Liaoning Black Pig

Liaoning Black Pig

　　The Liaoning Black Pig is a local breed developed through over 40 years of acclimatization after crossbreeding between the Northeastern pig and the Berkshire pig. This breed boasts excellent traits such as strong adaptability, high fertility, and superior meat quality. The Liaoning Black Pig is divided into four strains: Dandong Black Pig, Fuxian Black Pig, Changtu Black Pig, and Nantai Black Pig, among which the Dandong Black Pig strain is the most numerous, accounting for more than half of the entire Liaoning Black Pig population.

　　The four strains of the Liaoning Black Pig share similar physical characteristics. They are known for their sturdy build, well-proportioned structure, moderately sized heads, slightly forward and downward-slanting ears, moderately long snouts, straight or slightly concave faces, long bodies, medium-width shoulders, flat backs and loins, slightly sloped hindquarters, and slightly heavy bellies. Their limbs are tall and sturdy, with pure black coats featuring more than 07 uniformly arranged bristles. Adult boars average 163.7 cm in body length, 146.4 cm in chest circumference, and weigh 210.8 kg; adult sows average 155.8 cm in body length, 146.4 cm in chest circumference, and weigh 203.9 kg.

　　The most notable characteristic of the Liaoning Black Pig is its excellent reproductive performance. Generally, they reach sexual maturity at 4–5 months of age, weighing 50–60 kg, and begin breeding at 7–8 months. The average estrus cycle is 19.8 days, with an estrus duration of 85–98 hours and a gestation period of 115.14 days. First-time sows give birth to an average of 12.8 piglets per litter, with a birth litter weight of 12 kg, a weaning litter weight of 126 kg at 50 days, and an average survival rate of 10.94 piglets per litter. Multiparous sows average 14.98 piglets per litter, with a birth litter weight of 12.6 kg, a weaning litter weight of 139 kg at 50 days, and an average survival rate of 11.46 piglets per litter. The Liaoning Black Pig has a relatively slow growth rate (580–680 grams).