Surin Farm
Belgium Pietrain Pigs
Surin farm’s two Belgium Pietrain pigs are first generation descendants of the 16 pigs introduced into Thailand on December 16, 2004.
Nopniwat Krailerg The Belgian government has given 16 Pietrain pigs, weighing approximately 800 kilograms, to the Royal Project of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
The 16 pigs arrived at Chiang Mai International Airport on December 16, 2004. The pigs will be given to the Royal Project for breeding purposes. Initially, the pigs have undergone health checks by the Livestock officials at the Animal Pedigree Research and Improvement Center in San Pathong district, Chiang Mai.
Komchak Pichaironnarongsongkram, an advisor at the Livestock Department, said that the pigs resulted from contact by Kamthon Sinthuwanont, with the Belgium Embassy to ask for the Pietrain pigs. His main aim is to help improve the pedigree of Thai mountain pigs because the Pietrain pigs have more muscle and less fat than Thai mountain pigs.
Pietrain, Belgium, the village from which the breed takes its name, was the birthplace of the breed. The exact origin is unknown but the local breed was "brought to the fore" during the difficult period of the swine market in 1950-51. The breed became popular in its native country and was exported to other countries, especially Germany.
The breed is of medium size and is white with black spots. Around the black spots there are characteristic rings of light pigmentation that carries white hair. This, coupled with the fact that the black hair is not as deeply pigmented as on black breeds, or the black spots on some spotted breeds, leaves them with less than the most attractive coats. The breed is commonly referred to as being of piebald markings. The ears are carried erect.
