Sicilian Black Pig: An Overview

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The conservation of the genetic variability of animals used for food production and non-food raw materials and services is a problem of primary importance at a global level. In recent years, conservation of biodiversity in livestock species has been favoring the need to preserve genetic variability of the autochthonous breeds, exploiting them in the context of production systems. In this context, a precious genetic reserve is represented by autochthonous breeds used for the production of typical products used in Italian gastronomic traditions, of which some organoleptic properties of their meats that could disappear due to severe selection programs are being recovered. Currently, the survival of autochthonous breeds is linked to various reasons such as their rusticity, i.e., the adaptability to difficult environmental conditions, and to the higher market value of their productions obtained according to traditional methods compared to the industrial production types. As information on autochthonous Italian pigs is limited, further research aims at making better use of these breeds and at increasing the knowledge of their genetic variability. ABSTRACT: The Sicilian black pig (SB) (Nero Siciliano), also known as the Nero dei Nebrodi, Nero delle Madonie, or Nero dell’Etna pig ecotype, is an autochthonous Italian breed. The origins of this breed date back to Greek and Carthaginian dominations. In ancient times, its breeding was fairly common throughout Sicily, registering only a temporary reduction during the Arab domination. This breed is known primarily for its distinctive black coat, although some individuals display wattles and a partially or wholly white face. The SB pig has a birth rate with an average per sow of 7.6 piglets, each of 1.4 kg live body weight, showing an average daily gain (ADG) of 346 g/day during the fattening period. Slaughter generally takes place at an average age of 390 days, with an average live weight of 95 kg. This breed also appears to withstand adverse climatic conditions and resist disease. The purpose of this manuscript is to offer a general overview regarding the Sicilian Black pig and to consider the recent findings related to genome investigation. The recent application of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies in the study of the genome of autochthonous breeds showed that polymorphisms of some candidate genes for production performance and phenotypic traits represent important information for selection processes. The protection of autochthonous breeds, intended as sources of genomic diversity for the further improvements of pigs for commercial use, constitutes a valuable opportunity to create new sustainable pig chains.