engleski

Production traits of Banija spotted pig

Banija spotted (BS) pig is a local Croatian breed recognized as the third and the youngest Croatian autochthonous pig breed at the end of 2018. The breed was developed at the end of the 19th century by crossing between local Turopolje pig, Berkshire, and later by improved pigs in Landrace type. Breed was very popular in Banija (or Banovina) region, especially for processing of meat in dry-cured products, and in the past meat from BS pigs was the main raw material for famous local meat industry. The breed was almost disappeared at the end of the 20th century, because of pressure of highly productive imported breeds, and as consequence of war activities in 90s in this region. A few years ago, professionals from the Faculty of Agriculture, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, and Ministry of Agriculture, supported by local authorities, started to work on protection and consolidation of the population of BS pig. They visited farms with pigs of BS type and started to register animals in herdbook. During this period, the main goal of breeders was to increase the number of pure animals, and also to determine the most important production traits of the breed. Nowadays, the breed is still rare and under risk with the population around ?? sows and ?? boars. The traditional production system of BS pigs is outdoor or semi-outdoor with farrowing and piglets rearing stage mainly indoor, and using outdoor area for sows and fattening pigs, usually from spring to late autumn. Production traits of the breed are in generally moderate. Litter size is approximately 7 to 8 piglets born alive. Heavy fatteners have average daily gains between 300 and 500 g, depending on production system and level of feeding. Usually fattening pigs reach final weights of 150 kg or more in age of 16 months. Regarding meat quality traits, preliminary analysis showed favourable values of pH, colour and water holding capacity, with no prominent defects. Additional research is needed on other meat quality traits and as well as on branding of specific local products from meat of BS pigs.

pigs, Banija spotted pig, production traits

nije evidentirano