Meishan Pig Pros and Cons, Origin, Facts, Weight, Meat Quality

This is a family of pigs called Meishan, a Chinese prefecture. It is a small to moderate size breed with wide sagging ears and droopy black skin, especially on the face. Chinese breeds are slow-growing and chubby but have excellent flavor.  When compared to many other domesticated varieties, they are resilient to some infections and can consume huge quantities of roughage.

This breed is indigenous to southern China and is known for producing larger litters of 15-16 young piglets. It was introduced to the United States by the USDA Agricultural Research Service in the late 1980s due to its reproductive capacity; this initiative also included the importation of Fengjing and Minzhu pigs from China. 144 pigs from these three different breeds were exported to the United States. However, due to its sluggish growth rates and excess fat, the Meishan has not found much use in farms. On the other side, it matures very quickly, with both boars and sows carrying characteristics that make them among the most productive breeds in the world.

Meishan Pig Pros

Meishans have the least environmental effect of any hog variety on pastures and woodlots when fed properly. Meishans do not bother or attack other animals. The Meishan pig is a genuine grazer. Meishans adults do not shriek or yell (unless in heat). They are extremely sedentary pigs that sleep for the majority of the day. When it's time to feed them, you'll also have to wake them up. 

While they do not grow as quickly as commercial breeds they typically outgrow other famous heritage breeds. They are also distinguished from common heritage breeds by their significant litter size and motherhood capabilities. Because of the hog's high productivity and documented superior mothering abilities, farmers can keep relatively small, less expensive breeding herds while producing the same number of piglets for use or sale. Because of their gentle temperament, they don't need extra look after.

Meishan Pig Cons

There are few disadvantages of this breed which include a sluggish growth rate which is not beneficial for farm owners. This variety is not as active as some other similar breeds e.g Fengjing and Minzhu pig. Another problem with this breed is an abundance of fat content.

Meishan Pig Origin

Meishan pigs are indigenous to China's lake and valley zone. They are known as Taihu pigs, and their name comes from the Taihu Lake in their home country. The climate in this region is moderate. It was introduced to the United States by the USDA Agricultural Research Service in the late 1980s due to its reproductive capacity. These Chinese breeds are slow-growing and fat, but they have a great flavor. 

Meishan Pig Weight

By the age of 3 years, these smallish grey-colored pigs have reached a significant weight of 300 to 400 pounds. Meishan pigs are one of the most productive pig breeds on the globe. They hit maturity at 2.5-3 months of age, have a maximum litter size of 15-16 piglets, and have a good embryo life expectancy. It's not uncommon for a hog to have 2 litters annually.

Meishan Meat Quality

Chinese breeds are slow-growing and chubby but have excellent flavor.  When compared to many other domesticated varieties, they are resilient to some infections and can consume huge quantities of roughage.