Xishuangbanna Small-Ear Pigs

Xishuangbanna Small-Ear Pigs

Xishuangbanna Small-Ear Pigs is a geographical indication certification trademark.

　　The Mengla Small-Ear Pig is a specialty of Mengla County in the Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. These pigs have compact bodies, ears that stand upright or extend outward to the sides, broad backs and waists, and well-rounded figures. Their skin is thin and their hair sparse, with coats primarily solid black, followed by “six-white” and black-and-white patterns, as well as a small number of brown variants. Most have five pairs of teats.

　　Mengla Small-Ear Pigs can be classified into three types based on body size: large, medium, and small. Large-type pigs are bigger in stature, with flat faces, wide foreheads, slightly larger ears that often extend sideways or stand upright, short and thick necks, straight backs, large but non-sagging bellies, and relatively thick and sturdy limbs. Their coat color is mainly solid black, sometimes with white patches on the forehead, tail tip, or lower parts of the limbs. Small-type pigs are short and compact in build, described as having “winter melon bodies, mule-like teats, and deer-like hooves.” They have small heads, flat foreheads without wrinkles, small and upright ears that are also flexible, with ear width greater than length, slightly longer snouts, short and thick necks with dewlaps underneath, mostly straight and flat backs, round and full hindquarters, well-developed thigh muscles, short and slender upright limbs, and small, sturdy hooves. Medium-type pigs have physical characteristics that fall between the large and small types.

　　In recent years, with continuous improvements in living standards, there has been a significant increase in demand for high-quality, distinctive pork products. This has created business opportunities for the farming of Small-Ear Pigs, which are known for their tender meat, rich nutrition, delicious flavor, and low cholesterol content. To encourage the public to actively develop Small-Ear Pig farming, in 2009, Mengla County intensified support for the Small-Ear Pig industry. It earnestly implemented various supportive policies such as subsidies for breeding sows, focused on market guidance, technical training, animal disease prevention, and breed preservation, and allocated 200,000 yuan annually to support specialized Small-Ear Pig farmers. It also established an insurance system for breeding sows against major diseases, natural disasters, and accidents, effectively reducing risks for pig farmers. Meanwhile, the Mengla County Agriculture Bureau improved farming environments and infrastructure by providing policy support and implementing projects. Following the “Standardized Pig Farming Community Construction Guidelines,” it built new scientific and hygienic pigsties, greatly improving village sanitation and breeding facilities. This move boosted enthusiasm among farmers and breeders and expanded channels for rural prosperity.

　　As of now, Mengla County has two Small-Ear Pig farming cooperatives, including the Donggua Pig Farmers’ Professional Cooperative in Yaoqu Township, one Small-Ear Pig expansion farm (Rongkang), and seven Small-Ear Pig breeding demonstration areas, including Longba Group and Miaojiu Village. The county’s total inventory of Small-Ear Pigs has reached 35,000, with an annual slaughter capacity of 15,000 and yearly sales revenue of up to 21.6 million yuan.