The Krškopolje (black-belted) pig is the only Slovenian indigenous pig breed that is endangered. This breed originates from the Dolenjska region in southeast Slovenia.  Meat of the Krškopolje pig is used to prepare traditional Slovenian sausage called Kranjska. The characteristics of this breed include a white belt over the shoulders, white forelegs, and white nose top. The rest of the body is black. The breed is excellent in low-input and outdoor production systems. Compared to exotic breeds, it has the ability to produce good fat, and meat quality, good disease resistance, and maternal traits. The breed utilizes diverse feedstuffs such as grass and cereals (wheat, barley, corn, and soy concentrates). The Krškopolje pig is intended for production of high quality meat and lard in the face of harsh conditions and scarce feedstuffs. The meat is flavorful because of the high fat content. The meat is very suitable for roasted pork or traditional dried processed meat products (e.g. salami, sausages, dried hams).

In the second half of the 20th century, its population began to decrease drastically. The population by 1990 was concentrated on four family farms, which were conserving the animals. Because of the joint actions of the farmers, the number of farms raising Krškopolje pigs gradually increased to 60 farms that were spread across Slovenia after 2002. These efforts lead to a population increase from 140 head in 1996 up to 1200 head in 2013.Though the farmer’s were able to save this breed, more efforts are needed to continue this success.

 Dr. Drago Kompan - Edited by Briar Tenold

 Sources: 

• Photo: Doris Jug Cigoj

 • Dr. Drago Kompan

 • Mag. Danijela Bojkovski, M.Sc.

 • http://dad.fao.org/

Links: http://www.kis.si/8sympmedpig/files/krskopolje_pig.pdf

• http://dad.fao.org/