Hassle-free breeding of Hungarian downy mangalitsa in a private courtyard
Hungarian downy mangalitsa is one of the most unusual breeds of domestic pigs. "Sheep pigs", as they are also called, are covered with thick curly fur and look like an adorable plush toy. Along with high decorativeness, animals are famous for good immunity and unpretentiousness in nutrition, therefore, the cultivation of Hungarian downy mangalitsa is not difficult and every farmer can do it.
Breeding history
Despite the high fat content, pig meat is considered a delicacy. Lard is contained in the tenderloin in the form of thin layers. During cooking, the bacon dissolves, giving the dish extraordinary juiciness and tenderness. It is these types of meat that are used to make the famous Spanish jamon.
The meat of downy pigs is used to produce excellent quality sausages in natural casings, smoked ham and other delicacies. Most of the meat is sold chilled and frozen.
Currently, white mangalitsa are bred in the European Union, Great Britain, Canada and the United States. In other countries, wool pigs are not officially supplied, therefore, outside the breeding area of the Hungarian downy mangalitsa, mestizos are mainly found.
Distinctive features of the breed
Hungarian mangalits are difficult to confuse with any other breed. In addition to them, only pigs of the extinct Lincolnshire Curly-haired English breed possessed abundant hair.
Purebred Hungarian mangalitsa has the following breed characteristics:
- thick, curly coat, yellow-brown in winter and straight sandy-yellow in summer;
- the shape of the ears is straight, the tips are lowered down, near the base there is a black “Wellman spot” 3–5 cm in size;
- legs are strong, set straight;
- shortened torso;
- the snout is short, the patch is directed slightly upward;
- the chest is wide, powerful, the belly is voluminous;
- the back is straight, almost without deflection;
- the skin on the muzzle, inside tail, hooves and nipples is black;
- insufficient milk production, but uniformly developed nipples in pregnant queens.
Farmers who undertake to breed Hungarian downy mangalitsa should know another important distinctive feature of the breed.
In the first farrowing sows bring 6 piglets, in all subsequent ones - 10. Any other number of piglets in the litter indicates the presence of a cross with other breeds. Also, a sign of mixed blood is the presence of "curls" in the pig in the summer.
Color varieties of the breed
According to the color of the skin, there are 3 varieties of mangalitsa - white, red and "swallow". The red downy pig was obtained by crossing the white with the Hungarian Zalonta breed. "Swallow" was bred by crossing white and now extinct black mangalitsa. "Swallow" has a black back, sides and light gray belly.
The types of mangalitsa "wolf" and "baris" are extremely rare. At present, Hungary is trying to restore them from hybrid pigs.
Cultivation of the Hungarian downy mangalica
Caring for "sheep pigs" practically does not differ from the conditions of keeping any other breed, but it still has its own characteristics that a novice pig breeder should know.
Pigsty or free grazing
As already noted, downy pigs are insensitive to cold. Therefore, most farmers grow Hungarian mangalits on free grazing. Feeding troughs and pens with a large amount of straw are arranged under the sheds. In them, animals dig holes, rest and reproduce offspring. Pens do not need insulation, but make sure there are no drafts.
An interesting feature of this breed is the tendency of the mangalits to arrange a latrine away from the beds and feeders. Therefore, pig breeders need not be afraid that the pens will turn into a fetid sump, and do not concrete the floor.
Pig diet
Given the predisposition of this breed to quickly accumulate fat, the breeder must carefully choose what to feed the Hungarian mangalitsa. The basis pig diet is a crushed mixture of grains and legumes. In addition to grain, animals should receive plenty of vegetables, fruits and green grass. With free keeping, pigs themselves find a sufficient amount of green feed.
Water should always be freely available. To avoid gastrointestinal upset, the water should be changed frequently and the drinking bowls should be rinsed.
Mangalitsa piglets are fed up to six months with a wet or semi-liquid mash steamed with boiling water. Then they gradually accustom to dry food. At the age of 1 month, fruits, vegetables, mineral supplements, cereals, bone meal are introduced into the diet of piglets. In the second month of life, the characteristic stripes on babies disappear. At this time, curly-haired pigs are transferred to a separate housing.
With good care and feeding, one-year-old piglets weigh on average 140–160 kg, and a two-year-old pig weighs 300 kg.
Diseases of mangalits
There is an opinion among farmers that when breeding Hungarian downy mangalica, you should not worry about their health. Once the animals are hardened, they live all year round on free grazing, then their immunity is excellent. In fact, this is not the case. Downy pigs get sick no less than their usual counterparts. They suffer especially strongly from drafts, so the cracks in the pens must be carefully repaired and a sufficient amount of straw for the beds must be placed.
Mangalis are vulnerable to common infections - mug, dysentery, pasteurellosis. Susceptible to viral foot and mouth disease and plague. With poor care, they suffer from various parasitic and bacterial diseases. If the owner does not comply with the dietary requirements, they have problems with the gastrointestinal tract, they can catch pneumonia, anemia, and various avitaminosis.
Most of these "sores" are easier to prevent than to constantly treat. Most Necessary Measures:
- compliance with the recommendations for feeding pigs;
- keeping the premises clean;
- regular water change;
- spacious rooms for keeping.
It is undesirable to neglect vaccinations against diseases that are constantly encountered in your area.
Indeed, after many diseases, immunity persists for a long time, but sick piglets are far behind in development, the weight gain stops until they get stronger. Considering that pigs are slaughtered for meat no later than two years of age, it is more profitable for a pig breeder to vaccinate a piglet on time than to slaughter a weak rickety creature.
The cultivation of Hungarian downy mangalica is quite a profitable business. The meat of these animals is highly valued, so there are no problems with sales. If the pig breeder manages to find pure-bred young animals and follow the recommendations of livestock specialists for maintenance, then all the costs of buying expensive producers, buildings and feed will quickly pay off.