Lithuanian Native pig
The Lithuanian Native or  is a traditional Lithuanian breed of domestic pig. In the twenty-first century it is an endangered breed, kept principally for conservation reasons. The principal herd is kept at the Centre for Farm Animal Genetic Resources of Baisogala, in the Radviliškis District Municipality of central Lithuania.

History 

The Lithuanian Native is a traditional breed of rural Lithuania. In the Soviet era in the twentieth century, it was extensively cross-bred with more productive modern pigs to create the Lithuanian White. 

In 1993 a herd of about 200 of the original pigs was established at the Institute of Animal Sciences. In 2003 a total population of  was reported to DAD-IS, and the breed was calculated to constitute  of the total pig population of the country; in 2007 its conservation status was listed by the FAO as 'not at risk'. A herd book for the breed was established in 2008. In 2024 its conservation status was listed as 'at risk/critical', based on a reported total population for 2023 of , of which  were breeding sows.

Characteristics 

Typical features include wattles on the neck, and usually large black spots on the body, but colour variations include black-and-white, ginger, black, and tri-coloured. They have a friendly temperament. Being insensitive to the sun, these pigs are suitable for grazing.

Use 

The Lithuanian Native's characteristics were used in producing the Lithuanian White and many Russian breeds.

References

External links
 Lithuanian Native, Flickr photo
 Lithuanian Native, zum.lt photo
 Lithuanian Native, pinigukarta.lt photo

Pig breeds
Pig breeds originating in Lithuania