Due to current market requirements, genetic diversity between, but also within, the pig breeds used commercially in Germany is significantly limited. In order to provide information about the value and possibilities of preserving the biodiversity of native pig breeds, an information event on the topic of "Preserving biodiversity through breeding, husbandry and marketing of endangered native pig breeds" was held at the end of May as part of the nationwide Focus Animal Welfare network. The event focused on the importance of new breeding concepts and special marketing channels. The preservation of endangered native pig breeds contributes significantly to genetic diversity. The use of rare breeds under extensive husbandry conditions as an alternative to the conventionally used high-performance breeds also meets the wishes of many consumers with regard to natural and animal-friendly husbandry. The number of participants, around 60 interested individuals, showed that this somewhat unusual topic is popular with both experts and practitioners.

Hans Faber (German Genetic) gave a presentation to introduce interested parties to the topic. In cooperation with the Baden-Württemberg Pig Breeders' Association and the Boxberg State Institute for Pig Breeding, German Genetic is currently leading an EIP project with the aim of developing a new breeding concept for endangered native pig breeds. This is to be achieved by further developing performance testing and expanding the breeding value estimation of the German Landrace and German Edelschwein breeds. The focus is on the maternal factor. The aim is not to improve sows in terms of "higher, faster, further" in litter sizes and weaned piglets, but to breed more for the trait of motherliness. Due to the conversion of the farrowing area and the future legal requirement for a maximum confinement period of five days in the farrowing crate around the time of birth, sows must display calm, maternal behaviour. In order to keep suckling piglet losses as low as possible, litters must have a balanced individual birth weight and the piglets must be healthy and vigorous. These factors are to be achieved through targeted breeding.

Dr Thomas Paulke's (Brandenburg State Office for Rural Development, Agriculture and Land Consolidation) contribution on the meat quality of the German Sattelschwein gave participants an insight into the breed-specific characteristics. Due to the slow growth of the animals, the fattening period is significantly longer than for conventional pig breeds, resulting in greater fat deposition. The distinct marbling of the meat brings taste advantages in terms of tenderness, juiciness and aroma. However, the low muscle meat content and high fat cover make conventional marketing unprofitable. Niche markets must be found and developed in order to market the high fat content of the Sattelschwein economically.

In line with the motto "preserve by eating", Dr Manfred Golze (formerly of the Saxony State Office for Environment, Agriculture and Geology) then showed that it is necessary to secure the marketing of products in advance in order to preserve old native pig breeds in the long term. Consumers look for regionality and need a brand for recognition. According to Dr Golze, the most important thing is therefore to create a recognisable brand with this special meat. The importance of regional marketing channels is central to this issue. The meat of endangered pig breeds cannot be sold through large, supra-regional slaughterhouses because it deviates from the norm. Regional slaughterers and butchers are therefore the recipe for success for livestock farmers of rare pig breeds.

Wouter Uwland (Raunitzer Agrar UG) has also taken this route. With his herd of 80 sows, he is making a significant contribution to the preservation of the endangered Leicoma breed. In view of the spread of African swine fever, Uwland has established a second location in Bremerhaven with 10 sows in order to protect the genetics of this breed. In collaboration with a butcher from Leipzig, he markets the meat from his pigs as a regional quality product. The high intramuscular fat content of this breed's meat gives it marketing advantages. Wouter Uwland's practical report summarised the approaches described in theory by the speakers and demonstrated the implementation of a successful marketing concept for an endangered pig breed.

Authors: 

Svenja Reich, Saxon State Office for Environment, Agriculture and Geology

Katja Menzer, State Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture Saxony-Anhalt