Shengxian Spotted Pig

Shengxian Spotted Pig

　　Shengxian Spotted Pig

　　Breed Description

　　Origin and Distribution: The Shengxian Spotted Pig, also known as the Furun Pig, Xinchang Pig, Zhangzhen Pig, or Jiangyanqiao Pig, originates from Shengxian and Xinchang counties in Zhejiang Province. It is distributed across neighboring areas such as Shangyu, Shaoxing, Tiantai, Fenghua, and Yuyao counties.

　　Growth Environment: The production area lies along the upper reaches of the Cao’e River and at the southwestern foot of the Siming Mountains. The terrain is largely hilly and mountainous, featuring predominantly acidic red soil and sandy soils. The climate is mild and humid, with an average annual temperature of 16.4°C, annual precipitation of 1200–1300 mm, and a frost-free period of about 240 days. Crops are typically grown two or three times per year, primarily rice and wheat, followed by sweet potatoes, potatoes, corn, soybeans, broad beans, and peas. Alfalfa is planted on over half of the winter-cultivated arable land. Agricultural yields are relatively low. Pig farming has long been a major household sideline activity for farmers, mainly for manure production and additional income, and the practice of raising breeding sows has been common.

　　Physical Characteristics: The Shengxian Spotted Pig has a medium-sized head. Its ears are large, thick, and hang forward and downward, while its face is slightly concave with rhomboid wrinkles on the forehead. The neck is relatively thin. The chest is broad, the back and loin mostly straight, and the belly droops. The limbs are sturdy, although the thighs are not particularly full. The tail tip is flat. The body skin has folds. The coat color can generally be divided into three types: the “Six-White” pig, mostly black with white markings only on the limbs, tail tip, and forehead; the “Black Pig with White Feet,” or Four-White Hooves pig, with only the limb ends being white; and the “Large-Spotted” pig, with large patches of white on the body. The first two types account for around 80% of the population. Sows have well-developed udders, and some exhibit prominent teats.

　　Breed Performance: Adult male Shengxian Spotted Pigs measure approximately 136.00 ± 2.95 cm in body length, 119.67 ± 2.77 cm in chest girth, and 72.13 ± 2.63 cm in height; adult females measure 107.49 ± 0.22 cm, 89.87 ± 0.22 cm, and 58.01 ± 0.12 cm respectively. They reach sexual maturity early, producing 7–8 piglets in their first litter and 15–16 in their third or later litters. In rural fattening conditions, daily weight gain averages 257 grams, with a slaughter rate of 70% and lean meat percentage of 45%.

　　Comprehensive Evaluation: The Shengxian Spotted Pig boasts advantages such as high fertility, strong adaptability, and good crossbreeding compatibility.