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Fox'SFarm
~ Preserving An Ancient Breed of True Grazing Pig~
(Pasture Raised - Antibiotic and Hormone free)
~ Preserving An Ancient Breed of True Grazing Pig~
(Pasture Raised - Antibiotic and Hormone free)
Meishan
(Pronounced: May-Shaun)
(Pronounced: May-Shaun)
the
Rare Asian Swine
Rare Asian Swine
A.M.B.A. Lifetime Members |
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The Meishan Pig originated in the Chinese province of Jiangsu. They are part of the Taihu group of Chinese swine which includes the Jiaxing, Fengjing, Erhualian, Hengjing, as well as strains from different regions of China. For a millennium, the Chinese were selectively breeding, and domesticating these rare, medium size pigs. They are quite possibly the oldest heritage breed in the world. Their commitment to producing uniformity in their breeding program for over 5000 years is what makes the Meishan what it is today. Renowned for their lazy yet docile disposition, hyper productivity, and a less vocal demeanor. Ours will often lay over on their side to have their belly rubbed, and get a good scratching. They are black or grey in color with sparce, black, wiry hair, and pink markings typically on their legs, belly, and/or snout. The average adult weight is approximately 350 to 400 pounds. Meishans get along with other animals sharing their territory such as chickens, goats, ducks... Being a true grazing/pasture pig, this breed is not one for rooting up large, deep patches of ground as other larger hog breeds. They respect electric fencing, and we have noticed that they do not continually test the boundaries. We have a high grade mesh fencing around our property, with one strand of electric wire approximately five inches off the ground. The Chinese also focused on their productivity. Meishan pigs are an extremely prolific breed, and able to produce offspring in approximately 10 to 12 weeks of age. So separating the gilts from the boars early on is strongly advised.
After negotiations with China over a 10 year period, the US acquired an import of 99 Meishan pigs in 1989. They were brought in as part of a collective study between the USDA, Iowa State, and the University of Illinois. They were equally divided amongst the three research facilities by sex and genetic profile. This made up the three lineages of Meishans in the US. These three herds were restricted from use in other research facilities or zoos until the study ceased. They were kept isolated genetically from each other for 25 years. Interbreeding was only allowed after the disbursement of these Meishans in 2016, where they were placed into private ownership. The original three facilities no longer maintain the Meishan.
In 2018 this breed was categorized as being critically endangered by The Livestock Conservancy (TLC). Their numbers were estimated to be fewer than 2000 pure, breeding Meishans in existence. With their numbers improved, they have recently been taken off the "critically endangered" as of 2024, and are now listed as a "threatened" breed. This is exciting news!
Established in October of 2016, the American Meishan Breeders Association (AMBA) holds the herd book. Some of what they are committed to is preserving genetics, registration, and the purity of the Meishan Pig breed.
After negotiations with China over a 10 year period, the US acquired an import of 99 Meishan pigs in 1989. They were brought in as part of a collective study between the USDA, Iowa State, and the University of Illinois. They were equally divided amongst the three research facilities by sex and genetic profile. This made up the three lineages of Meishans in the US. These three herds were restricted from use in other research facilities or zoos until the study ceased. They were kept isolated genetically from each other for 25 years. Interbreeding was only allowed after the disbursement of these Meishans in 2016, where they were placed into private ownership. The original three facilities no longer maintain the Meishan.
In 2018 this breed was categorized as being critically endangered by The Livestock Conservancy (TLC). Their numbers were estimated to be fewer than 2000 pure, breeding Meishans in existence. With their numbers improved, they have recently been taken off the "critically endangered" as of 2024, and are now listed as a "threatened" breed. This is exciting news!
Established in October of 2016, the American Meishan Breeders Association (AMBA) holds the herd book. Some of what they are committed to is preserving genetics, registration, and the purity of the Meishan Pig breed.
Research conducted in Japan's Kobe University, and North Carolina State had concluded that feeding them a diet low in fiber, and digestible proteins will greatly increase weight production, and promote a faster rate of growth. Making for easier digestibility and the retention of nutrients. In addition to foraging, we supplement with grains so they receive their necessary minerals. They do mature at different rates.
Meishans are a medium-sized lard-carcass pig. Their dark red meat is highly valued for its micro-marbling, exceptional flavor and juicy tenderness. The lard and fat is lighter and finer making it superior compared to other hog types.
Meishans are a medium-sized lard-carcass pig. Their dark red meat is highly valued for its micro-marbling, exceptional flavor and juicy tenderness. The lard and fat is lighter and finer making it superior compared to other hog types.
Meishan's typically have large litters and they make great mothers. On average they have 16 -18 teats, while some have over 20. Generally by their third farrowing, litter size is approximately 14 - 20 piglets. There was a sow in the USDA research herd that farrowed 28 piglets! This breed reaches puberty at approximately 90 days which is faster than most domestic swine. Study herds had a higher weaning-to-farrowing percentage. Born with an advanced digestive system than other pig breeds, Meishan piglets are said to be more resistant to gastrointestinal diseases allowing for a shorter weaning period.
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Pig Terminology
Gilt - Young Adult female who has not yet produced a litter.
Sow- Adult female who has produced a litter of piglets.
Farrowing - Giving birth, and raising/weaning it's piglets.
Piglet - Young pig not yet weaned.
Farrow- A litter.
Boar- Intact male. Used for Breeding.
Hog- Adult male over 120 pounds.
Barrow - Young male castrated prior to breeding.
Meishan's, Goats, Baby Chicks and Chickens
Cypress and Emperor Ping
Emperor Ping and Lulu
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Getting A Cool Drink
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Sharing Feed
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Loving Those Belly Rubs!
Socializing The Pigs, and Alapaha's
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For the Lord Himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air, and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air, and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
Contact:
Mark and Susie Fox
678-360-5616 or 724-801-0027
Location: Shelocta, PA. 15774
Mark and Susie Fox
678-360-5616 or 724-801-0027
Location: Shelocta, PA. 15774
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