The original, lost, upgraded pig breeds in Slovenia

Abstract

The original pigs were usually declaired in the literature as domestic, natural, ordinary, black or named by its origin like Carnolian, Styrian, Solčava, Krškopolje pigs. With the start of pig breeding, the local pig breed was developed in Carniola region. The source were partly local pigs, greatest influence had Croatian-hungarian breeds, which were progressively crossbred, especially with an English Large White breed. Local breed was resistant, having high legs, flat snout and strong back. Pigs from the Carniola region, Croatian pigs, German breeds, British breeds (especially Yorkshire) and Krškopolje pigs were used to upgrade local population of black spotted pigs in Gorenjska region, however, the role of each breed can not be well determined. The breed was characterised as meaty-faty type. Its animals had relatively high growth capacity and good quality of meat. Their resistance and modesty to the rearing conditions were highly appreciated. Due to growing market demand for meaty breeds, the breed was inevitably abandoned. Only few notices were found for the black pig breeds from Solčava and Styria region. The breeds were resistant and modest. The both breeds were extinct.