Additional information
by Trevor Desmond (Author)
The Meishan region of Zhejiang Province is the birthplace of the Meishan pig, also known as the "Chinese Meishan" or the "Meishan Xiang." They are greatly sought after because of their rare appearance, calm demeanor, and delicious meat.
Meishan pigs are distinguished by their chubby build, short legs, huge, floppy ears, and distinctively wrinkled faces and bodies. They typically have a large fatty hump on their backs and a thick, dense coat that can be any shade from black to dark gray or blue. Mature boars weigh between 300 and 350 kilograms (660 and 770 pounds), and sows, between 200 and 250 kilograms (440 and 550 pounds).
Meishan pigs are known for their high rate of reproduction. Sows typically have a litter size of 12-14 piglets, although some sows have been recorded as having births to 18 or more piglets at once. Because of their high rate of reproduction, Meishan pigs are widely sought after as breeding stock and have earned a reputation as a particularly productive breed of pig.
The calm demeanor of Meishan pigs makes them manageable for even novice farmers. They have exceptional maternal instincts and raise healthy, happy piglets, thus they have earned a reputation as good mothers.
Because of their mild temperament, Meishan pigs are popular in backyard and small-scale agricultural systems, where their care requires less expertise and equipment.
