Ba Xuyen Pig
The Ba Xuyen Pig is a breed of Vietnamese domesticated swine specifically spread along the Mekong River Delta in the southern Vietnam. These animals are adapted well to the salty-water zones of the delta, and are primarily farmed for the production of meat.
| Characteristics | Short body, medium-sized ears and short legs; short face, a slightly curved snout with wrinkles on the forehead; the belly is big and the hips are wide; females are shorter in size |
| Coat Hair | Short to medium |
| Color | Black patches on white to pinkish white body; almost equal parts of black and white areas all over the body |
| Tail | Twisted |
| Uses | Meat |
| Weight | 100 kg (average) |
| Litter Size | 8 piglets per litter (average) |
| Diet | Commonly rice, also fodders and grains |
| Country of Origin | Vietnam (then South Vietnam) |
History and Development
Ba Xuyen pig was developed by crossing the Berkshire Pig with the Bo Xu. The Berkshires, in turn, had been imported between 1932 and 1958, while the Bo Xu by the French planters. However, they also had genetic fusion with the Chinese pigs, which had earlier been introduced by the traders from China in the early 1900s.
Farming and Distribution
The Ba Xuyens are mainly reared in areas where rice is grown. This is because these swines are primarily fed with rice and other high calorie refined foods for the production of body fat.
These pigs are mainly concentrated in the Vi Xuyen District, Soc Trang, and have now scattered in a few other provinces like An Giang, Tien Giang, Long An, Dong Thap, Vinh Long, Can Tho, and Kien Giang.
Reproduction
The boars are ready to reproduce by 4-5 months of age, but are mostly made to breed when they are between 6 and 7 months of age, and are around 45 kg. The sows experience their first estrous cycle by the time they are 6-7 months old. They can give birth to up to 2 litters per year, with each litter having 8-9 piglets. The baby Ba Xuyen pigs weigh between 350-450 grams during birth.
Pork Production
The Ba Xuyen pigs have high back fat, which has a thickness of about 42 mm, and can produce around 100kg of meat (live weight) by the time they are about 1 year old. Mature Ba Xuyens can yield up to 200 kilos of meat. However, because of the short loin area, and high concentration of back fat, the meat is not considered to be of high quality.
