The Menorcan Black Pig

Miriam Triay/Ciutadella - The Menorcan Black Pig is an indigenous breed with a long history on this island, where it has played a fundamental role in the agricultural and cultural economy. This report documents the process of recovering the breed on the Rafal Vell-Binisuri farms, highlighting its morphological and genetic singularities, and establishing the foundations for its future conservation.

The presence of the black pig in Menorca dates back to prehistoric times, and has been essential for the Menorcan economy and culture. Over the centuries, this breed has demonstrated exceptional adaptability to the island environment, characterized by hot summers and windy winters. Historically, the meat of this breed has been a key element in local gastronomy, standing out for its quality and flavor.

The Menorcan black pig is distinguished by a series of unique physical traits: black skin, dense fur, robust snout, and a body structure adapted to grazing on rugged terrain.

Until the middle of the last century, the Menorcan black pig was the only one that roamed freely on beaches and marinas. But during the last fifty years, as the exclusive model of dairy production was consolidated, extensive pig herds almost disappeared and pig farming became residual or, at most, complementary to cattle farming.

During the sixties, the striated pig became fashionable and was massively imported, leaving the black pig relegated to the marinas and holm oak groves of a few large farms.

In recent years, most family pig farms are run in stables and consist of at most half a dozen specimens made up of all types of crossbreeds. Unfortunately, these pigs, without the protection of melanin in their skin and hair, and in the absence of a favorable morphology, no longer have the black pig's capabilities to develop in an extensive livestock habitat.

The aim is to promote specific actions for the conservation of the breed, including the creation of protection strategies, the promotion of its reproduction in optimal conditions, and the promotion of its derived products in local and international markets.

Identifying and protecting the Menorcan black pig breed is essential for several reasons, ranging from biodiversity to agricultural sustainability, including cultural heritage and economic potential. Without a doubt, it is necessary to clearly distinguish this breed from others, especially similar and close ones, at a morphological and genetic level, which is done in the next section.

The black pig in Menorca is perfectly adapted to the environmental conditions of the island, including a diet based on available resources such as acorns, olivó (olive tree), lentrisca (lentiscule, bush), roots and other native plants. This adaptation makes it less dependent on industrial food and more resistant to disease.

It is not just an animal breed; it is an intrinsic element of Menorcan culture and traditions. From its influence on local gastronomy, such as traditional sausages, to its presence in popular festivals, this animal is part of the island's intangible heritage. Protecting this breed also means preserving the cultural and gastronomic traditions that have defined the identity of Menorca over the centuries.

Currently, the demand for native and quality food products is increasing, both in local and international markets. The meat of the Menorcan black pig, known for its unique flavour and nutritional qualities, has great potential to become a gourmet product. Designation of origin or certification as an indigenous breed could increase its value in the market, benefiting local producers and contributing to the island’s rural economy.

The protection of the Menorcan black pig is not just a matter of conserving an animal breed, but of keeping alive an essential part of the island’s natural, cultural and economic heritage. This breed represents a living link to Menorcan history and traditions, and its preservation is key to the sustainable future of Menorca.

Genetic analysis is a fundamental tool in the understanding and conservation of native breeds such as the Menorcan black pig. Through advanced genetic techniques, it is possible to accurately determine the genetic characteristics that define this breed, as well as its relationship with other pig populations. This type of analysis not only allows the identification of the breed’s unique traits, but also helps to preserve its genetic integrity, preventing its hybridization with other breeds and ensuring its purity.

One of the most powerful tools in this field is the use of an array of SNPSs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms). Small variations in the DNA sequence that can have a significant impact on the function of genes and, therefore, on the physical and physiological characteristics of an organism. Using an array of SNPs in the genetic analysis of the Menorcan black pig allows for a detailed and precise view of its genetic profile.

Genetic analysis and the use of an SNP array are essential tools to ensure the preservation, development and sustainability of the Menorcan black pig. These techniques will allow scientists and breeders to maintain the genetic authenticity of the breed, while maximizing its adaptive and productive potential.

In conclusion, the PorcineSNP60 v2 Genotyping BeadChip SNP array is an extremely powerful tool for genotyping and genetic study of the Menorcan black pig. Its high density of SNPs, complete genome coverage and its precision make this array an ideal option to identify and preserve the unique characteristics of this native breed, while maximizing its potential in conservation and genetic improvement programs.

After asking and traveling around much of the island in search of some specimens that met the morphological characteristics of the island breed, the following specimens were obtained.

• Torralbet
• Son Roseta
• Son Gall
• Es Lloc d’en Marc

Over the last two years, from six boars and fourteen initial sows, crossbreeding has been carried out, obtaining around sixty specimens of black pigs, all of which have been controlled and documented.

From the different crosses of these ‘founding’ specimens, we formed a herd of around sixty specimens, from which we made an initial selection of 48 individuals from which we extracted blood and tissue samples, in order to carry out their genetic analysis and thus be able to contrast our selection with other breeds of black pigs that already have a documented genome.

The black pig breed in Menorca faces a series of risks and threats that could compromise its long-term conservation, both from a genetic, environmental and economic point of view. Identifying these risks and proposing mitigation strategies is key to ensuring the survival of this native breed.

Thus, to ensure the long-term survival and viability of the Menorcan black pig, it is essential to implement a set of conservation strategies based on genetic protection, economic sustainability and cultural preservation. These strategies must involve both public institutions and breeders and the local community.

1. Targeted breeding programs for gene banks
One of the most important actions is to establish targeted breeding programs that prioritize the conservation of the breed's genetic variability. These programs should be managed with the help of animal genetics and be aimed at reducing inbreeding, while maintaining the morphological and productive characteristics of the black pig.

2. Promotion of the consumption of quality products
Promote the consumption of products derived from the black pig as an exclusive gastronomic product of Menorca. Through the creation of protected designations of origin (PDO) or protected geographical indications (PGI), producers could guarantee that products made with black pig have added value, highlighting their quality and local origin.

3. Support policies for traditional livestock farming
It is essential that public institutions in Menorca and the Balearic Islands develop specific support policies for traditional livestock farming, which include the protection of the black pig. These policies should incorporate economic incentives and legal measures to encourage extensive breeding and protect grazing land.

4. Research and innovation
The future of the Menorcan black pig also depends on the impetus for research and innovation in genetics, management and animal health. Collaborating with agricultural research centres and academic institutions to investigate new ways of managing this breed efficiently and sustainably will be essential for its adaptation to new economic and environmental challenges.

5. Awareness and education
To ensure the future of the breed, it is essential to promote awareness and education of the local population and visitors about the cultural, economic and environmental value of the Menorcan black pig.

6. International collaboration
Finally, establishing collaborations with other conservation programmes for native breeds at national and international levels could provide new ideas and resources to guarantee the future of the Menorcan black pig. These alliances can allow the exchange of experiences, the sharing of genetic resources and access to European funding for the protection of livestock biodiversity.

In parallel with the selection process, the exploitation of ‘Porc Negre de Menorca Binisuri’, the Rafal Vell estate in Ciutadella de Menorca, has already been shaping a future self-sufficient exploitation process, which consists of closing the cycle from the sowing of fodder that complements the months of scarce pastures, to the production of traditional sausages that provide added value to the livestock process.

The Menorcan black pig is a unique native breed that has evolved over the centuries to adapt to the particular conditions of the island. This adaptation, the result of a process of natural and human selection, has given rise to an animal with distinctive physical, genetic and behavioral characteristics that clearly differentiate it from other Mediterranean black pig breeds such as the Iberian or Majorcan pig.

The request for recognition of the Menorcan black pig as a unique and protected breed is based on a combination of genetic, morphological, historical and cultural factors that clearly differentiate it from other Mediterranean black pig breeds, especially the Majorcan black pig and other Iberian and Italian breeds.

Firstly, genetic studies using SNP arrays have demonstrated the uniqueness of its genetic profile, which differs substantially from other black pig populations. Furthermore, the Menorcan black pig shows less hybridization with other breeds, which guarantees its genetic purity and justifies the need to preserve this breed in the face of the possible loss of genetic variability that could compromise its adaptation and survival.

Secondly, its unique morphological characteristics, such as its dense coat, its slenderness and its adaptation to the rocky environment and extreme climatic conditions of Menorca, clearly distinguish it from other breeds such as the Mallorcan or Iberian pig. These adaptations make the Menorcan black pig a breed particularly suitable for extensive grazing in the island's ecosystem.

Historically, the Menorcan black pig has been a fundamental part of the island's agricultural culture and economy, contributing to Menorcan gastronomy with traditional products such as carn-i-xulla and sobrassada magra, which are valued both locally and internationally. The preservation of this breed not only contributes to the conservation of Menorca's natural and cultural heritage, but can also be a key factor in promoting gastronomic tourism and the economic sustainability of the island.

Finally, the preservation of the Menorcan black pig is essential to guarantee genetic biodiversity at a local and European level, protecting a breed that, in addition to its uniqueness, is a key element in the agricultural sustainability of Menorca. For these reasons, it is essential that this breed is officially recognized as a protected and unique native breed, guaranteeing its continuity and promoting its reproduction and conservation in the long term.