Zao Pigs

Zao Pigs

　　Zao Pigs

　　Zao pigs are primarily raised in central production areas such as Dongtai and Dafeng counties in Jiangsu Province. The region frequently suffers from flooding along the Yellow River, Huai River, and Hai River, leading to alternating droughts and waterlogging. The soil is poor and thin, resulting in low and unstable grain yields. Crops mainly consist of drought-resistant varieties such as wheat, sweet potatoes, corn, beans, peanuts, sorghum, and millet. Due to the sparse population and abundant idle land, local farmers often raise pigs through free-range grazing or a combination of grazing and stall feeding, which has led to the development of Zao pigs under relatively harsh conditions.

　　Zao pigs are relatively large in size, with big ears that droop past the tip of the snout, long and straight muzzles, flat and narrow backs and waists, sloping hindquarters, and sturdy, strong limbs. Their skin and hair are black, the hide is thick, and the bristles are coarse and dense. In winter, they grow dense brownish-red downy hair, with 07 to 9 pairs of teats.

　　Adult male Zao pigs measure 141.14 cm in body length, 124.14 cm in chest girth, and 70.89 cm in height, while adult females measure 112.53 cm, 99.48 cm, and 55.06 cm respectively. Zao pigs are widely distributed and can adapt to relatively extensive feeding conditions. Although their growth rate is slower, they have a high lean meat ratio in the carcass.