Tuncheng Pig

Tuncheng Pig

　　The Tuncheng Pig is a medium-sized pig with small, floppy ears. It has a small head of moderate length, a broad face, a blunt and rounded snout, slightly large nostrils, and a slightly curved nasal bridge (less noticeable in piglets). The back is wide and the body is relatively long, with a broad and deep forequarter and a slightly sloping but well-rounded hindquarter. The midsection is well-developed, and when fattened, the body takes on a rounded shape. Boars have notably well-developed forequarters, a compact belly, while sows have well-developed hindquarters, a slightly curved back, a large and drooping belly (though rarely touching the ground). Their udders are well-developed, with most having either 10, 12, or 14 teats, some even 16. Most teats are paired, though some are arranged in a triangular pattern, though less commonly. Their limbs are flat and thick, of moderate length, with the front legs being relatively straight and the hind legs slightly bent. There are skin folds at the hock joints, and the hooves are spaced relatively far apart.

　　The average birth weight of Tuncheng Pig piglets is 0.614 kilograms, with a maximum of 0.715 kilograms and a minimum of 0.535 kilograms. At one month old, when weaned, the average weight is 4.21 kilograms, with an average litter weight of 51.52 kilograms.

　　Gilt (young female pigs) usually experience their first estrus between 4 to 6 months of age. Boar piglets typically begin mounting behavior and show signs of erection between 30 to 40 days old, with sperm production beginning by 80 days old, making them capable of impregnating sows. However, local practice dictates that sows should not be used for breeding until they are at least 8 months old and weigh over 35 kilograms. The productive lifespan of a sow is generally 6 to 8 years.

　　Litter size: on average, 11.3 piglets per litter, with a minimum of 10 and a maximum of up to 16.