A Story of Conservation and Innovation

For over a millennium, the people of Ningxiang, Hunan province, have honed the art of raising colored pigs, a unique breed renowned as one of China's four most famous pig species. These pigs, affectionately nicknamed "panda pigs" for their distinctive black and white coats, can only be raised in Ningxiang due to the region's specific weather and water conditions.

However, the turn of the millennium brought a near-extinction crisis for the panda pig. Farmers, enticed by the higher profitability of leaner breeds, abandoned the panda pig, deeming it commercially unviable.

Li Shuchu, president of Hunan Liushahe Hua Zhu Ecological Animal Husbandry Co., refused to let his ancestral legacy fade. In 2003, he embarked on a mission to rediscover and revive the panda pig. With unwavering determination, he and his team scoured the county, eventually finding seven boars and 50 sows.

Li Shuchu's dedication extended beyond mere preservation. He partnered with breeding experts to enhance the panda pig's lean meat percentage and reproductive capabilities. This strategic move ensured the breed's economic viability, attracting collaborations with high-end supermarkets like Sam's Club, Hema, and Metro AG.

Today, Li Shuchu's company stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment. It sells approximately 120,000 pigs annually, generating a revenue of 300 million yuan ($41 million). This success has created job opportunities for over 12,000 local farmers, boosting their annual income by 46,000 yuan.

The panda pig's revival extends beyond economic benefits. Professor Yin Yulong of the Chinese Academy of Engineering recognizes the pig's historical significance as a source of protein and income for farmers. He emphasizes the environmental advantage of pig manure as a natural fertilizer, surpassing chemical alternatives.

Professor Yin and his team have played a crucial role in improving the panda pig's breeding and disease resistance. Through hybridization with foreign breeds and the use of Chinese herbal medicine, they have enhanced the breed's economic appeal and reduced disease susceptibility.

Doctoral candidate Gao Jingxia has dedicated herself to further optimizing the panda pig's feed conversion ratio. Residing with 150 pigs at a farm in Ningxiang, she meticulously observes their growth patterns to identify genes responsible for rapid development.

Gao Jingxia's research holds immense promise for the future of pig breeding in China. Her dedication and perseverance, despite the challenges of isolation and quarantine, exemplify the unwavering spirit that drives the panda pig's resurgence.