The Turopolje pig is a breed of domestic pig from Croatia. It was named after the Turopolje, Croatia where it originates. It is also known as Croatian: Turopoljska svinja.
Currently it is a very rare breed which is nearing extinction. The breed is one of the older breeds of European pigs. Although it may have had infusions of Berkshire or other bloodlines in the nineteenth century.
The Turopolje pig breed was once one of the most widespread pig breed in Croatia. But the change from extensive to intensive pig farming business in the mid twentieth century discouraged the use of this breed.
The breed is believed to be the Siska breed that subsequently spread throughout the entire Balkan peninsula.
It is also believed that the breed is a result of crossing the Siska with the Krskopoljski from the neighboring Slovenia. Read some more information about the breed below.
Turopolje Pig Characteristics
Turopolje pigs are medium sized animals. They usually have black spots on a grey or white skin, the skin is without pigment. They have relatively long body. Their head is of average length with concave profile.
They have partially protruding ears, and their ears are of average length not covering the eyes. The sows have well developed udders with 10-12 teats.
Average live body weight of the mature Turopolje pigs is between 170 and 220 kg. Photo and information from ansi.okstate.edu and Wikipedia.
Special Notes
The Turopolje pig is a very hardy breed. It is usually well adapted to it’s native climates. The breed is well known for it’s hardiness under free range conditions. But it is relatively a slow growing animal.
The Turopolje sows are very fertile and they are capable of producing about five piglets in each litter. The sows are pretty good mothers and they nurse for their piglets for about three to five weeks.
The Turopolje pig breed has been eclipsed by the advance of white pigs which are better adapted to the market requirements.
Total numbers of the breed have been drastically reduced almost to the point of extinction during the last fifty years. However, review full breed profile of the Turopolje pig in the following chart.
| Breed Name | Turopolje | |
| Other Name | Croatian: Turopoljska svinja | |
| Special Notes | Well adapted to native climates, good mothers, sows are fertile, very hardy, good for both intensive and extensive systems | |
| Breed Size | Small to medium | |
| Boars | Around 220 kg | |
| Sows | Around 170 kg | |
| Climate Tolerance | Native climates | |
| Color | Black spots on a grey or white skin | |
| Rarity | Rare | |
| Country/Place of Origin | Croatia |
