Certain pig breeds stand out due to their remarkably distinctive coats. Unlike the typical bristly hides of most swine, these pigs sport luxurious, curly hair, giving them an appearance more akin to sheep. This woolly covering is especially prominent during colder seasons, providing natural insulation.
The Mangalitsa Pig: A Unique Breed
The Mangalitsa pig, also known as Mangalica, is a Hungarian domestic pig breed recognized for its dense, curly coat. It comes in three primary color varieties: blonde, red, and swallow-bellied. Blonde is the most common, while swallow-bellied pigs have a black upper body and a blonde lower section, and red Mangalitsas are ginger-colored.
The Mangalitsa is a medium-sized pig with a robust build. Their hair, which can be fine or rough and vary in length and texture, is most pronounced in colder weather. They are currently the only pig breed with long, curly hair, following the extinction of the Lincolnshire Curly Coat pig.
Historical Background and Traditional Uses
The Mangalitsa pig originated in the Austro-Hungarian Empire in the mid-19th century. It was developed through crossbreeding older Hungarian pig breeds like the Bakony and Szalonta with the Serbian Sumadija pig and European wild boar. This breeding aimed to create a hardy pig that could thrive in the region’s challenging climate.
These pigs were historically bred primarily for their fat, or lard, which was a highly valued commodity. The name “Mangalitsa” itself means “hog with a lot of lard” in Hungarian. Before the widespread use of vegetable oils, lard was used for cooking, candles, soap, cosmetics, and even industrial lubricants and explosives. The Mangalitsa was the most popular swine breed in Hungary from the early 19th century until the 1950s, reaching an estimated population of 30,000 in 1943.
Conservation and Modern Status
The popularity of the Mangalitsa pig declined significantly in the mid-20th century. This decline was due to changing dietary preferences, which favored leaner meats, and the introduction of vegetable oils that replaced lard. Industrial farming techniques also emerged, which were not suitable for the slower-growing, pasture-dependent Mangalitsa, leading to a drastic reduction in their numbers. By the 1990s, fewer than 200 Mangalitsa pigs remained, bringing the breed to the brink of extinction.
A resurgence of interest in the breed began in the mid-1980s, driven by efforts from animal geneticists and dedicated farmers. In 1994, the Hungarian National Association of Mangalica Pig Breeders was established to protect and promote the breed. Today, Mangalitsa pigs are considered a gourmet breed, prized for their marbled meat and rich, flavorful fat, which is high in omega-3 fatty acids and natural antioxidants. While still a specialized breed, with around 50,000 Mangalitsa pigs globally, their numbers have rebounded significantly, moving them away from endangered status.