Meishan pig
 Meishan pigs in a US research center | |
| Country of origin | China |
|---|---|
| Traits | |
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The Meishan is a breed of domestic pig named for the Chinese prefecture of Meishan.[1] It is a sub-group of the Taihu pig and is a small to medium-sized breed with large drooping ears, and wrinkled black skin
Native to Southern China, the breed is best known for its large litters of 15-16 piglets. Due to its fecundity, it was imported to the United States in the late 1980s by the USDA Agricultural Research Service.[2] However, it has not found much use in farms, as a result of its slower growth rates and abundance of fat.[3] On the other hand, it reaches maturity very early, and both boars and sows carry traits that make them one of the most prolific breeds in the world.
See also
References
- ^ Ekarius, Carol (2008). Storey's Illustrated Breed Guide to Sheep, Goats, Cattle and Pigs. Storey Publishing. ISBN 978-1-60342-036-5.
- ^ "Meishan Swine". ansi.okstate.edu. Oklahoma State University Dept. of Animal Science.
- ^ "Chinese Pigs Provide Insight to U.S. Swine Reproduction". Agricultural Research. USDA ARS.
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