Do we know enough about the treasures borne by the Hungarian Mangalica pig? Do we utilize their excellent characteristics to a suitable extent in animal husbandry and food production? What new opportunities does the world market hold for Hungarian Mangalica breeding?

Answers to these and many other questions will be provided during the international scientific conference to be held on November 17-18, 2001 in Herceghalom, organised by one of the background institutions of the Ministry of Rural Development, the Research Institute for Animal Breeding and Nutrition, entitled "The Fatty Pig: Science and Utilization".

Fatty pigs, including the Mangalica, are unique, ancient pig species which were once of exceptional economic significance. Their breeding has declined compared to that of modern (intensive) breeds.

The goal of the conference is to increase the levels of breeding and food production utilization of these fatty pig species, which bear extremely high national, genetic and market value, through the passing on of the results of scientific study.

Fatty pig populations can be found in South-East Asia, the Far Eastern regions, South America, South Africa, and – a few species, the Mangalica and Iberico – in Europe. Of the ancient species, the Mangalica is found in Hungary. In the 90s, their numbers dropped to a few hundreds, and a total population of around 8-9000 exists today. The meat quality and flavour of this species is better, and its vitamin and mineral content is higher, than that of traditional meat pig species. It is no accident that demand for live animals and products made from their meat has risen dramatically I recent years. The Mangalica has also been a success in Spain, where its meat is used to produce the famous Serrano ham.

The new scientific data presented at the conference in Herceghalom will contribute to the further growth in the number of ancient Hungarian species, and an increase in the market opportunities available to Hungarian farmers and producers.

Experts meeting in Hanoi, Vietnam in 2009 formed the "Fatty Pig Workgroup" to preserve and develop the breeding of primarily the Asian and European species. The upcoming conference presents an opportunity to reinforce this initiative, and for further scientists and market players to take part in the activities of the Workgroup.

Topics for discussion in the November conference will include the genomics of mangalica species, the reproduction and genetics of fatty pigs, and reports on scientific studies regarding their intensive breeding.

Experts, breeders and leading representatives of food production corporations from all over the world will be present at the event.

More information on the conference is available at the www.fattypig.org website.

(Press Office of the Ministry of Rural Development)