Chinese pig: description of the Meishan breed, conditions of detention and breeding

Chinese breeds of pigs can be grown everywhere, but are distributed mainly in Asia. The ancient breed of pigs - Meishan - belongs to the greasy direction. In China, this variety is bred to obtain offal, the yield of fat from one individual is 45%, while the dimensions of the animals are below average, the weight of an adult boar does not exceed 230 kilograms. Also in China, Vietnamese bellied pigs and Wuchizhang are raised.

History of the breed

The Meishan pig breed belongs to the ancient livestock species. It is believed that the birthplace of Chinese piglets is Zheqiang province, near Taihu Lake. Farmers breed Meishan in China and at present, pigs of this breed are especially valued for offal, lard and skin.

In Europe and the USA, it is rather problematic to meet Meishan or Belly-bellied Asians in farms. American farmers appreciate this breed only for its fertility, breeders grew Meishan in order to improve this quality in other breeds, but the experiment was failed.

Appearance, characteristics and temperament

The appearance of Chinese pigs is original, the muzzle looks ugly, and the belly is 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.
• Stubble color gray or black.
• The tail is straight.
• Legs are short, not powerful.
• Clumsy walk.
• Pink Piglet.

Note. Meishan's ears are covered with blood vessels that give off excess heat to the environment, so animals are saved from overheating.

When choosing a breed for cultivation, pay attention to the breed qualities of Meishan. Breed characteristic:

• Height at the withers - 65 centimeters.
• Fecundity, the average number of piglets in one offspring is 16 pieces.
• Slow growth.
• Large internal organs.
• Strong immunity.
• Non-aggressive and good-natured.

Thus, the appearance of Chinese pigs is awesome. But at the same time, the disposition of Asian women is good-natured, animals can be kept in a common yard with other representatives of livestock.

Main positives and negatives

The virtues of Meishan include:

• calm disposition;
• developed maternal instinct;
• average fertility - up to 16 piglets;
• early puberty;
• fat 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. At the same time, 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 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 Asian pigs will only be found in the zoo.

Conditions and features of feeding

When choosing pigs for keeping in the common yard, give preference to peaceful and non-aggressive breeds. It is to these species that Meishan and the Pan-bellied Asians are referred. Chinese pigs are not used for industrial cultivation; you can meet an ancient breed only 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. Pig rules:

• Animal housing should be well ventilated and warm.
• Give the pigs enough space in the barn, especially when feeding, Meishan tend to dig.
• Animals should have constant access to drinking water.
• Change bedding and ventilate barn in time.
• Pets need routine deworming and age-appropriate vaccinations.
• Make a balanced diet with vitamins, taking into account the age of your pets.

Fattering pigs need quality nutrition. Fattening Meishan lasts an average of 150 days, boars are castrated beforehand. The secret to getting delicious bacon is simple, fat begins to be actively deposited in pigs that have reached the age of one and a half years, it is at this age that pigs are put on fattening and high-calorie nutrition 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 growing features.

Reproduction

According to statistics, Meishan is one of the most prolific breeds of pigs in the world. The average figure of 16 piglets for one litter can be considered a record, cases of birth of 22 babies at the same time were recorded. At the same time, Asian sows are good mothers, with a developed instinct for caring for offspring.

Meishan reaches puberty as early as three months, but the first mating is recommended no earlier than nine months of age due to the high risk of abortion.

Frequent diseases

Chinese pigs are distinguished by immunity and excellent he alth. The milk of sows is very fatty and is excreted by the giving birth in large quantities. But the selection of products for animals must be taken carefully, pigs often suffer from poisoning, especially from unwashed dirty fruits and vegetables. Regular deworming is recommended.

When rearing in regions with a high risk of infectious diseases, it is recommended that piglets be vaccinated according to age. When detecting a rise in body temperature and other signs of infection, it is necessary to show the animals to the veterinarian. Animals with fractures and other bony injuries may require unscheduled slaughter.

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