The Mangalitza is a unique breed of domestic pig originating in Hungary, created in the 19th century by crossing the local Bakonyi and Szalontai breeds with European wild boars and Serbian pigs from Šumadija. It is distinguished by its thick, curly and highly insulating fur, reminiscent of sheep’s wool, available in three main color varieties – blond, red and “swallowtail” (black body with white belly).
Habits
It lives in small herds, moves freely on pastures and in forested areas, is very resistant to harsh environmental conditions and spends most of the day digging in the soil in search of roots, fruits and vegetation.
Reproduction
Females reach sexual maturity around 8–10 months; the gestation period is approximately 114 days, and each female can give birth to an average of 5–10 piglets per litter, which are suckled by the mother for up to 3–4 months.
Distribution
Originally from the Hungarian Steppe, the Mangalitza breed was later introduced to the surrounding regions of the Austro-Hungarian Empire (Romania, Serbia, Austria) and subsequently spread to Germany and the Czech Republic, being today raised on traditional farms and in conservation programs to maintain local agricultural heritage.
