Traditional Rearing Practices Of Indigenous Pigs In Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Tamil Nadu covers an area of 130,058 km2 (50,216 sq mi), and is the eleventh largest state in India. Indigenous pigs got domesticated and well adapted to its ecosystem. A study was conducted on pig rearing system among the people who rear pigs as their main source of income for their livelihood. The study revealed that the indigenous pigs were reared under traditional system by the particular community people and the pigs were evenly distributed among all parts of Tamil Nadu and is the main source of income. The phenotypic characters showed that these pigs were indigenous to this state and their existence was noted since many centuries. People use various indigenously made materials/utensils for housing and feeding. Pigs were fed mainly with locally available feed resources and in addition, pigs feed through scavenging and rooting. Commercial sale of animal and meat was also practiced. The meat of indigenous pigs is highly delicious than the exotic pigs. Certain tribe/community practices century old established indigenous technical knowledge in pig rearing and they are passed through many generations. Indigenous traditional knowledge would significantly contribute to the generation and pave the way for exploitation of technology to benefit tribal/rural populations.