Vietnamese bellied pig description and breeding. Vietnamese pig breeding care food. The diet of adult pigs

Vietnamese bellied pigs in Russia have long ceased to be considered an exotic breed. Unpretentiousness to the conditions of detention and feed, high-quality meat is not the whole list of the advantages of these animals. Many pig farmers, having calculated the profitability of breeding Asian pigs and being convinced of the quick payback, give them their preference.

In the 80s of the last century, Asian herbivorous bellied pigs were brought to Canada and Europe. And although the breed is widespread in the countries of East and Southeast Asia, the name of the country from which the piglets were exported, the Vietnamese Potbellied Pig (Vietnamese Potbellied Pig, Vietnamese Potbelly Pig), is firmly entrenched in it.

Farmers who ventured into breeding a non-traditional breed for America and Europe quickly became convinced of the undoubted advantages of Asians over many familiar breeds of pigs.

Having received a significant profit in the first years, livestock breeders were actively engaged in selection aimed at effective acclimatization, increase in size, rapid increase in muscle mass, and improvement of the dietary and taste qualities of meat.

As a result of successful breeding work, by the 2000s, Vietnamese lop-bellies spread throughout all European countries, North and South America, Russia and reached Australia.

Important. It is sometimes erroneously assumed that there are two independent Asian breeds of herbivorous pigs - Korean and Vietnamese. However, these are representatives of the same breed group, formed in different climatic regions and having minor differences.

Characteristics and description of the breed with photos

Along with the famous Hungarian breeds of mangalitsa and brazier, Vietnamese lop-bellied pigs are herbivorous pigs. But unlike them, the breeding material of the Vietnamese is not considered elite and is much cheaper.

Herbivores also include several with the common name "mini-pigs", originating from Guinean pigs brought by slave traders to America. Guinea pigs fatten up a thick layer of fat, successfully gain weight on pasture, but they are small in size and are bred rather as decorative pets, especially valued for their unique ability - Guineans are not afraid and boldly exterminate snakes.

Vietnamese pigs have a characteristic, easily recognizable exterior:

• the constitution characteristic of bacon breeds - short limbs, fleshy hams, a long arched back, a wide dumpy body, a voluminous sternum;
• medium-sized "flattened" head, reminiscent of the muzzle of a pug;
• in wild boars, fangs reach 15 cm in length;
• extensive sagging belly in sows and gilts;
• small erect ears;
• the snout is collected with an accordion;
• a bristle comb extends from the neck to the croup.

Important. The most common color is black or black with white spots on the head. Rarely white, marble, red striped piglets are born.

Vietnamese bellied pigs are characterized by a black color.

Breed productivity

Vietnamese pigs are not weight champions, which is offset by excellent taste and fast growth:

• weight of a newborn boar 500-600 g, pigs 450-550 g;
• average weight an adult boar from 120 to 140 kg, but some specimens can gain up to 200 kg;
• an adult pig weighs from 100 to 120 kg, the maximum recorded weight is 140 kg;
• boars add 350-450 g per day, pigs 350-500 g each;
• the optimal slaughter age is 7-8 months, upon reaching a live weight of 75-80 kg;
• slaughter yield from 70% to 75%.

Features content

Vietnamese bellied pigs have gained popularity due to their unpretentiousness. Their content does not require much effort. Nevertheless, without a properly equipped pigsty, a well-designed diet, high-quality breeding material cannot be achieved with high profitability. Particular attention should be paid to the choice of young animals.

The maintenance of Vietnamese bellied pigs does not require much effort.

Piglet's choice

Successful raising of pigs requires a thoughtful attitude when buying piglets.

First of all, pay attention to:

1. Piglet weight at birth and weight gain for every 10 days. According to the dynamics of weight gain, it is easy to determine the weight of the intended pet and its compliance with the indicated age.
2. Appearance of the sow. With a monthly piglet weighing about 3.5 kg, a thinner parent will have clearly distinguishable milk lobes. In the absence of these signs, most likely, the proposed young is older.
3. physical data. Pedigree Vietnamese piglets have well-formed muscles, strong, widely spaced legs, a wide head with a pronounced bend in the bones of the nose, and an elastic, dense body. Under the tail of healthy pigs is clean and dry.
4. The condition of the coat and eyes. The coat should be even and smooth, the eyes should be shiny and lively.
5. Mobility, activity, interest in food.
6. Family ties purchased piglets. Breeding does not allow inbreeding - closely related crossing, leading to a deterioration in the pedigree qualities of the offspring, the birth of piglets with deformities. It is optimal to purchase pigs and boars in different places from different sellers.

A healthy piglet is active and well-fed, under the tail should be clean and dry.

Important. When buying piglets, you should find out about their usual diet. Young growth reacts badly to a sharp change in the composition of the feed.

Conditions of detention

For successful fattening and breeding of Vietnamese bellies, it is necessary to provide decent housing. The relatively small size of Asian pigs allows you to keep a fairly large number of animals in a small pigsty.

Best of all, Vietnamese pigs feel in a brick or cinder block pigsty with a concrete floor. The concrete floor greatly facilitates the observance of sanitary and hygienic standards, does not allow animals to tear and scatter the earth. To protect pigs from the winter cold and create comfortable sleeping conditions, about 2/3 of the floor area is insulated with wooden flooring.

The pigsty is partitioned into machines with an area of ​​​​4-4.5 m². Such "individual housing" is enough for two pigs or one boar. A sow with offspring will also be comfortable in such a pen.

Vietnamese bellied pigs are afraid of drafts, but need a constant supply of air. When designing a pigsty, you should think about creating a reliable ventilation system.

For two pigs, the Vietnamese folded belly requires 4-4.5 m² of area.

In addition, the room in the winter needs to be heated. Severe frosts can kill Asian pigs, especially young and post farrowing sows.

Organization of walking pigs

From spring to autumn, bellied pigs need space for walking. The walking area is equipped with a canopy to protect against rain and overheating in the heat, drinking bowls, shallow pits for taking mud baths, dug in logs so that the pigs can itch.

In animals deprived of walks, the rate of weight gain decreases, muscles develop poorly, hooves are deformed, signs of beriberi may appear:

• deterioration of the condition of the coat;
• dry skin;
• profuse lacrimation, diseases of the cornea of ​​​​the eyes;
• unsteady, uncoordinated movements.

A lack of vitamin A can lead to miscarriages in sows, sperm degeneration in boars, and poor growth in young animals.

Feeding and necessary diet

One of the main advantages of the breed is the low cost of purchasing feed.

In summer, 80% of the menu consists of pasture and various natural supplements: grass, fresh shoots of trees and shrubs, fallen fruits, root crops and vegetables.

Vietnamese bellied pigs are happy to eat fresh fruits and vegetables.

The remaining 20% ​​of the diet consists of grain feed in the form of bran and flour. The daily consumption of grain per head is 300-400 g. If possible, part of the grain feed can be replaced with acorns, chestnuts.

In winter, the consumption of grain feed is increased up to 30%. The green mass is compensated with hay, straw, peas, ground corn stalks and cobs, fodder beets, boiled potatoes, and food waste.

In the preparation of grain mixtures, preference is given to wheat, barley, rye. Excessive content of corn and oats in feed leads to the formation of excess fat, which significantly reduces the value of meat.

But wet mixtures of concentrated feed or compound feed with the addition of fish oil, a small amount of salt, vitamin supplements (Kalfostonik, Chiktonik), premixes (Prelak) improve product quality.

Important. Vitamin supplements from pumpkin, zucchini, clover hay, alfalfa, amaranth, legumes are especially useful for Vietnamese bellied pigs.

In the conditions of a small farm, it is quite possible to breed Vietnamese bellies not only for fattening, but also for growing high-quality breeding material.

The breed is characterized by early puberty. Pigs are ready for the first mating at 4 months, gaining a weight of 30-35 kg. Boars ripen by 6 months, having a weight of at least 30 kg.

It is easy to determine the onset of puberty by the following signs:

• pigs are excited, show concern;
• genital loop swells and turns red;
• characteristic discharge appears;
• when pressing on the croup, the animal calms down, remains in place.

Many farmers are breeding Vietnamese bellied pigs.

For mating, a wild boar is launched to the pigs for a day. With successful mating, the pregnancy of pigs (pregnancy) lasts 114-117 days.

A sow at a time can bring from 12 to 18 piglets. On average, a pig produces 24 cubs per year.

Behavior of a pregnant pig Vietnamese breed calm, not hysterical. 5-6 days before giving birth, a pregnant pig begins to chew and crush the litter - to equip a nest. During this period, the milk lobes are formed, the nipples turn red, increase in size, the abdomen noticeably drops.

The imminent approach of childbirth is indicated by the refusal of food, the secretion of colostrum from the mammary glands.

For successful farrowing:

• the machine is thoroughly cleaned;
• hay litter is changed to a new one;
• drinking bowls are filled with clean water;
• prepare the necessary medical instruments: scissors, threads, gauze, cotton wool, iodine solution, clean rags or special diapers for wiping newborns;
• for babies, a special room is prepared with a temperature of at least 30-32 ° C;
• immediately after birth, the umbilical cord is cut and the wound is treated with an iodine solution;
• from newborns, the amniotic sac and mucus are carefully removed, wiped, and the airways (nose, larynx) are cleaned;
• necessarily give colostrum;
• the released placenta is removed from the nest.

Before farrowing, the pig crushes the litter - prepares the nest.

Care of newborn piglets

Loose-bellied pigs are devoted and caring mothers. But the feeding of piglets in the first day must be carefully monitored. It should be ensured that on the first day all babies have the opportunity to suck their mother's milk every quarter of an hour.

To prevent the occurrence of anemia on the 3rd and 10th day, iron-containing preparations (Ferroselenite, Urosoferran-10) are administered intramuscularly to piglets.

On the 10th day after birth, it is time to add bait:

• from the 10th to the 20th day, chalk powder, clay, charcoal, pure water are used as additives to mother's milk;
• from the 20th to the 30th day, fortified porridge, a special granulated feed for piglets, is introduced into the diet.

Monthly pigs begin to wean from mother's milk, gradually adding adult food to the menu. The transition to a new diet should last several days, during which the body of the babies adapts, and the mother does not have a threat of mastitis.

On the 40th day, it is desirable to vaccinate babies against helminths.

Loose-bellied pigs are devoted and caring mothers.

Disease and health of pigs

Pigs have innate immunity, perfectly acclimatize to harsh climatic conditions. Subject to the basic rules of maintenance and a balanced diet, they are practically not susceptible to diseases.

Troubles are caused by helminths, to get rid of which the animals are given a subcutaneous injection of Ecomectin (Ivermiktin) every 4 months, or the drug Albendozol (Fonbendazole) is added to food.

With a quick transfer to new feeds, an intestinal disorder is manifested, which can be eliminated at home with Smecta or Biovitt.

Breed Benefits

In addition to the obvious advantages - cost-effectiveness in the use of feed, early maturity, fertility, unpretentiousness, excellent health, the breed has several unique features:

Vietnamese pigs are non-confrontational, clean, excellent mothers.

• genetically inherent ability to recognize poisonous plants;
• innate love for cleanliness (Vietnamese pigs never defecate in a sleeping place, do not tend to destroy floors, undermine the roots of bushes and trees);
• imperturbable, conflict-free character;
• lack of a specific smell in the pigsty;
• fast acclimatization, adaptation;
• unlike many breeds of pigs, Vietnamese pigs never eat newborns;
• high milk content, facilitating the feeding of piglets;
• affordable price for breeding young animals, unlike other bacon breeds, in particular barbecues;
• high return on content.

Important. Thanks to their friendliness, high intelligence, ability to train, Vietnamese bellies are kept not only for breeding and fattening, but also as pet companions.

The taste of Vietnamese bellied meat

The taste and dietary qualities of the meat of Vietnamese bellied pigs are superior in some respects to those of other bacon breeds:

• 100 kg animal carcass contains up to 65% meat and 25% fat;
• the color of the meat is light pink, light cream when roasted;
• layers of fat are thin, uniform;
• the thickness of fat and lard is not more than 3-3.5 cm;
• delicate, delicate taste;
• juiciness;
• low cholesterol content, 7 times less than in traditional meat European breeds bacon and meat direction;
• meat is suitable for frying, grilling, barbecue, boiling, baking, smoking, salting;
• the meat of Vietnamese bellied pigs is classified as a delicacy.

Vietnamese bellied pigs have excellent meat qualities.

Kira Stoletova

The Vietnamese breed of pigs has gained wide popularity today. This is due to the fact that animals quickly gain weight and consume less feed than some other breeds. It is also worth noting that it is not difficult to care for pigs of this breed. Consider what features Vietnamese piglets have and how to properly organize nutrition and care in order to get maximum weight gain.

Appearance

Before talking about the features of the breed, its description and characteristics should be given. What do Vietnamese piglets look like? As for the exterior, Vietnamese pigs have a specific appearance, so it is not possible to confuse them with any other breed.

Overall animals are painted, as a rule, in black. The muzzle of the Vietnamese piglets is short, and erect ears are widely located on the head, which, to match the muzzle, are medium-sized. The Vietnamese bellied pig, thanks to its large body and short legs, looks stocky. The legs, despite their small size, are strong, the chest is wide. Lop-eared individuals are extremely rare.

As the pigs grow up, their belly begins to sag slightly. It is this feature of the structure of the animal that was displayed in the name of the breed. In boars, the belly sags more than in pigs. Sometimes skin folds almost touch the ground. At the same time, Vietnamese bellied pigs feel comfortable and lead a mobile lifestyle. Often they are more active than their relatives who do not have a pendulous belly.

Vietnamese bellied piglets look very funny. Maybe that's why some people buy them not for the purpose of obtaining meat and tallow products, but for the purpose of decorating their yard. When making such a purchase, it should be understood that the Vietnamese pig breed is gaining weight quickly. Within a few months, not a miniature piglet will run around the yard, but a large Vietnamese pig.

Occasionally there are marble and white colors. Some argue based on own experience that piglets from marbled sows are stronger. But zootechnicians do not confirm this fact, arguing that piglets from a white, black and marble sow have the same health reserve.

Productivity

The breed of pigs Vietnamese bellied is not large-sized. The weight of an adult pig is on average 110 kg. The boar weighs about 130 kg. If we talk about the maximum performance, then the weight of the female does not exceed 140 kg. A boar can weigh 150 kg. This is a meat breed.

With proper care and nutrition, daily gains range from 350 to 500 g, and gilts reach puberty by 4 months. But experts recommend the first mating at the age of 7-8 months. At birth, Vietnamese piglets weigh about 500 g.

By the time of puberty, the weight of Vietnamese bellied piglets is 70-80 kg. With such indicators, it is possible to slaughter animals. Meat yield after slaughter exceeds 70%.

With regard to reproductive function, Vietnamese pigs have an average of 12 piglets. Sometimes there are 18 piglets in one litter. Accordingly, the cultivation of Vietnamese pigs can be considered as a small but very profitable business. In one year, a sow gives birth to about 24 piglets. If you follow all the norms of feeding Vietnamese piglets, and provide good conditions for keeping, then the animals live up to 18 years.

Adult pigs are slaughtered at the age of 8 months. By this time, wild boars and pigs are gaining maximum weight. Not everyone can kill a pig. The technology of slaughter at home is significantly different from how slaughter is done on a farm, being less humane. So that the animal does not suffer, it is better to invite a person who can kill him with one precise blow.

Breed advantages

1. Early maturity. If we do not talk about any particular breed, then we can say that the average age of reaching puberty for these animals is 7 months. When breeding Vietnamese pigs, mating can be done as early as 4 months. If we talk about breeder reviews, then some pigs can be covered as early as 3 months.
2. Breeding Vietnamese piglets at home is simplified by the fact that the sows have a well-developed maternal instinct. Human intervention is rarely needed.
3. Also, raising Vietnamese piglets is simplified by the fact that they have good immunity - there is no need to do most vaccinations. It is worth noting that pigs quickly adapt to various conditions, so they can be kept in almost every region of our country.
4. The maintenance of Vietnamese piglets is cost-effective due to the fecundity of the pigs and the speed of growth. Piglets grow up in 7-8 months.
5. You won't have to think long about what to feed Vietnamese piglets at home. The basis of the diet is green fodder, which reduces costs during animal breeding.
6. Care for Vietnamese piglets is simplified by their cleanliness. Such piglets clearly separate the bedroom from the toilet, which is not typical for other breeds.

If we consider the features of Vietnamese pigs, then it is worth mentioning the taste of meat. It turns out juicy and delicate in taste. Many restaurants are willing to pay high prices for Vietnamese pig meat. Since the breed does not belong to greasy or universal, the layer of fat is small and does not exceed 7 cm. At the same time, palatability is highly valued.

When organizing the feeding of Vietnamese pigs, it should be taken into account that they eat little and often. How to feed Vietnamese pigs, we will talk in more detail later. It should also be noted here that in order to get the maximum weight gain, the issue of catering must be approached responsibly.

It is worth noting that all of the above conditions will manifest in small Vietnamese piglets only if you take a representative of a pure breed with good genetics, which is why it is so important to acquire healthy and thoroughbred young animals.

Breeding and caring for Vietnamese pigs is simplified by the fact that the animal cannot boast of large sizes. Accordingly, there is no need to build a large pigsty. Animals get along well in one machine, but you should not abuse this. Depending on the size of the machine, no more than 3-4 pigs are lodged there.

When breeding Vietnamese pigs, you need to properly equip the pigsty. From a hygiene point of view, floors should be made of concrete that is easy to clean. It is best to opt for a slotted floor design. There must be ebb for liquid litter. To simplify the care of animals as much as possible, the floor is made at a slight slope.

To prevent piglets of one month of age and adults from catching a cold, lying on a concrete floor, a wooden platform is equipped in each machine. Due to the cleanliness of the Vietnamese herbivorous pig, they will not shit on the platforms, so keeping them clean is not difficult. In the absence of wooden platforms, small Vietnamese pigs will have to lay a thick layer of straw on the floor. Yes, and in adults it will not be superfluous to make a thick litter to protect the livestock from colds. And this will complicate the care of bellied Vietnamese piglets.

Ventilation and heating

When breeding Vietnamese bellied pigs, one should take into account the fact that individuals are quite thermophilic. The air temperature should not fall below 15°C even in winter. And in a pigsty where Vietnamese piglets are kept for up to 6 months, it is advisable to maintain a temperature of 20-22 ° C, so in winter they should work in a pen for sows and young animals. heating system. These can be electric heaters, potbelly stoves or infrared lamps.

You also need to consider a ventilation system, during which there will be no drafts. It is necessary to ventilate the pigsty, according to existing standards, daily.

Walking area

To simplify the organization of food for Vietnamese piglets, it is advisable to enclose a walking area. It has also been confirmed by practice that if, when breeding and caring for Vietnamese pig take time for walks, the pet will have better health.

Despite the fact that the weight of Vietnamese bellied pigs is small, they need a spacious area for walking. A certain area should be under a canopy where animals can hide from bad weather or the scorching sun. The dimensions of the canopy depend on how many Vietnamese piglets will have to fit under them.

Based on the characteristics of not only Vietnamese bellied pigs, but also other breeds, there should be a mud bath in the aviary. It is an ordinary shallow pit filled with water. It is not necessary to strengthen the walls of the pit or dig in a container, as is done for ducks. Pigs need a mud bath. In the absence of rain, the pit is filled with water on its own. It is advisable to equip it in the far corner of the aviary.

Often you can see a photo of the Vietnamese bellied pig, which rubs against the logs. This is one of the pigs' favorite pastimes, so several thick and strong logs are installed in the aviary. It is advisable to dig them into the ground.

Pigs should be let out for a short walk even in winter, if there is no severe frost outside.

Nutrition

The diet of Vietnamese piglets must be balanced. Many farmers follow the simplest path, fattening animals only with grass and hay. But, despite the fact that the breed is sometimes called a herbivore, it will not work to achieve maximum weight gain with such fattening. When feeding bellied Vietnamese piglets, cereals, legumes and root crops should be added to the diet.

The basis of the diet is really grass. In winter, animals are given hay instead of grass. In addition to green fodder, pigs are given wheat, barley and rye. Oats, which some farmers give along with other crops, should not be carried away. It promotes the accumulation of body fat. The same goes for corn.

The nutrition of Vietnamese bellied pigs has specific features that are due to the original structure of the gastrointestinal tract. Pigs do not digest roughage well. Also heavy for animals is food that contains a lot of fiber (fodder beets, for example). But the grass is absorbed very well. When harvesting hay for the winter, alfalfa and clover are preferred. Such hay will not be difficult for the body. You can introduce potatoes into the diet, but not raw. Tubers are pre-boiled.

Regardless of the conditions in which pigs live, they need mineral supplements. Even if they walk around the pasture all day, they will not be able to replenish the body with a supply of all minerals.

Feed use

In addition to green fodder, you can purchase special compound feed. But good food is quite expensive, so it is advisable to make it yourself. To prepare it, you will need barley, wheat, oats, peas and corn. The basis of compound feed is the first 2 components. They account for 70% of the total weight. The remaining components are taken in equal amounts (10% each).

Before preparing mixed feed, grain crops are crushed to a state of flour. It is advisable to give compound feed in the form of wet mash. This improves the taste of the meat. Fill the compound feed with milk, after adding a small amount of salt to it.

Diet

In addition to what should be fed to Vietnamese piglets, you need to know how to properly organize a diet. We feed the livestock twice a day in the summer. It is advisable to give food in the morning and evening. During the day, we release the animals to the pasture, where they will find something to eat on their own. In winter, due to the lack of grazing, we add a third meal to lunch.

Features of feeding pregnant pigs and piglets

The care and maintenance of Vietnamese pigs during pregnancy is somewhat complicated. Dairy products and eggs should be present in the diet during this period. Since a pregnant pig needs many nutrients, all feeds must be fortified. Livestock specialists recommend purchasing special vitamins. But before buying it is better to consult a veterinarian. The choice of vitamin complexes is influenced by many factors. First of all, the choice depends on whether the animal is walking or sitting locked up.

Newborn Vietnamese piglets do not need to be fed: they feed exclusively on mother's milk. Only if, for some reason, the mother’s milk disappears, newborns are transferred to artificial feeding. It is impossible to unequivocally answer the question of how many days you need to introduce complementary foods. It all depends on the weight gained by the piglet.

In general, the first complementary foods are introduced at the age of 10 days (if the weight of the piglet has reached the mark of 1 kilogram). Pure water, crushed chalk, charcoal and clay are introduced into the diet. At the age of 20 days, if the weight of the piglet exceeds 1.5 kg, the maturing livestock is supplemented with porridge and special compound feed. New types of feed are introduced into the diet gradually so as not to cause indigestion in young animals.

In order to avoid health problems, complementary foods for piglets must be of high quality. The black piglet of this breed eats with great appetite. But more than the norm to give wet cereals is not worth it. It is best if females farrow in winter or spring.

Breeding

First of all, it is worth answering the question of whether Vietnamese pigs are profitable on the farm. Meat productivity of this breed is lower than that of many existing hybrids. However, this breed is one of the most precocious and very prolific. In addition, pigs economically consume food. The market price of the Vietnamese bellied pig is on average 70-100 US dollars. All factors together allow us to say that breeding the described pigs is indeed a profitable occupation.

Breeding and raising pigs of this breed is a simple task. In addition, piglets are relatively inexpensive. The main thing is to follow some rules. In numerous videos about breeding Vietnamese pigs, livestock specialists focus on the fact that a boar and a pig should not be relatives, otherwise there will be no viable and healthy offspring. Pigs are carefully selected for mating. Despite early puberty, individuals whose weight has not reached 30 kg should not be covered. They will not be able to bear strong piglets. In addition, too early fertilization will adversely affect the health of the pig itself.

It is possible to determine that a pig is ready for mating by a number of signs. During sexual hunting, she behaves restlessly, from the genitals, which turn red and swell, discharge appears. When pressing on the croup, the animal ready for mating freezes and does not try to escape. During the sexual hunt, the breeding boar and the pig are placed in the same cage or paddock and kept there for 24 hours. Sexual hunting does not last long. In order for pregnancy to occur, it is important to plant a boar to the pig in a timely manner.

Pregnancy and childbirth

Pregnant pigs give birth 116 days after mating. This is the average duration of pregnancy. The pig bears well, complications are rare. The readiness of the pig for childbirth can be judged by the restless behavior of the woman in labor and the desire to build a nest. From the beginning of the arrangement of the nest, in which the pig carefully lays hay, until the onset of childbirth, a little less than a week passes.

Also, the fact that childbirth will soon come can be judged by the lowered belly, swollen nipples and formed milk lobes. Just before farrowing, small amounts of colostrum are secreted from the teats. Also at this time the animal does not eat. Childbirth lasts an average of 4 hours. The end of this process is the release of the placenta, which the sow should not eat. It is usually buried in the garden.

Vietnamese newborn piglets in the photo look unusually cute. In the first hour of life, you need to have time to cut the umbilical cord and properly treat the wound, clean the black piglets from films (especially in the respiratory tract), wipe and feed, attaching to the sow's nipples. If newborns do not receive colostrum within the first hour, this will negatively affect the formation of immunity.

At first, the pig itself takes care of the offspring. Using tables of correspondence between height and weight, they monitor how the piglets grow. At the age of 1 month, piglets are weaned from the sow. Weaning from the mother is carried out gradually: this will help prevent the appearance of mastitis in the pig. First, young animals should be separated from their mother several times a day for several hours, then young individuals are completely separated.

Prepare for childbirth in advance. They thoroughly clean the pen in which the pig will give birth, prepare a drinker with water, which should always be near the woman in labor, prepare rags for wiping newborns, in winter they think over the heating system in the pen where the sow will be with young animals.

Diseases

In general, growing pigs of this breed simply because of their strong immunity. However, with poor care or nutrition, native animals can get sick. Consider which diseases are most common, how they differ from each other and what treatment is best to use.

One of the most common diseases is erysipelas. Symptoms of the disease are falling to the feet, the appearance of purple spots on the skin and trembling. If untreated, the animal dies within a few days. It is transmitted by airborne droplets, so sick individuals are placed in a separate pen.

Often, erysipelas are confused with plague, as they have similar symptoms. But with plague, in addition to red, purple spots appear on the skin.

Dysentery is another dangerous disease. Its symptoms are loose stools with blood and fever.

Often after giving birth, the pig goes bald. This is due to the lack of iron in the body. In this case, you need to inject preparations containing this trace element.

Disease prevention

First of all, all necessary vaccinations should be done in a timely manner and the pig room should be kept clean. It is also necessary to systematically monitor the pigs. If it becomes noticeable that the growth of the piglet has stopped, its skin is flaking, it itches, or there are wounds that fester, turn sour eyes, you should consult a doctor. Any, even minor signs (the animal does not eat well, for example) indicate discomfort. We need to find out what caused it.

You also need to remember that pigs get worms from time to time, so you need to give helminth preparations systematically according to the instructions, which also indicate the frequency of deworming with this medicine. It is advisable to puncture piglets with broad-spectrum antibiotics. But you can give only those drugs that will be prescribed by a qualified doctor.

Buying young animals

When breeding pigs of this breed, you need to purchase piglets. Today you can make this purchase even through the Internet. But experts advise you to go to a farm where qualified livestock specialists work.

When buying, you should ask to see all individuals. It is better to stop the choice on the most active piglets with a good appetite, without visible defects.

It will not be superfluous to look at the parents of the pigs. If there are deviations from the standards in their exterior, it is worth looking for other breeders. A specific feature of the representatives of this breed is a straight tail that does not twist into a donut and a short muzzle resembling that of a pug.

Before buying, it is advisable to show the young to the veterinarian, although the health of the pigs is carefully monitored on farms. As a rule, individuals already vaccinated against dangerous diseases are sold.

Before going shopping, the pigsty is properly prepared. Young animals need a warm room without drafts and with a normal level of humidity. Best suited for this breed is a building made of wood or brick. When purchasing young animals, they take into account the size of the pigsty: one adult should have 2.5-3 square meters. m.

You also need to consider that the breed needs large amounts of green fodder and daily walks. In the absence of pasture for walking, another breed should be looked after. According to current standards, one adult pig needs at least 1 acre of land. It is advisable to sow the land with forbs in the spring, which improves the taste of meat. First of all, it is alfalfa and clover. Young nettle also has a positive effect on the taste of meat.

Why are Vietnamese piglets good? Feedback positive or negative about them is left by farmers - this is information that interests beginner pig breeders. Indeed, in Russia, pig breeding is carried out not only by large industrial farms, but also by small private farms. In recent years, Vietnamese piglets have gained particular popularity among other breeds. Such interest is due to the good productivity of animals, rapid weight gain and unpretentious care.

Thanks to these features, piglets are raised by professionals and beginners in the field of animal husbandry. However, before acquiring young animals, it is recommended to study some rules of keeping. This is our article today.

The Vietnamese bellied pig was first bred by breeders from East Asia. In the late 80s, pigs began to be imported to North America and Europe, and this was the reason for improving the breed qualities of animals, on which foreign specialists began to actively work.

Vietnamese pigs have recently entered our country, but local farmers quickly became interested in such an unusual breed. It is curious that at the very beginning, false information began to be disseminated regarding the breeding of these animals. Unscrupulous breeders convinced buyers that pigs did not need care at all. In addition, some breeders have even begun to confuse this breed with Chinese decorative pigs and the Korean breed.

Appearance of the Vietnamese fold

Pigs of the Vietnamese breed have a fairly recognizable appearance - a flat face and a black skin tone. At birth, they have a small body weight - about 500 grams, but over the next week they actively gain weight, and at the age of ten days their weight reaches a kilogram, and sometimes more.

Vietnamese pigs were called bellied pigs because of the sagging belly, this is especially noticeable in sows - the belly can even touch the ground. The muzzle of such animals is flattened, the physique is stocky, and the legs are powerful.

Piglets are most often black in color, but sometimes there are spotted, white and red individuals. Babies are born already with baby teeth, but they do not need to be removed, as some farmers who were not familiar with the breed did years earlier. This is not a pathology, but a feature.

Finding purebred Vietnamese pigs in our country is not so easy, because some breeders under the guise of this breed often sell hybrids that have significantly different breed qualities. Before buying Vietnamese pigs, it is recommended to find out in advance how thoroughbred piglets should look at a certain age.

What to look for when choosing a pig?

It is advisable to purchase animals only at trusted pig farms, where you can look at the conditions for keeping adult pigs, talk with farmers. But. Even before you buy piglets from a well-known company, you need to pay attention to the following nuances:

1. Find out from the seller the approximate daily weight gain of the young - it is by this criterion that you can find out the age of the individual.
2. In the case of choosing individuals for further breeding, you should not buy all the young at once from only one pig. Related incest will allow you to get sick offspring (sometimes dead piglets are born as a result of such a mating, which indicates a conflict of genes).
3. It is important to pay attention to the appearance of Vietnamese piglets. Healthy individuals have a strong physique, a wide head, massive limbs. You will also need to look under the tail of the piglets - there should not be traces of feces.
4. The coat of piglets should be smooth, without bald spots. Shiny eyes are another important sign of health.
5. Usually Vietnamese piglets are active, showing interest in food.

If it is necessary to purchase a large livestock of Vietnamese pigs, it is advisable for a beginner to seek help from a professional pig breeder. Because a person without relevant experience does not always have the ability to distinguish a purebred animal from a hybrid.

Video - How to choose a Vietnamese pig

Characteristic features of the breed

The Vietnamese lop-bellied pig breed has the following characteristics, thanks to which they fell in love with pig farmers throughout the country:

1. Growth rate. In animals, puberty occurs early - closer to four months. However, the case of pigs is recommended at 6-7 months to get stronger offspring.
2. Lack of difficulties in caring for piglets. Vietnamese sows have a pronounced parental instinct, so they feed and nurture their cubs on their own.
3. Adaptation to cold climates. Although the piglets were brought from hot countries, they adapt to the weather in many Russian regions without any problems.
4. Excellent characteristics of finished meat products. In the carcasses of these pigs, there is an insignificant layer of fat and tasty tender meat.
5. Good health. Unlike many other breeds of pigs, these individuals have good immunity and rarely suffer from various diseases, so they do not even need vaccination. However, as with any other farm animals, they need antihelminthic therapy.
6. High fertility. Vietnamese females give 8-12 piglets at a time, it is not uncommon for 15 piglets to be born in one sow.
7. No high feed costs. Vietnamese pigs belong to the group of herbivores, and they eat mostly only plant foods.
8. Cleanliness. Pigs are distinguished by cleanliness, they independently choose a place for a “toilet” and will never stain the entire pigsty.

Productive qualities are also affected by the care of pigs, therefore, in order to achieve maximum profitability of the farm, it is necessary to provide comfortable conditions for the livestock.

Conditions of detention

Successful breeding of pigs requires compliance with certain rules of keeping. Due to the fact that piglets and adults are small in size (compared to other breeds), they do not need an overly spacious pigsty. Regardless of the size, it is advisable to build a future pigsty from bricks or cinder blocks; it is recommended to fill the floor in the room with concrete. This is done to prevent animals from digging the ground. However, some part of the floor is covered with wood flooring as a heater.

The area of ​​​​the pigsty is distributed into small pens, the area of ​​\u200b\u200beach should be 4-5 square meters. m. In such a machine can fit two females, one male or a sow with offspring.

There should be no drafts in the pigsty, but at the same time, for the normal growth of individuals, it is necessary to organize normal ventilation, because clean air improves appetite. In addition, as in any room where farm animals live, ammonia accumulates, and its toxic fumes must have an outlet so as not to poison the livestock.

In winter, the pig room needs heating - sub-zero temperatures will have a detrimental effect on the condition of the individuals. Sub-zero temperatures are especially dangerous for small piglets and females immediately after farrowing. To heat the pigsty, heat guns or heaters are installed.

Walking for pigs

From the very beginning of spring until the onset of cold weather, pigs should organize walking in the open. For such purposes, an aviary is being built, which is connected to the pigsty room. If the herd is taken to a paddock located at a distance from the main building, some part of the paddock is covered with a canopy. Pigs need shelter in which they can stay during rain or extreme heat.

Portable feeders and drinkers are installed in the aviary, and in the summer, mud baths are built for the Vietnamese, where they cool off from the intense heat - for this you need to dig a small hole in the ground and periodically pour water into it.

Some pig breeders prefer to keep livestock only in a pigsty, but this has an extremely negative effect on the health of the Vietnamese. Cooped individuals suffer from vitamin deficiencies, which are manifested by the following symptoms:

• hoof deformation;
• peeling of the skin;
• thinning of wool;
• tearing;
• wobbly gait.

Often, in the absence of free range, pigs develop a lack of vitamin A. A similar problem poses a great danger to young animals and pregnant females. Young piglets are retarded and sows have miscarriages.

Important point! Sometimes the cause of clubfoot in pigs is too massive, sagging belly. Therefore, such a feature is not always considered a deviation.

Feeding Vietnamese pigs

The opinions of farmers regarding the feeding of Vietnamese pigs are quite controversial. Some livestock breeders prefer to feed livestock only with plant foods, some add feed and food waste to the diet, believing that with vegetarian feeding, bellied piglets will not be able to gain body weight normally.

Regardless of which type of feeding is chosen, it is worth remembering that any food given to Vietnamese pigs is given only in a certain amount. This is done in order to achieve optimal body weight and quality of meat products. Therefore, in the summer, adult pigs are fed twice a day, and in winter - three times a day.

With free-range content, the additional diet of an adult pig is:

• proteins - 14%;
• fiber - 16%;
• fats - 1.5%

Among all grain crops, pigs of this breed love barley the most. This is beneficial for the farmer, since the price of this grain is low, while the product contributes to the active weight gain of piglets. Young barley is given only in ground form, after roasting and steaming with boiling water. It is allowed to give individuals wheat and rye in ground form. Porridges are prepared from it with the addition of milk for small piglets. Such food is perfectly absorbed in their body.

Important point! It is undesirable to feed Vietnamese pigs with raw grain - as a result of such nutrition, they have difficulties with digestion. In addition, such food has no nutritional value.

Table 1. Step-by-step instruction for making porridge for Vietnamese piglets

Illustration	Description
	Step one: you will need to take two parts of barley grits and one part of crushed corn.
	Step two: put a pot of water on the stove, bring to a boil and add crushed corn. And then, stirring thoroughly, boil the corn for 20 minutes.
	Step three: after 20 minutes, pour barley groats into the pan and mix thoroughly.
	Step four: you need to boil the porridge for another 10 minutes and add a little salt.

For normal growth, piglets need to add vitamin E to the feed. B veterinary pharmacy you can immediately purchase a whole complex of vitamins and minerals, which is called a premix.

Do not forget that pigs, like any other animals, require fresh drinking water in unlimited quantities. Therefore, drinkers are installed in the pigsty and on the run.

In the winter season, Vietnamese pigs are given prepared feed: hay, dried corn stalks. Since during this period there is no green food, which is usually eaten by walking individuals, the amount in the diet should be increased. You can also feed the livestock with root crops and bran.

Features of feeding small piglets

From the moment of birth to thirty days of life, the main food of Vietnamese piglets is mother's milk. Introducing new food into the diet begins from 7-10 days.

During this period, it is recommended to give young animals mineral supplements: chalk, crushed coal, which help strengthen the skeleton and improve overall immunity. Do not forget that any new food is given in small portions, so as not to provoke indigestion.

Table 1. Complementary foods for Vietnamese piglets

Do not allow piglets to feed on sow's milk for too long, because their body needs additional food. In addition, prolonged feeding has an extremely negative effect on the health of the female - the reserves of useful substances are depleted in her body. Young animals are weaned from the sow at the age of 30-45 days, during this period they can already eat adult food.

Video - Feed consumption for Vietnamese piglets

The nuances of raising pigs as a business

Raising bellied pigs is considered a good business idea. But it is worth highlighting a few basic nuances, the knowledge of which will allow you to properly organize the business:

1. It is advisable to grow piglets up to 4-5 months, because it is during this period that they have the most tender meat and there is practically no layer of fat. The average weight of piglets at this age is 35-40 kilograms, and although the carcasses are small, it is the meat of young animals that is in great demand.
2. clean output finished products from such pigs is about 78-80%. It depends on the age and weight of the animal younger pig the less waste.
3. You can increase the profitability of your business by creating your own feed base. It is desirable to organize a pig farm in rural areas, where it will be possible to grow your own grain. You will also need to purchase your own grain crusher.

IN Lately the bellied Vietnamese pig has ceased to be just an exotic animal. Entrepreneurs involved in farming, increasingly began to opt for breeding these cute little animals.

History of the breed

The breed of pigs "Vietnamese bellied" was brought from Vietnam to Canada and Eastern Europe back in 1985. Gradually, the fashion for breeding these animals spread to many countries: America, France, Hungary, Poland and others. The most active breeding work is currently being carried out in Hungary and Canada. In these countries, specialists are trying to make the breed even more attractive for breeding by increasing the size of the animal and the percentage of its muscle mass. In Russia, this breed has become widespread relatively recently, livestock breeders are just beginning to master the breeding of these good-natured pigs.

Breed features

Pigs of the Vietnamese breed are distinguished by certain features that must be considered when breeding them. Many of these are the benefits that make pigs such a fast-growing fashion.

One of the main features of the breed is the rapid maturation of animals. Already at 4 months, females become sexually mature, and boars are ready for breeding at 6 months. Moreover, caring for newborn piglets is quite simple, since the sow does not interfere with him and behaves quite friendly. She herself takes care of the offspring, having a developed maternal instinct.

Another feature of these pigs is good immunity, they perfectly tolerate both hot climates and cold winters. These animals are only afraid of drafts, which are especially detrimental to small piglets.

Appearance

The bellied Vietnamese pig got its name because of the large hanging belly, which is especially striking because of the short legs.

Pigs can be white or black. There are individuals of a marble color that combines both of these shades. Because of the short legs, the belly of the pigs practically touches the ground. Their back is slightly concave, on the head are small ears. The stigmas resemble an accordion due to the large number of folds. Outwardly, the piglet of these pigs is somewhat similar to the muzzle of a pug due to the large number of bends.

Pigs are able to grow and gain weight for the first five years, although this process gradually becomes progressively slower. The weight of Vietnamese pigs that have reached the year is about 80 kg. In the livestock market, individuals weighing about 100 kg are most often represented.

Benefits of breeding

The Vietnamese Loose Belly pig breed gained its popularity due to the following advantages:

1. Low cost of feeding.

2. Compact dimensions, allowing you to keep several individuals at once in one not too large machine.

3. Immunity resistant to diseases and temperature extremes.

4. The possibility of almost year-round (depending on the place of breeding) free-range, as the pigs perfectly tolerate low temperatures during the winter.

5. The animals are very clean, free from the specific smell inherent in almost all pigs of other breeds.

6. They have tender meat with little fat and no streaks. The low cholesterol content in the product makes it possible to eat it for people with vascular diseases.

7. Early sexual maturity makes it possible to get the first offspring from a pig that has reached only 7-9 months. At the same time, animals that live for about 30 years are capable of farrowing throughout their lives. In addition, Vietnamese breed pigs are incredibly prolific, they bring from 12 to 20 piglets at a time.

8. Calm and good-natured. They let the owner to the piglets, do not break the enclosures, they have the ability to train.

Features of choice

All the advantages of this breed will be real only when choosing healthy individuals capable of producing offspring in the future. There is sometimes a Vietnamese bellied pig, reviews of which are not very good. As a rule, such animals weigh about 40-60 kg by the year, and the farm owner cannot even get offspring from a female for 10 months. This result is most often due to the wrong choice of piglets. To buy an animal suitable for breeding, you need to pay attention to the following points:

1. You can not buy piglets that have appeared from the same litter.

2. If the breeder has several sows and one boar on the farm, then it is better not to buy piglets in this place. Such animals will certainly be relatives from which it is impossible to obtain healthy offspring.

3. You need to find out the weight with which the piglet was born. It is better if the seller also tells the growth dynamics of the animal at intervals of 10 days from the moment of birth.

4. In order to make sure that the age of the piglet indicated by the seller and its real value, you can ask to see the sow that gave birth to the animal. If the piglet is only a month old, then the pig should have sagging milk lobes, it should look thinner. Otherwise, the piglet is older than the seller says, or there is another sow in front of the buyer.

5. You can also determine a healthy animal by appearance. Piglets should have well-developed muscles. Legs in healthy individuals are strong, widely spaced. An external sign of belonging to the breed is a kind of stigma, which has numerous bends of the nasal bones.

If a piglet has a long head, a spindle-shaped body and legs in the shape of the letter "X", then such an individual is sick. In addition, these signs may indicate degeneration resulting from the birth of a piglet from relative parents.

A healthy piglet is distinguished by a knocked down dense physique, even coat, shiny eyes. Such an animal is active, has a good appetite. The excellent mood of the piglet is evidenced by waving a thin tail from side to side.

Color doesn't matter. It is predominantly black, but even in one litter there can be piglets of both white and mixed color.

6. If the litter has more than 12 piglets, then such animals may be weak. The choice must be taken very carefully.

7. Having decided on the piglet, you need to ask about the food that the previous owner used. The transition to another diet should not be abrupt, otherwise the animal may get sick.

Keeping Vietnamese pigs does not require much trouble. Due to their relatively compact size, the animals do not require a very large pigsty. It is best to make it out of brick, and make the floor concrete. So that in the cold season the pigs do not freeze on the stone floor, about 2/3 of the pigsty should be covered with wooden scaffolding. This area will be a kind of sleeping place for animals. The rest of the space will serve as a place for feeding and a toilet. The bellied Vietnamese pig is a clean animal, so you don’t have to worry that manure will be scattered throughout the pigsty. In addition, the animals do not dig the floor, which also simplifies the life of their owner.

One pen with a size of about 4.5 m2 can accommodate two adult pigs, one sow with piglets or a boar. When planning the internal structure of the pigsty between the machines, it is necessary to leave a passage sufficient for the passage of a trolley, with which it will be possible to remove manure. The ventilation system must be well organized in the room. The lack of fresh air and the cluttering of the pigsty will adversely affect the health of the animals.

Despite the fact that the breeding of Vietnamese bellied pigs is possible even at low temperatures, which they calmly endure, you still need to worry about heating the pigsty for the winter. For the sow and newborn piglets, the cold can be devastating. In order for the offspring to be healthy, grow well and recover, it needs a temperature of at least 20 degrees Celsius. Heating of the room can be carried out by gas convectors, a Russian stove, and other heating methods.

paddock

Daily exposure to fresh air in warm weather provides pigs with strong immunity and a good mood. Less sick and well put on weight regularly walking Vietnamese bellied pigs. Keeping exclusively in captivity will result in breeding weak and sick animals.

On the site for walking, if there is no need to dig a few logs into the ground. Pigs love to rub against them. A light canopy that protects animals from rain and the scorching sun will not interfere on the site.

Pigs of this breed, who are very fond of swimming in the mud, will be given great pleasure, a kind of pool. Its role can be played by a small depression in the ground measuring 2 by 2 meters. The pit must be periodically filled with fresh water. In such a pool, pigs can get rid of annoying insects, as well as cool off in hot summer weather.

Feed selection

Proper diet is the key not only to the growth of a healthy animal and a good weight gain, but also to obtaining high-quality lean meat, which distinguishes Vietnamese bellied pigs. Feeding animals depends on the special structure of their digestive system. A small stomach and a small intestinal diameter, the rapid movement of food through the digestive tract make it undesirable to use coarse feed. The standard treat of ordinary pigs, such as straw, will not bring any benefit to the Vietnamese breed. Well digested in the gastrointestinal tract of these pigs is a young legume family - alfalfa, clover.

A good option is compound feed, cooked in the form of a thick, dense porridge. Such food lingers in the mouth for a long time; Vietnamese pigs chew it thoroughly. Feeding food of this consistency contributes to the release of a large amount of saliva, under the influence of which starch turns into sugar. This simplifies the process of digestion.

In order for food to be assimilated as best as possible, preference should be given to ground grain. Whole grain feeds mostly pass through the pig's digestive tract unchanged, without being digested.

The basis of compound feed is barley and wheat. Oats, peas and corn are also added to it. The latter should not be more than 10%, since this cereal causes obesity in pigs. If you add too much corn to the feed, then it will be almost impossible to get tender bacon meat.

Vitamin supplements have a good effect on the health of pigs. Piglets can be given fish oil, eggs, milk, and vitamins are added to the bucket of feed for sows. In its raw form, so that vitamins do not break down, you can give animals zucchini, carrots, pumpkins. If vegetables are still cooked, they should be cooked immediately before feeding.

Farrowing of Vietnamese lop-bellied pigs

The main condition for the appearance of healthy offspring is the absence of family ties between the sow and the boar. Otherwise, the appearance of piglets with deformities, weak and sick is possible. In the future, such animals gain weight very poorly, often they cannot have their own offspring.

The bellied Vietnamese pig reaches puberty by the age of 4 months, the boar - a little later. You can determine that you can start mating by the state of the pig. She becomes restless, the genital loop swells. When pressing on the croup, the animal freezes in one place. If all these signs are visible, the pig can be placed with a boar for one day. The first farrowing of Vietnamese pigs is about 5 piglets, then up to 20 animals are born, most often about 12.

The pregnancy of a pig lasts from 114 to 118 days. A few days before giving birth, the animal begins to worry, to equip the nest, carefully crushing the hay. If colostrum appeared from the nipples, then the appearance of piglets will occur within a day. For farrowing, you need to carefully prepare. In the machine you need to clean up well, leaving only hay and a bowl of clean water. Separately, you need to equip a corner for newborn piglets. It should be warm in this place, in the first hours of life the temperature will be about 30 degrees.

If necessary, the airways of piglets are cleared of mucus, then placed in a prepared place to dry. It is important to ensure that in the first hour of life each piglet receives the required amount of colostrum. It contains a large number of nutrients, which are very lacking in newborn offspring.

Piglets at first feed exclusively on milk, which meets their needs for almost all nutrients. The exception is iron. To prevent anemia in offspring, piglets can be given injections of special drugs.

On average, by 10 days of life, a piglet reaches a weight of 1 kg, by 20 days - 1.5-2 kg. By a month, a piglet with a birth weight of 400-450 g should weigh at least 2.5-3 kg.

For a good weight gain, week-old piglets can begin to introduce complementary foods. It can be chalk, charcoal, other substances containing calcium, phosphorus. 10 days after birth, animals are given clean water. Two-week-old piglets can begin to feed thick porridge. A month after giving birth, the amount of milk in the sow is reduced, by this time the babies should learn to chew food on their own. In the same period, it is necessary to begin the gradual weaning of piglets from the mother.

Breeding result

This breed is a promising investment. Vietnamese bellied pigs, whose adult price is about 8,000 rubles, are very unpretentious, do not require expensive feed and special care. The decisive factor for profitable breeding is right choice piglets, the cost of which is about 3000 rubles.

The meat of pigs of this breed is very tender and tasty. It appeared on the market recently, but has already earned the trust of consumers. The meat of medium-sized individuals weighing up to 40 kg has especially good taste, although carcasses weighing about 100 kg enter the market.

The meat of Vietnamese bellied pigs contains little cholesterol, retains most of the nutrients in any method of heat treatment.

In order for animals to grow well, gain weight and bring healthy offspring, you need to follow the recommendations for keeping and feeding animals. Then breeding pigs of this breed will become a really profitable business.

At the end of the 20th century, a new breed of pets appeared in Russia, Europe and America - Vietnamese. According to its characteristics, it is significantly ahead of its counterparts, which makes it quite popular. Vietnamese pigs grow quickly and gain weight, become sexually mature early, have numerous offspring, do not require special feed - these advantages have led many breeders to choose these animals.

Vietnamese piglets - characteristics and description

The Vietnamese Loose-bellied pig breed got its name from the name of the country from which it was exported, and according to external signs.

For the first time, these animals were brought to Canada from Vietnam, hence the definition assigned to them in the name. But it would be more correct to say Asian bellies, since they are bred in many countries of Southeast Asia. Farmers immediately appreciated the advantages of this breed: the maintenance of Vietnamese pigs does not require huge costs, there are no problems with feeding, but real income can be obtained quickly enough. Following the Canadian breeders, this breed was noticed in many countries of the American continent and in Europe. Vietnamese pigs are also popular in Russia.

The meat of Vietnamese pigs is considered environmentally friendly, since animals eat exclusively plant foods.

In addition, there is a good ability to adapt to any climatic conditions.

What does a Vietnamese pig breed look like?

It is easy to buy just such pigs, since outwardly even Vietnamese breed piglets have bright distinguishing features:

• first of all, it is a strongly sagging stomach (for which they are called bellied); in adults, it can practically touch the ground;
• animals have a slightly flattened muzzle; it seems that their snout is slightly depressed, and on the cheeks, even in small piglets, there are noticeable folds;
• ears are small, erect;
• the animal is squat, has small short legs;
• wild boars have fangs that can reach a size of 15-18 cm; females do not have such decorations;
• adult animals reach a size of 45-50 cm at the withers;
• average weight up to 85 kg, there are individuals and 150 kg;
• bristles grow from the withers of the animal along the back, approximately 20 cm long; when the animal shows emotions, these hairs rise;
• most often they are black, other colors are very rare (possibly the consequences of crossing with other breeds).

Quite often, Vietnamese pigs are confused with Chinese decorative pygmy pigs. In fact, these are completely different breeds, the characteristics of which are very different, although these animals have common roots. But Korean and Vietnamese pigs are really one breed, which is more correct to call Asian herbivores.

Maintenance and care of Vietnamese piglets

Pigsty

The pigsty itself must be brick, and the floors are filled with concrete. Be sure to make a low tide so that the liquid does not accumulate in the room. This can have a bad effect on the condition of the animals. Vietnamese pigs are quite clean, they can be anxious if the room is dirty.

Many breeders note that, unlike their counterparts, flip flops are very clean, which saves time on cleaning the premises, as they choose one latrine for themselves.

First of all, you should properly equip the pigsty. It is better to divide an ordinary room with partitions (“rooms” in which the pigs will live). Most of such a compartment should be covered with wooden boards. In this place, the animal will rest: on such a flooring it will not be cold, put hay, sawdust or leaves there. The animal will adapt the other part for a latrine. Natural cleanliness does not allow them to relieve themselves in the same place where they sleep, on the other hand, the cleaning process becomes much easier. For each female with piglets, you need to allocate a room about 4-5 meters in size, smaller rooms are suitable for young individuals and boars.

Be sure to take care of the ventilation in the pigsty, the lack of it can interfere with the rest of the animals.

Place for walking

Put logs on the walking area that the animals could scratch on. If there are trees, do not uproot them, they will also be useful to pigs.

Make a small canopy under which, in case of rain or heat, a Vietnamese lop-bellied pig could hide.

Those who decide to start breeding these pigs have probably heard that these animals are exclusively herbivores. Indeed, the basis of the feed is vegetation, but you should know what kind of grass Vietnamese pigs eat and what else they prefer.

Many farmers note that animals of this breed rarely suffer from intestinal disorders and poisoning. This is due to the fact that they know how to feel poisonous plants very subtly and will never touch food, even if it contains at least one stalk of grass unsuitable for them.

The digestive system of fold-bellied pigs is somewhat different from the system of pigs of traditional breeds. Firstly, the size of the stomach - the Vietnamese pig has a much smaller organ. Secondly, the intestines are somewhat thinner, which allows food to move faster and be better absorbed. But, unfortunately, this structure of the digestive system has its drawbacks: coarse food can stagnate, which causes significant discomfort to the animal.

To better digest food, do not give the pigs stews: they should not swallow food immediately, but chew it thoroughly in their mouths. It is recommended to soak until the consistency of slurry and leave the food for at least a few hours. Sometimes the food should be slightly salted, this will promote salivation.

Pigs should be fed twice a day: in the morning before walking and in the evening before going to bed. In winter, you can introduce another small daytime feeding. Breeders note that bellies do not require as much food as pigs of other breeds. At the same time, their growth is significantly greater, which makes the breeding of these animals more profitable.

Pigs especially like clover. Stocks of it for the winter are made in special pits, where it does not dry out and is less susceptible to decay.

But feeding only with grass will not give the desired results in growth, so other complementary foods should be introduced. It is very good to add cereals (wheat, barley), but it is better if they are in a slightly ground state. In its pure form, the grain may not be digested.

Young shoots of legumes are very fond of pigs. But it is worth noting that a large content of corn in complementary foods will affect body fat, therefore frequent feeding this culture is not recommended.

Don't give fodder beets, their rough texture is not digested well enough in the stomach, which can lead to constipation and bowel problems.

Like other breeds, bellies can safely be given waste from their plant-based cuisine, such as peeling vegetables.

Vietnamese piglets require special feeding. About what to feed them and how, we will tell in a separate part.

Reproduction of Vietnamese bellied pigs

These animals reach sexual maturity quite early: females are ready for crossing as early as 4 months, wild boars - by 6. Experienced breeders recommend paying attention to the weight of the animal and not allowing animals weighing less than 30 kg to cross.

Wild boars can be active very early and perform "training" actions, even in relation not only to females, but also to other males. There are no deviations in this, and subsequently they will be full-fledged producers.

If the crossing was successful, then the pregnancy of the pigs can be recognized by the changed behavior: they become calmer, sleep more. Gestation lasts no more than 118 days, sometimes a little less.

It is believed that pigs can give birth completely on their own. In fact, this is not the case, especially if the farrowing of Vietnamese pigs is taking place for the first time. You can find out about the upcoming birth by the behavior of the sow. She begins to actively prepare the nest: she crushes hay for bedding, rakes it into a pile. Sawdust and leaves are best removed at this time. In two or three days, the stomach drops heavily, sometimes the animal practically stops walking, because the stomach drags along the ground, the nipples swell strongly, and liquid is released when pressed. A few hours before giving birth, the sow may refuse to eat, sometimes grunting restlessly.

• scissors to cut the umbilical cord;
• thick threads (they tie up the umbilical cord);
• iodine for the treatment of the navel;
• diapers in which it will be possible to wrap newborn piglets;
• a red lamp (set in the corral to maintain the temperature - about 32 degrees);
• container with warm water.

Only the born piglet is wiped dry, the birth films and mucus are removed, paying special attention to the heel and mouth, they are placed under the lamp to dry and warm up. And then they put it to the sow: the feeding of Vietnamese bellied piglets with mother's milk (more precisely, colostrum) must necessarily take place in the first hour after birth. While the birth lasts, the owner is advised to monitor how the newborns eat: if the babies suck sluggishly, you should worry.

Usually farrowing lasts up to 5 hours, but there are cases of difficult births when the uterus gives birth up to 12 hours. Usually there are 10-14 piglets in a litter, the maximum is 20, but not in young sows. During the year, as a rule, there are two farrowings.

After giving birth, the sow needs rest: it is necessary to enclose the place from other animals. Do not worry if the animal does not get up to eat immediately after giving birth. If the sow does not get up long enough, call the vet. This is a serious cause for concern.

If Vietnamese piglets were born in your pigsty, pay attention to feeding the sow. Food intake should be slightly higher than before. An animal can eat more than twice a day. Make sure that there is always clean water, but do not put it near the kids.

Vietnamese piglet care

If Vietnamese bellied piglets came from your sow, then keeping them is quite simple. Vietnamese piglets are fed by their mother with her milk. In the first month they suck almost constantly, they can be applied every half hour. But the owners should still be careful: the feeding of the Vietnamese piglets must be sufficient, otherwise they will lag behind in development, which can lead to the death of the young.

In any litter there are active kids and passive ones. If you notice that the baby is often pushed away by other piglets from the litter, put it under the nipple yourself.

Sows of this breed are distinguished by a good maternal instinct: they are very caring, rarely refuse babies, they constantly “talk” with them.

In the first days of life, Vietnamese bellied piglets require attention from breeders, as their iron levels in the body are sharply reduced. They begin to freeze, which can sometimes be fatal. So be sure to follow temperature regime in a pigsty: it will be better if a heating device (for example, a lamp) is working near the sow. Constantly check that the babies do not crawl far away from the pig. The pig itself requires attention. At this time, the maintenance and care of her should be especially thorough: check the condition of the nipples, add vitamins to food, clean up the place.

When installing heating devices, remember safety precautions: an animal can accidentally touch it and damage it. The consequences are sometimes dire.

From birth, babies have two milk teeth in their mouths that help them grasp the nipple. In no case should these teeth be removed: without them, the natural feeding of Vietnamese piglets will be difficult.

It is a mistake to assume that during the first month babies eat only mother's milk. Feeding Vietnamese fold-bellied piglets requires complementary foods by the third week. It is necessary to prepare a liquid slurry by adding chalk and clay to it, as well as vitamins containing iron.

The baby's weight gain for the first month should be 2.5-3 kg. If these figures are less, contact your veterinarian, there may be developmental abnormalities. Specify what to feed Vietnamese piglets at home, except for mother's milk.

If you are buying piglets, then do not buy animals that are not yet a month old. Until this age, Vietnamese piglets should be with the mother, feeding and caring for them will be problematic.

At the beginning of the second month, Vietnamese bellied piglets become noticeably more independent. Breeders are interested in how to feed Vietnamese fold-bellied piglets at home at this age. At this stage, the stay of young animals near the mother should be somewhat limited. To do this, take them out for walks, where they can run enough.

Young animals are fed several times a day. If adult animals are fed twice, then piglets are offered food 4-5 times. They eat a little, it is not recommended to leave food leftovers. What do Vietnamese piglets eat at this age? Usually they prepare a gruel (but not very liquid) based on cow or goat milk, where carefully chopped legume hay, oats, barley, corn, bran, and some root crops (preferably carrots or potatoes) are added. Despite the fact that babies by this age already have 8 milk teeth in their mouths, food for them should not contain large fragments: they are poorly digested and can lead to constipation.

By the end of the second month, Vietnamese bellied piglets have the following characteristics: weight up to 10 kg, height at the withers up to 20 cm, by this age they practically do not need mother's milk and can completely switch to normal pig food.

By the third month, the Vietnamese lop-eared piglet is considered to be almost an adult, after a month the females are already ready to mate. Such rapid growth and weight gain makes breeding these animals cost-effective. Care at this time for Vietnamese piglets is practically no different at home from caring for adult animals.

If you do not plan further breeding, you can stop fattening at this age. The meat of young Vietnamese pigs is considered dietary, since it contains practically no fat, it is very tender.

Buying Vietnamese bellied pigs

If you decide to start breeding this breed of pigs, pay attention to the recommendations of experienced farmers before buying.

• It is better to purchase piglets from different litters, so that in the future there will be no problems when breeding offspring. Check with the sellers how many wild boars and pigs are on their farm, it is better if the young animals have not only different mothers.
• Look at the state of the producers. The health of young animals is directly related to their health.
• Specify the age and correlate it with the weight of the piglets. With normal development, by two months the young weigh about 10 kg.
• Be sure to ask what kind of grass these Vietnamese pigs prefer to eat. Your feeding, especially in the early days, should not be much different from what they are used to.
• If you are just starting out breeding, you can purchase animals of different ages.

Interesting facts about Vietnamese bellied pigs

• Many breeders note the calm nature of these animals. They rarely panic and squeal for no reason, very accommodating.
• Boars are so smart that they guard their pigsty from uninvited guests. And they work together. It is unlikely that a stranger would want to enter if he was met at the entrance by several fairly large males, moreover, armed with fangs.
• In some Asian countries, pigs of this breed are considered a talisman of good luck and prosperity. Although it is known that in Muslim states the pig is considered a "dirty" animal. At the same time, Vietnamese women are not sacred and are eaten.
• Animals of this breed are easy to train and sometimes serve as guard dogs.

Vietnamese fold-bellied pigs are rarely kept as pets: the size of the animal and the characteristics of life make their stay in the house at least uncomfortable for the rest. But they say that actor George Clooney had such a pig in his house.