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Breeders of different animal species traditionally establish associations aimed at maintaining and spreading the breed and their genetic properties in accordance with accepted breeding objectives. The societies can acquire the status of recognized breeding organizations that perform the prescribed tasks in the field of breeding and selection. The Krškopolje pig or black-belted pig is the only preserved Slovenian indigenous pig breed. It originates from the south-east part of Dolenjska region, the area of Krško-Brežiško which is in the foothills of Gorjanci hills. After 2003, the interest of raising the Krškopolje pigs has increased.
In 2017, the Society gained the status of a recognized breeders association.
The Kastelic farm is involved in the work of the Society since its foundation. In addition to breeding, they are engaged in the processing and sale of Krško pig meat and carry out a selection tasks.
Area:
The breed is adapted to a poor rearing environment. It has a large appetite, great ability to produce fat, good meat quality, good resistance, good maternal traits, and moderate fertility traits. The breed nearly became extinct and through persistent interventions by breeders that the breed still exists today.
Despite a considerable growth in its numbers in recent years, the breed is not numerous and consequently it is endangered. Further enlargement of population, as well as organized activities of breeders are needed for long term preservation. The breed will survive if it is a functional farm animal insofar as it can provide an economic value. Weaner piglets could be purchased from farms and breeding farms, while fatteners could be purchased from farms which perform fattening only..
Cooperation Process Data
The Breeding Organization seeks to make the breeding of krškopoljski pig more interesting, since the breed will survive only if it has a market through the sale of recognizable meat products. The society has created a trade mark “Meat products from Krškopolje pig”. The society also promotes the sale of live animals. The breed is included in the breeding program for pigs SloHibrid, which is run by the Chamber for Agriculture and Forestry of Slovenia.
Breeders of krškopoljski pig are eligible for funding from the Rural Development Program measures. These measures provide direct income and indirect supports to producer organization, quality schemes, investment, and marketing and promotion.
The proper education of breeders in the fields of marketing, communication, organization, logistics and other knowl- edge related to entrepreneurship is essential. Education and training on breeding issues is organized by the advisory service. The interest of members for different types of education depends on their orientation. Hobby breeders are satisfied with the basic knowledge about breeding, while market-oriented breeders are also interested in acquiring knowledge in entrepreneurship. In the future, education and awareness of customers and consumers will be increas- ingly important.
Advice/Recommendation
“It is important for breeders to strengthen their economic position in order to survive and expand the breed.
The effects of public support must be increased. This includes adequate education.
It is essential for breeders and their association to cooperate with researchers and professional services.”
Queries/Questions
- Do you think it is more suitable for amateur breeders and market-oriented breeders to be members of different organizations?
- What is the feasibility of market-oriented breeders forming co-operatives?
- How can a breeding society interact with consumers?
