Description of the breed of Chinese pigs Meishan, conditions of detention and breeding
Chinese pig breeds can be raised all over the world, but are mostly found in Asia. The ancient breed of pigs - Meishan - refers to the greasy direction. In China, this variety is bred to obtain offal, the fat yield 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 pot-bellied pigs and Wuchijang are grown.
History of the breed
The Meishan pig breed belongs to the ancient types of livestock. It is believed that the homeland of Chinese piglets is the Zheqiang province, near Lake Taihu. Farmers breed Meishan in China and at the present time, pigs of this breed are especially prized for offal, lard and skin.
In Europe and the United States, it is quite problematic to meet Meishan or Thistle-bellied Asians on farms. American farmers value this breed only for its fertility, breeders have grown Meishan in order to improve this quality in other breeds, but the experiment has 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 saggy.
- The neck and muzzle are short.
- Huge ears hang below the snout.
- The entire muzzle and head are covered with skin folds.
- The bristles are gray or black.
- The tail is straight.
- Legs are short, not powerful.
- Awkward gait.
- Pink patch.
On a note. Meishan's ears are strewn with blood vessels that release excess heat into the environment, so animals are saved from overheating.
When choosing a breed for growing, pay attention to the breed qualities of Meishan. Characteristics of the breed:
- The height at the withers is 65 centimeters.
- Fertility, the average number of piglets in one litter is 16.
- Slow growth.
- Large internal organs.
- Strong immunity.
- They are non-aggressive and good-natured.
Thus, the appearance of Chinese pigs is frightening. But at the same time, the disposition of Asians is good-natured, 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;
- 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 breeding 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 Asian pigs can only be found in the zoo.
Conditions of detention and feeding features
When choosing pigs for keeping in a common yard, give preference to peaceful and non-aggressive breeds. It is to such species that Meishan and Vizlobryushikh Asians are referred. Chinese pigs are not used for industrial cultivation; the ancient breed can be found only in private farms in Asian countries.
In order for the breed to reach its full potential and achieve maximum performance, provide and properly formulate the diet for the livestock. Pig keeping rules:
- The room for keeping animals must be provided with good ventilation and be warm.
- Provide pigs with ample space in the barn, especially when feeding, Meishan tend to undermine.
- Animals must have constant access to drinking water.
- Change the bedding and ventilate the barn in time.
- Animals need planned deworming and vaccinations by age.
- Make a balanced diet with vitamins, taking into account the age of the pet.
Finishing pigs need quality nutrition. Meyshan fattening lasts on average 150 days, boars are pre-castrated. The secret of obtaining tasty 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 planted for fattening and high-calorie nutrition with a decrease in 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, Meishan is one of the most prolific pig breeds in the world. The average figure of 16 piglets for one brood can be considered a record, with 22 babies being born simultaneously. 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 not earlier than nine months of age due to the high risk of abortion.
Frequent illnesses
Chinese pigs are immune and healthy. Sows' milk is very fatty and is excreted in large quantities by the giving birth. But the selection of products for animals must be carefully considered, pigs often suffer from poisoning, especially from unwashed dirty fruits and vegetables. Regular deworming is recommended.
When reared in regions with a high risk of infectious diseases, it is recommended to vaccinate piglets by age. If a rise in body temperature or other signs of infection is detected, it is necessary to show the animals to a veterinarian. Animals with fractures or other bone damage may require unplanned slaughter.
