Pig breeds used in bio-breeding

In December 2020, fifty-three pig farms in the country were under the organic farming regime. Most of them are breeding black-footed pigs, which have been classified as genetic resources since 1992. The Hungarian curly-coated pig is a similarly hardy and undemanding breed, which is also growing in popularity with our breeders.

Preštice black-footed pigs

The Preštice black-legged pigs (Pc) represent a breed of medium body frame with a flap ear. Boars reach an average weight of 275 kg, sows are about 30 kg lighter. In terms of performance, it is a meat-eating type with a higher proportion of back fat. The robust constitution and adaptability predispose the Przeštice pigs to a more extensive form of production using pastoral farming. In our climatic conditions, this fattening technology can be used during the growing season, i.e. from May to October. It compensates for the poorer results in growth and conversion by its low nutritional requirements. In addition, grazing has a positive effect on the overall state of the pigs’ immune system. This, together with the fulfilment of ethological needs, enables the breed’s production capacity to be used effectively.

The main advantage of outdoor reared pigs is that they are more vital compared to conventional animals. Their meat is also nutritionally more valuable and, according to analyses, contains a higher proportion of health-promoting substances such as unsaturated fatty acids and minerals. The meat of ‘Preštice’ pigs in particular is valued for its high proportion of intramuscular fat, which gives it its succulence, tenderness and flavour.

Mangalica

The Mangalica, or curly pig, is a late fattening utility breed originally from Hungary, which was classified as a gene reserve in 1974. As a result, this primitive breed of pig with a flap ear was saved and was able to spread to other countries, including the Czech Republic. In its country of origin, it is bred in three colour varieties, namely fawn (szőke), rusty red (vörös) and fecskehasú.

The breed has a medium to large body frame with a height at withers of up to 85 cm. Adult pigs weigh up to 350 kg, with boars being heavier. The typical long wavy coat protects the mangalitsa from the cold and, because they molt, they do not mind the summer heat. As a result, these pigs can be kept all year round on pastures with simple shelters. Hungarian curly-coated pigs are also said to be easy to feed and to get by on grazing. However, these pigs would not make a living from grazing on grass alone and must, of course, be fed on roughage.

Mangalitsa is characterised by low fertility with five to eight piglets per litter, which have a low growth capacity. Compared with conventionally fattened pig genotypes, they reach a slaughter weight of around 140 kg in approximately three times as long, i.e. at 15 months of age at the earliest. In contrast, commercial pig farms usually slaughter pigs between 115 and 120 kg in five months! On the other hand, magalica compensates for its lower productivity by its adaptability and resistance to stress and disease. Its very tasty and succulent meat, which is used to produce traditional Hungarian specialities such as Hungarian salami and čabajka, is also sought after.