engleski

Banija spotted pig – from science to practise

The aim of this paper is to present the main research activities performed in the Banija spotted (BS) pig and to point out some practical challenges for future work related to breeding activities. After the official recognition of the BS pig at the end of 2018, several research areas have been developed related to this local pig breed. These activities were mainly an extension of earlier completed national projects with the aim of official breed recognition, increasing the population, and obtaining information on the main production traits of the BS pig. The genetic diversity of the BS pig has been studied in detail using microsatellite and pedigree data. The BS pig populations exhibit great genetic diversity and are genetically distinct from neighbouring geographically proximate pig populations. Based on microsatellite and pedigree data, two subpopulations and a relatively high inbreeding rate per generation can be identified. As population size and genetic diversity continue to increase, optimal contribution selection is proposed as the method of choice. Another research area refers to the reproductive characteristics of BS pigs, which are among the most important traits from an economic point of view. The BS pig breed is characterised by moderate fertility with a litter size of approximately 7 to 8 piglets born alive. The variability of litter size between farms is relatively high and could be partly related to the different farm rearing systems and management practises. The growth traits of the BS pig are satisfactory with average daily gains between 300 and 500 g, depending on the production system and feeding level. Fattening pigs reach final weights of 150 kg or more at 16 months of age. Slaughter traits of BS fattening pigs show high processing value of the breed. Analysis of meat quality traits showed favourable values for meat pH, colour, and water-holding capacity, with no noticeable defects. The current state of BS pig farming was recently surveyed through visits to pig farmers as part of the GEroNIMO project. It was found that the activities of the breeding organisation were directly affected by the COVID crisis and the 2020 Banija earthquake. A major problem for breeders is the lack of a slaughterhouse or meat industry interested in processing BS pork. The breeding area of BS pig has expanded to neighbouring districts, which is positive from the point of view of biosecurity and population expansion. In addition, some younger farmers are starting to raise BS pigs, which is very promising for future work and development on this breed.

pigs, Banija spotted pig, production traits, breeding

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