The Tibetan pig as its name indicates is a race that comes from Tibet. It is a breed that can be found in different areas of Tibet, from the plains to jungle areas, including pastures. The Tibetan pig is a rare breed of pig that has been domesticated for centuries. While the people of Tibet have kept these pigs as pets, they have also been used as food sources. The availability and consumption of this animal in other parts of the world are very limited due to its rarity.
The meat from this type of hog tastes different than what most people are accustomed to eating because it does not contain any fat, which means that it will be dryer when cooked. This article explores more about how this unique beast can contribute to your diet and lifestyle needs while providing you with some recipes to make using their meat.
Characteristics of Tibetan Pig
The Tibetan pig is a breed that is small in size. When this race is adult, the maximum weights that can reach are 35 to 40 Kg. when they are 2 years old. The head of this breed is small and not very wide, the snout of this breed is long and thin. While the ears are of medium size and with fall. Also, the belly is somewhat bulky so when seen in profile, they see something round and how it falls.
Now the tail is large and very thin, so they can move it with great ease. The coat of this black race, and long, which is smooth, and it is the coat of this race that makes it protect itself from the harsh conditions. Sometimes the coat can be brown, likewise, there are individuals of this breed that have white spots. Either for extreme heat or for cold winter conditions.
This race has the peculiarity that the front is lower than the back. The hind legs are taller and just as thin as the front legs. Although when seeing this breed from the profile you do not see a big curvature, even though the hind legs are almost double the size. Something that helps this race and is able to feed in places with really hard conditions, is the stomach. The digestive system of this race is developed to be able to process foods of difficult digestion.
Another benefit of this breed is that it has a high feed conversion, so it can gain weight quickly. Although the diet of this race is hard, they can still take advantage of everything that feeds. This breed is very low in terms of fertility. Even the litters produced by this breed come to be composed of 5 young. You may also like to read Dutch Landrace pig
When the young are born they weigh less than 1Kg. The females of this breed become good mothers, the weaning of this breed becomes between 2 and 3 months when the young reach weighing between 2 and 5 Kg. You may also like to read Finnish Landrace Pig
Usage
The Tibetan pig is a single-purpose breed that is used primarily for the production of its meat. The taste of the meat of this breed is really sweet, which is due to the feeding of this race which is totally organic. The meat that this breed produces is high in fat, and the skin is thin, so you can get a large amount of lean meat. And the flesh of this race is highly known by the people of Tibet. Another use that has been given to this breed is to use it in studies to cross it with other species. In this way to obtain if the growth and the resistance are inherited to the descendants.
Food
The Tibetan pig is a breed that does not have high demands in terms of food. Even this breed may be eating through intense grazing throughout the year. This breed can survive by feeding itself in the harshest conditions. and they can still gain weight, and get all the nutrients out. In addition, this race can survive to feed on grass, roots, and herbs, as well as seeds, and any food that is obtained in open spaces. Likewise, this breed does not need its food to be linked with other foods or nutrients, in that aspect they require little care.
Special Features
The Tibetan pig is a highly resistant breed since it can resist in very cold climates. This breed can also survive by feeding itself in really hard conditions. This breed lives in places that reach above 3.000 meters of altitude, so this breed is easily adapted to the environment that surrounds it. Today the Tibetan pig race is in danger of extinction, and this is due to the fact that the number of individuals of this race has been decreasing.
The fact that this breed is raised in open spaces means that this breed is not taken care of by the farmers, and has been living in its natural habitat. And that the few farmers who raise this race have maintained it with intensive feeding. Another characteristic that helps this race is that it has well-developed senses, just as the heart is well developed. In addition to the coat that helps to resist adverse climates, this breed has storage of fat.
FAQ
What is Tibetan pig?
Tibetan pig is a rare breed of domestic pig that is native to the Tibetan Plateau. It is one of the oldest known breeds of domesticated pigs, having been bred in Tibet for centuries. The breed has adapted to the harsh climate and rugged terrain of the Tibetan Plateau, making it well-suited for life at high altitudes. Tibetan pigs are typically small and stocky with long, coarse hair and short legs. They have a distinctive black stripe running down their backs, which gives them their unique appearance.
Where did the Tibetan pig originate?
The Tibetan pig is a breed of domestic pig that originated in Tibet. It is believed to have been introduced to the region by traders from China during the 16th century. The Tibetan pig is well adapted to the cold, mountainous environment of Tibet and is known for its hardiness and strong constitution. Its thick coat helps it survive in temperatures as low as -40°C (-40°F). The breed has been used for centuries by local farmers for meat production, but also serves an important role in traditional Tibetan medicine. In recent years, the breed has become increasingly popular with small-scale farmers due to its ability to thrive in harsh climates and its high quality meat.
What color is a Tibetan pig?
Tibetan pigs are a breed of domestic pig that originated in the highlands of Tibet. They are usually black with white patches on their face, legs, and tail. The coloration is often referred to as “black and white piebald”. Tibetan pigs have short hair and a compact body type that is well suited for the harsh climate of their native habitat. They are also known for their intelligence and docile nature, making them popular pets in some areas.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a pig that is highly resistant to the cold but can also survive in really hard conditions, then consider the Tibetan pig. Today this breed is in danger of extinction due to its decreasing population numbers and it’s important we do our part to save them from disappearing forever. The name “Tibetan Pig” should give you an idea of where they come from – Tibet! This race has been found living in different areas across their native country, including on farms as well as other places like zoos or sanctuaries. We hope this guide has helped you learn about these interesting pigs, if not please let us know how else we can help with your search for more information on breeds of pigs.
As a reference: Wikipedia