Analytical Review of Productive Performance of Local Pig Breeds

Abstract

Traits of interest concerning reproductive performance, growth performance, carcass and meat quality of local pig breeds involved in H2020 project TREASURE were collected from the available literature, unpublished data available to partners or results recorded in the experiments within the project. The survey revealed great variability in the availability and quality of information. Reproductive performance of local pig breeds is lower than in conventional modern pig breeds, not only due to their genetic background but also due to the management. Data on growth rates reflect the heterogeneity of different production systems and feeding regimes used. The growth potential of the majority of local pig breeds is not well exploited, and their nutritional requirements are not known. Generally, local pig breeds show low muscular development and high potential for fat tissue deposition and are slaughtered at older age and weight, which results in higher intramuscular fat and more intense colour of meat. However, considerable differences exist between them and their potentials, not only in their production systems. For many local pig breeds studied in the project, the collected information provides the first in-depth overview of their productive performance in their preserved, present-day phenotype. ; The research was conducted within the project TREASURE, which received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 634476. The content of this chapter reflects only the authors' view and the European Union Agency is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains. Core financing of Slovenian Research Agency is acknowledged (grant P4-0133 for MČP, NBL, UT and MŠ).