Body measurements of Black Slavonian pig

Abstract

The Black Slavonian pig is an autochthonous pig breed in Croatia, which has recorded a continuous growth of the population followed by the higher number of breeders in recent years. The increase in population has removed the Black Slavonian breed from the category of endangered local breeds. The consequences of such a significant increase in population size in local breeds are often a high level of inbreeding, but also a high variability of the external traits of breeding individuals. Given that the main goal of the Breeding Program for Black Slavonian pigs is to preserve its phenotypic traits and breed-specific features, the paper presents the results of external traits analysis at 10 different points on the body, on a sample of 102 animals, aged between 10 and 24 months. Estimated mean values for wither’s height were 65 cm and 64 cm in boars and sows, respectively. Average body length was 128 cm for boars, and 126 cm for sows. The heart girth was 114 cm for both categories, while the height at the sacrum was 72 cm (boars), and 71 cm (sows). These results indicate very small or insignificant differences between male and female individuals, and refer that the body measurements of Black Slavonian pigs have not changed significantly in relation to its formation and development over time, as well as in relation to other local breeds from the neighbouring regions. With this in mind, selection work should be focused on control and preservation. Furthermore, the paper gives an overview of the population throughout history, as well as breeding practices.