Rongchang Pig

Rongchang Pig

The Rongchang Pig is a geographical indication certification trademark.

　　Geographical Scope

　　　Rongchang Pigs are primarily produced in Rongchang and Longchang counties of Chongqing, and later expanded to over ten counties and cities including Yongchuan, Luxian, Luzhou, Hejiang, Naxi, Dazu, Tongliang, Jiangjin, Bishan, Yibin, and Chongqing.

　　Specific Qualities

　　　　They are categorized by coat color characteristics and referred to as “Golden Frame Eye,” “Black Eye Cavity,” “Black Head,” “Two Black Ends,” “Flying Flowers,” and “Foreign Eyes,” among others. Among these, “Black Eye Cavity” and “Black Head” account for more than half. The Rongchang Pig has a moderately sized head, slightly concave face, medium-sized and drooping ears, transverse wrinkles on the forehead with swirls of hair; a relatively long body, well-proportioned development, slightly concave back and waist, large and deep belly, slightly sloped hindquarters, and fine and sturdy limbs; its bristles are white, clean, and tough. It has 6–7 pairs of teats.

　　Cultural Background

　　　　The Rongchang Pig breed has a history of over 400 years and was developed through selective breeding by the industrious and intelligent people of Rongchang. It is renowned both domestically and internationally for its strong adaptability, good hybrid combining ability, stable genetic performance, high lean meat ratio, excellent meat quality, and high-quality white bristles. In 1957, the Rongchang Pig was included in the British publication "World Dictionary of Livestock Breeds and Famous Varieties," becoming an internationally recognized valuable pig breed resource. After evaluation by the National Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resources Committee, the Rongchang Pig, noted for its “high lean meat ratio, white color, and specific genetic traits,” was listed by the Ministry of Agriculture in the Seventh Five-Year Plan as a nationally key protected superior local pig breed. In August 2000, the Ministry of Agriculture designated it as one of the 19 nationally protected pig breeds. In 2001, the Ministry of Agriculture also designated the Chongqing Swine Breeding Farm as a national Rongchang Pig resource farm.