Lechang Plum Blossom Pig

Lechang Plum Blossom Pig

　　The Plum Blossom Pig is an important strain of the famous local Dahuabai pig breed in Guangdong Province. It originated in Meihua Town, Lechang City, Shaoguan, and is mainly distributed in Lechang City and Ruyuan County. The main characteristics of the Plum Blossom Pig include its relatively small body size and black-and-white coat, with white covering about two-thirds of the body. The head, snout, ears, buttocks, and one-quarter of the tail are black; the limbs and abdomen are white; the back has a mix of black and white patterns; the back and loin are round and slightly concave, while the abdomen is swollen and drooping. These pigs have a long breeding life, strong maternal instincts, are tolerant of coarse feed, and adaptable to various conditions. Plum Blossom Pig meat features thin skin, delicious flavor, tender and smooth texture, rich and pure taste, sweet without being greasy—making it notably different from other pig breeds. It can be prepared in various ways according to personal preference, with particularly tasty dishes including braised pork, meatballs, and hot pots (with skin-on lean and fat pork slices, offal, pork bones, bean sprouts, or radishes cooked together), making it highly favored by consumers.

　　Lechang City is the northernmost mountainous county (city) in Guangdong Province. It borders Renhua County to the east, Ruyuan County to the southwest, and Hunan Province to the north. The area falls within the mid-subtropical monsoon zone, featuring a stable climate, abundant rainfall, and favorable natural conditions. It enjoys plentiful sunlight, heat, and water resources, with an average annual sunshine duration of 1,451.2 hours, an average annual temperature of 19.7°C, an average annual rainfall of 1,491.0 mm, and a frost-free period of 295 days—providing excellent conditions for raising Plum Blossom Pigs.

　　However, due to various reasons, the Plum Blossom Pig is currently on the verge of extinction, with very few purebred individuals remaining. At a time when the protection of livestock genetic resources is receiving high global attention, it is an urgent task to systematically conduct research on the genetic characteristics of this superior pig breed, and to accelerate both its conservation and development.

　　Our city began efforts to conserve, breed, and promote the Plum Blossom Pig in 2004. Under the guidance of Professor Jing Donglin from Foshan University of Science and Technology, the Lechang Municipal Bureau of Animal Husbandry, Veterinary, and Aquatic Affairs organized implementation, with participation from relevant pig farms and animal husbandry and veterinary stations. After years of dedicated work, by 2012, the Plum Blossom Pig had largely regained its original body shape and appearance, with its traits largely returning to the original production performance—some even showing improved yield. All pigs were registered with records and pedigrees, forming a protected zone for the Plum Blossom Pig.

　　To enhance the research, protection, production performance, and meat quality of the Plum Blossom Pig, they are fed exclusively with natural green feed such as sweet potato vines, wild vegetables, soybeans, and rice. A free-range farming method is also applied to ensure that all pigs marketed are eco-friendly, healthy, and delicious green Plum Blossom Pigs.

　　Currently, the main farming and production units of Plum Blossom Pigs are the Guangdong Jinzhu Agricultural Science and Technology Ruyuan Branch and Lechang Natural Animal Husbandry Co., Ltd.