Mangalitsa (Swallow-Belly Mangalitsa) Pig

Abstract

Autochthonous pig breed is adapted to the specific local environment, fed with various locally available feedstuffs and well adapted to extensive conditions of housing. Their genes represent safety in the production of food in future times, in which the greater importance will be attributed to the resistance and adaptability of the breed. In terms of scientific substantiation, their performances and products are, as in the case of Mangalitsa pig, practically untapped. Thus, the aim of the present chapter is to present history and current status of Mangalitsa pig breed, its exterior phenotypic characteristics, geographical distribution, production management and main products from this Serbian autochthonous breed of pigs, one of the local pig breeds investigated in the project TREASURE. Moreover, a collection and review of available literature data, available until August 2017, on reproductive and productive traits of Mangalitsa pig breed were carried out. Mangalitsa is a late and extremely fatty pig breed with low fertility, long suckling period and a very weak-slow growth. Although studies on Mangalitsa pig are scarce, the current review gives the first insight into this local pig breed.