Mallorca's black pig: keeping native breeds viable

Mallorca's black pig is on the agenda in Palma, Mallorca: a three-day congress ends on Saturday, 31 October, with a question for the farms that keep native breeds — how to make that work pay. Researchers, breeders' associations and livestock specialists have met at the University of the Balearic Islands to discuss conserving and improving those breeds, the Balearic Islands Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Natural Environment says.

The research covers Mallorca's black pig and goat, cattle from Mallorca and Menorca, Ibiza's chicken and Balearic horse breeds. Four sheep breeds and various dog breeds also feature, alongside studies of a cattle grouping called Vaca de la Reina and black pigs from Formentera and Ibiza.

On the final day, the talks turn to selling products from native breeds, quality certification, using wool and opportunities for producers. The ministry says the issue is not only how to preserve the breeds, but whether the farms that keep them can remain economically viable.

Topics: Nature & wildlife · Agriculture

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com