Saving Endangered Hog Breeds - SARE Grant Management System

Animal Production: housing, animal protection and health, free-range, grazing management, livestock breeding, preventive practices, stocking rate
Crop Production: food product quality/safety
Education and Training: demonstration, mentoring, networking, workshop, technical assistance
Farm Business Management: new enterprise development, marketing management, feasibility study, market study, value added
Natural Resources/Environment: biodiversity
Production Systems: agroecosystems
Sustainable Communities: sustainability measures

Proposal abstract:

This project’s desired long-term outcomes (10 – 15 years) are to demonstrate that Heritage Pork production is an economically viable enterprise for small and mid-scale farmers, to numerically and genetically secure populations of currently endangered swine breeds, and to create a successful model that can be used to help recover endangered breeds of other species. To make progress in that direction, five specific objectives have been identified. The first is to quantify & publish genetic variability and relationships within and among rare swine breeds using DNA and pedigree analysis, which will provide the genomic information needed for effective breed conservation. The second is to assist swine breeders in the development of long-term breeding strategies to maintain genetic health. The third objective is to develop educational materials specifically for traditional old-type swine based on historic pasture-based management practices and modern health information, educate breeders and producers in the husbandry and breeding stock selection of endangered swine breeds. Many novices are interested in rare breeds and to ensure their success and the long-term conservation of the breeds, the new farmers will need the education that was once provided at daddy’s side and absorbed from birth. The fourth objective is to produce and disseminate Pork Carcass Percentage Data sheets for eight rare breeds of swine. This baseline work on each breed will result in valuable marketing tools for producers and breed associations. Datasheets will help articulate what purchasers can expect from each breed. And finally, in objective five the project will research and define a value chain in the South for Heritage Pork products. By identifying all of the critical players and capacities in a value chain, collaborators and producers will be able to determine the potential for success, and as appropriate, pursue additional funding for its implementation.

Project objectives from proposal:

1. Quantify & publish genetic variability and relationships within and among rare swine breeds using DNA and pedigree analysis, which will provide the genomic information needed for effective breed conservation.
2. Assist swine breeders in the development of long-term breeding strategies to maintain genetic health.
3. Develop educational materials specifically for traditional old-type swine based on historic pasture-based management practices and modern health information, educate breeders and producers in the husbandry and breeding stock selection of endangered swine breeds.
4. Produce and disseminate Pork Carcass Percentage Data sheets for eight rare breeds of swine. This baseline work on each breed will result in valuable marketing tools for producers and breed associations. Datasheets will help articulate what purchasers can expect from each breed.
5. Research and define a value chain in the South for Heritage Pork products.

Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.