Rugao Dongchuan Pig

Rugao Dongchuan Pig

　　Rugao Dongchuan Pig is a specialty of Rugao, Nantong, Jiangsu Province.

　　Rugao Dongchuan Pig is the principal breed in Rugao’s pig farming industry, developed over time by local farmers. It features strong adaptability, rapid growth, high fertility, thin skin, delicious meat, and a high lean meat ratio, making it prime stock for making Rugao-style sausages, stuffed pork, Rugao meat floss, ham, and other premium local products.

　　The production area lies in a region of high-sandy soil, geographically at the intersection where several indigenous pig breeds are distributed. Local breeds have had frequent contact with outside varieties. The area enjoys abundant grain and agricultural by-products, allowing for refined feed preparation during the rearing process. Diets typically include large amounts of green fodder and a relatively high proportion of concentrates, with pigs raised using the "hanging frame" fattening method. Through long-term selective breeding, the breed has developed characteristics such as larger body size, later maturity, thicker fat cover, firmer meat texture, and higher feed requirements.

　　History of Dongchuan Pig

　　Dongchuan Pig is the principal breed in Rugao’s pig farming industry. According to the “Rugao County Annals” compiled in the Gengwu year of the Qianlong reign during the Qing Dynasty (1750 AD), local farmers placed great emphasis on pig breed selection. The “Dongchuan Pig” emerged as a superior local breed through prolonged cultivation. Originally from the high-sandy soil regions of western Rugao and eastern Taixing, it has since become one of the recognized pig breeds nationwide.

　　Breed Characteristics

　　The Dongchuan Pig is of relatively large size and comes in two head types: the “horse-face type,” which has a long, straight face with few and shallow wrinkles, and the “lion-head type,” characterized by a short, slightly concave face with many deep wrinkles. The lion-head type has a sturdier build and matures later than the horse-face type. The breed features large, drooping ears; a back and loin that are either straight or slightly arched; a relatively long body; sturdy bones; a less full hindquarter; tall, straight legs; a thick tail root positioned relatively high; and a tail longer than the hock joint. Adult pigs have sparse, coarse hair, thick and loose skin, and pronounced folds of skin on the outer thighs—commonly referred to as “wearing pants.” Their coat is entirely black, with 9–10 pairs of nipples, sometimes more than 11.

　　Breed Performance

　　Dongchuan sows reach sexual maturity early and have a high fertility rate, giving birth to 9 or more piglets in their first litter and around 12–14 in subsequent litters. They produce abundant milk and have strong nurturing abilities, leading to even growth among piglets. The breed is docile, tolerant of rough feed, and grows quickly—with an average daily weight gain of 0.38–0.41 kg during the fattening period. Most reach weights of 80–100 kg at 7–8 months. The meat quality is good, nutritionally rich, and the lean meat ratio can reach 44–45%.

　　Adult Dongchuan boars weigh 157.50 ± 2.41 kg, measure 147.75 ± 3.11 cm in body length, 122.5 ± 0.90 cm in chest girth, and 78.75 ± 3.11 cm in body height. Adult sows weigh 138.95 ± 1.49 kg, measure 140.95 ± 0.63 cm in body length, 124.39 ± 0.73 cm in chest girth, and 70.92 ± 0.37 cm in body height. The Dongchuan Pig is characterized by its large size, high litter size, gentle temperament, and firm meat. It matures later and accumulates fat more slowly; slaughtering at around 75 kg yields a higher proportion of lean meat.

　　Feeding of Dongchuan Pig

　　Feed should be prepared in a refined manner—for example, carrots should be washed, chopped, and either cooked or fermented before feeding. Different growth stages of the pig require tailored feed to ensure normal development. For optimal results—including high efficiency and low cost—complete compound feeds should align with appropriate feeding standards for each growth stage, select suitable ingredients, and focus on improving economic returns.