Zhongyang Black Pig

Zhongyang Black Pig

Zhongyang Black Pig is a geographical indication certification trademark.

　　The Zhongyang Black Pig has an all-black coat, and its main production area is located in Zhongyang County, hence the name "Zhongyang Black." It is a medium-sized breed suitable for both meat and lard.

　　Breeding History

　　　　The Zhongyang Black Pig is commonly raised across many areas. The Tongcheng County Annals from the 7th year of the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty (1827) state: “The pigs produced locally have thin skin and superior taste, while those brought from Hao and Shou (regions) have thick skin and are not as tasty, hence the distinction between local and Huai pigs.” The Zhongyang Black Pig is of medium build. Adult boars typically stand 73 cm tall and measure 136 cm in length, while sows are similar in height, length, and girth. Their physical characteristics are described as “a horse-like face, lion-like muzzle, sheep-like eyes, large ears, a flat back, and broad hindquarters.”

　　Breed Characteristics

　　　　(1) They are hardy feeders with strong foraging ability, making them easy to raise. They can be pastured on lakeshores and embankments, needing only morning and evening feeding. (2) Sows have strong reproductive capacity, typically having 7–8 functional teats. After mating, they give birth to 7–9 piglets in their first litter, and 12–14 piglets in subsequent litters. Nursing sows are highly protective of their piglets. (3) Piglets grow quickly; at around 40 days old, they can weigh approximately 9 kg. By ten months after weaning, they usually weigh about 90 kg, with a meat yield of 75%. Their meat is tender, with thin skin, well-defined marbling in seven layers, bright color, soft texture when boiled, and delicious flavor. After the founding of New China, the Zhongyang Black Pig was listed as a premium breed exported to the Soviet Union. In 1958, breeds such as Berkshire, Yorkshire, Neijiang, and Rongfu were introduced. Farmers preferred raising Berkshire (black pigs) and Yorkshire (white pigs), and the hybrid offspring of these breeds with local pigs were valued for their adaptability to intensive feeding, ease of raising, and moderate fat content. After 1985, the county demonstration farm’s breeding center carried out work to purify and preserve the Zhongyang Black Pig breed.

　　Production Area Distribution

　　　　The main production areas of the Zhongyang Black Pig are currently concentrated in Qilin Town, Fushan Town, Yijin Town, and Qianqiao Town in Zhongyang County. These four towns are located in a hilly region with high forest coverage, and offer excellent sunlight, water sources, and climatic conditions. There is also a solid foundation among locals for raising Zhongyang Black Pigs and valuable breeding experience.

　　Production Environment

　　　　The Zhongyang Black Pig production area is located on the northern bank of the Yangtze River, directly east of Anqing City, spanning longitude 117°05′ to 117°43′ and latitude 31°01′ to 31°38′. The total area is 1,808.1 square kilometers. To the west, it shares water bodies with Tongcheng County via Bai’tu Lake and Cai’zi Lake; the southwest corner borders Anqing City; to the north, it adjoins Wuwei and Lujiang counties; and to the southeast, it faces Tongling and Guichi across the river.

　　The geological structure of Zhongyang belongs to the famous Lujiang-Zhongyang volcanic basin. It lies within the northern subtropical humid climate zone, characterized by distinct seasons, abundant sunshine, rich heat, plentiful rainfall, and a long frost-free period. The mountainous areas receive more precipitation than hills or plains. The prevailing wind direction is northeasterly, with an average annual wind speed of 3.2 m/s. The area has an extensive network of rivers and a well-developed water system, providing exceptional advantages for farmland irrigation, aquaculture, livestock farming, and water transport.

　　Zhongyang County has an elevation of 38.9 m, with an average annual temperature of 16.5°C and average annual precipitation of 1,362.5 mm. Precipitation is low in winter and concentrated in summer (during the plum rain season), accounting for about 40% of the annual total. The relative humidity is 76%, the frost-free period lasts 251 days, and there are 2,065.9 hours of sunshine annually. Light, heat, and water resources are generally synchronized by season. The region has distinct regional features, and three major rural economic zones have essentially formed: the riverine floodplain along the Yangtze, the central lakeside area, and the northwest low-mountain hills and ridges. The unique geography and terrain provide abundant agricultural resources for the development of pig farming across the county. In addition, the main crops in Zhongyang County include grains, oilseeds, melons, fruits, vegetables, and sweet potatoes, ensuring a rich supply of coarse fodder.