High-tech science for small scale pork producers

Today most of the scientific research is aimed at revealing the biological basis underlying the economic traits in pigs which often results in shortcomings due to biological trade-off naturally occurring in all domestic animals. Local (indigenous) pig breeds have not been submitted to selective breeding for productivity and the revived interest for them is also related to their reputation of having an excellent meat quality. However, in terms of scientific evidence, the performances and products of local pig breeds are mainly untapped and market potential of their products unexploited. For that reason, there is a need for research activities in order to reveal the potentials of local pig breeds as the basis for the production of special quality pork and pork products. This review describes advanced scientific tools that are being used for characterisation of local pig breeds and their products within the “TREASURE” project financed as Research and Innovation action under the European programme Horizon 2020 and some of the activities undertaken within a scope of complementary project financed by the Croatian Science Foundation “Scientifically Branded Pork”.