Worldwide, pig farming is one of the main sources of animal protein.
In 2012, commercial consumption of pork per capita in Yucatan was 28 kg. Currently, consumption of Creole pork has increased, especially in the “gourmet” market. For decades, the Mexican hairless pig (MHP) has been important in the survival economy of the Mayan people.
However, its population has decreased dramatically to the point of being at risk of extinction. Despite the belief that the MHP is resistant to certain diseases, it is vulnerable to various microbial and parasitic pathologies.
In rural regions, the MHP is raised in the backyard and there is no control over its pathologies, which is a risk to the health of the people who consume it.
The MHP could represent a very good sustainable and ecological alternative for families and companies for gourmet consumption, following adequate zoo-sanitary control and taking advantage of its outstanding characteristics, such as its tolerance to warm, humid climates and its ability to use a wide variety of local foods.
The objective of this work is to describe the importance of the MHP as an alternative source of animal protein for human consumption and to know the main parasitic zoonoses that affect its production system.
Origin and Characteristics of the Mexican Hairless Pig
As a breed, the MHP is a variant of the Creole pig (Sus scrofa domestica), with specific genotypic and phenotypic characteristics.
However, it is very difficult to find this breed in a pure state due to the process of crossing with other breeds and the lack of genetic conservation to which it has been subjected.
For example, in 2004 there were less than 300 specimens of this breed in Yucatan and by 2006 there were 500 specimens of reproductive age.
The characteristics of the MHP include a thick layer of black skin with little black hair on the body, erect ears, straight snout profile, neck cuffs (finger-like extensions) present or absent, and a high proportion of fat is mentioned as a distinctive characteristic of the carcass.
Most MHP are raised extensively, outdoors and in direct contact with other pigs, domestic animals, wildlife, and humans.
They are fed with domestic waste and forage including grasses, herbaceous plants, and leaves of trees endemic to the region.
Currently, the largest population of HPM is found in Veracruz, Puebla, Tabasco, Campeche, Quintana Roo, and Yucatan.
Importance of the Mexican Hairless Pig
This pig is considered to have played an important role in the survival economy of the Mayan people for several decades since it offers an alternative for commercial meat production. From its adaptation to environmental conditions to its management, the MHP offers a healthy and sustainable alternative for the consumer.
Consequently, this non-conventional production alternative and its genetic rescue as a breed is regaining interest and importance in Yucatan with the support of local, national, and international research institutions, as well as the Government of the State of Yucatan and civil associations, such as the Produce Yucatan A.C. Foundation.
The demand for MHP in the gourmet market has been increasing. According to data from the Mexican Association Specializing in Criollo Pork (AMECC), every year restaurants in Mexico, and especially in Merida, Yucatan, demand 4 thousand pigs, plus 500 breeding pigs in other states. This represents an opportunity to increase the production and marketing of its meat in the market. Added to this is the generation of alternative sources of income for the families dedicated to raising them.
With information from revista.ccba.uady.mx/
TYT Newsroom
The post Mexican Hairless Pig from Yucatan with great demand in the gourmet market first appeared on The Yucatan Times.