Meishan Pigs

Meishan Pigs for Sale in Virginia

History of the Meishan Pig

The Meishan pigs are one of the oldest, if not the oldest domesticated breed of pigs in the world. Meishan pigs are prized for their succulent marbled meat and superior lard and fat quality. Meishans were bred for hyper productivity and prolificacy and to thrive in smaller areas and on rougher diets than other pig breeds. In conjunction with these traits, Meishans have been bred to be extremely quiet, docile and sedentary making them easier to manage. Meishan litters are typically in the 14-16 piglets range with litters occasionally hitting 20 or more. A sow in the USDA research herd once farrowed 28.

Meishans were first imported into the U.S. in 1989. They were brought in as part of a joint study between the USDA, Iowa State and the University of Illinois. Only 99 Meishan pigs were imported and they were equally divided (both by sex and genetic profile) between the three participating research facilities. This marked the third, final, and largest exportation of Meishans allowed by China in modern times. Meishans were imported specifically to be studied for their hyper productivity. In addition to their large litters they also enter puberty at approximately 90 days which is significantly faster than most domestic hog breeds. They are excellent mothers and in study herds had higher weaning to farrowing ratios than conventional breeds. Meishan piglets are interestingly born with more highly developed digestive systems than conventional swine. This is believed to make the piglets more resistant to digestive diseases of piglets and allows for earlier weaning of piglets.

Under the agreement between the USDA and China, the Meishans were restricted to use in research facilities or zoos until the prolificacy experiments were concluded. Iowa State then dispersed their herd between 2008 and 2010. USDA and the University of Illinois dispersed their herds entirely in 2016. Today none of the original research facilities maintain Meishan herds. It is important to point out that the three research herds spent over 20 years in total genetic isolation from one another and none were inter bred until pigs were in private hands beginning in 2016.

Physical Characteristics of Meishan Pigs

Unlike most pig breeds, Meishans thrive on a diet higher in fiber and roughage. They are known to be an extremely docile and sedentary breed. They are thought to have a lower environmental impact on pastures as compared to others. These pigs have a stocky build, with a large head, short snout, and heavy jowls. They have large, droopy ears that cover their eyes and a wrinkled forehead, which gives them a distinctive and charming appearance. Meishan pigs have a dark skin color traditionally with white/pink socks. Additionally, Meishan pigs have a high reproductive rate and are known for their ability to produce large litters of piglets, making them an excellent choice for breeding programs. Overall, the physical characteristics of Meishan pigs make them a unique and valuable breed in the world of swine farming.

Meishan Pig Conservation Efforts

With such a limited number of Meishan in the US, its more important now then ever to ensure ethical breeding and working with others to make sure this breed has a future in the United States. These conservation efforts are crucial to ensure that the unique genetics and cultural heritage of Meishan pigs are preserved for future generations to enjoy and appreciate.

Want to help support our conservation efforts? Grab a Meishan product below to help us continue to make a future for this adorable breed.

Meishan Pigs for Sale

Interested in adding Meishan’s to your farm? Drop us your email below and we will notify you when piglets are for sale.
Our farm is located in Newport, Virginia outside Blacksburg Virginia in Southwest Virginia.
All pigs can be registered with the American Meishan Breeders Association.