average number of piglets in one litter is 16.
- Slow growth.
- Large internal organs.
- Lasting immunity.
- Non-aggressive and good-natured.
Thus, Chinese pigs have a terrifying appearance. But at the same time, Asian women have a good-natured disposition; animals can be kept in a common yard with other representatives of livestock.
Main positive and negative aspects
The advantages of Meishan include:
- calm disposition;
- developed maternal instinct;
- average fertility - up to 16 piglets;
- early puberty;
- lard quality;
- immunity to infections.
The negative aspects of the breed include:
- slow growth;
- not decorative appearance;
- low meat yield.
A distinctive feature of the breed is its large internal organs. Moreover, in the Chinese market this quality is very valuable, while for the countries of Europe and America it is rather a lack of productivity. Pig farming is a thriving productive livestock industry. When choosing a species for cultivation, it is important to take into account all the features of the content, experience and recommendations of the breeders. If the genetic qualities of the Meishan breed are not improved in the near future, then the Chinese pig breed will be completely lost, and it will be possible to meet Asian pigs only in the zoo.
Conditions of detention and feeding characteristics
When choosing pigs to keep in a common yard, give preference to peaceful and non-aggressive breeds. It is these species that include the Meishan and the Asian Pot-bellied. Chinese pigs are not used for industrial rearing; the ancient breed can only be found in private farms in Asian countries.
In order for the breed to reach its full potential and achieve maximum productivity, provide and properly formulate a diet for livestock. Rules for keeping pigs:
- The premises for keeping animals must be well ventilated and warm.
- Provide the pigs with enough space in the barn, especially when feeding, Meishan tend to dig.
- Animals must have constant access to drinking water.
- Change the bedding and ventilate the barn in a timely manner.
- Animals require routine deworming and vaccinations according to age.
- Prepare a balanced diet with vitamins, taking into account the age of your pets.
Fattening pigs need high-quality nutrition.Meishan fattening lasts on average 150 days; boars are pre-castrated. The secret to obtaining tasty bacon is simple: lard begins to be actively deposited in pigs who have reached the age of one and a half years; it is at this age that pigs are fed fattening and a high-calorie diet with reduced physical activity.
In regions with harsh winters and cold climates, it is not recommended to grow Meishan; pigs will get sick a lot. When choosing this breed for fattening, pay attention to the greasy orientation of the species and the characteristics of cultivation.
Reproduction
According to statistics, the Meishan is one of the most prolific pig breeds in the world. The average of 16 piglets for one litter can be considered a record; cases of the birth of 22 babies at the same time have been recorded. At the same time, Asian sows are good mothers, with a developed instinct for caring for their offspring.
Meishans reach puberty at three months, but the first mating is recommended not earlier than nine months of age due to the high risk of abortion.
Frequent illnesses
Chinese pigs are distinguished by their immunity and excellent health. The milk of sows is very fatty and is secreted by the giving birth in large quantities. But you need to be careful when selecting food for animals; pigs often suffer from poisoning, especially from unwashed, dirty fruits and vegetables. Regular deworming is recommended.
When raised in regions with a high risk of infectious diseases, it is recommended that piglets be vaccinated according to age. If a rise in body temperature and other signs of infection are detected, it is necessary to show the animals to a veterinarian.Animals with fractures or other bone injuries may require unplanned slaughter.
