Feed plants, ethnoveterinary medicine, and biocultural values: insights on the Luchuan pig from Hakka communities in China

Abstract

Background: The Luchuan pig is an indigenous breed from Luchuan County, China, with cultural and genetic significance. However, traditional knowledge and conservation status have not been systematically documented.

Methods: Using ethnobiological methods, we surveyed 72 Luchuan pig farmers in 7 townships during 2021-2023. Semi-structured interviews and participant observation were conducted to document traditional knowledge and management practices.

Results: The locals reported 51 plant species used as pig feed, with 30 wild species. Growth-stage-specific feeding and seasonal adjustment practices were documented. We recorded 62 ethnoveterinary plant uses, mainly for treating pigs' heat stress and skin conditions. Luchuan pigs play central roles in local Hakka customs, rituals, and cuisine. Additonally, the new ecological farming models minimize the environmental impacts to the local community. However, there are still some challenges remained for conserving and promoting Luchuan pigs.

Conclusions: The Luchuan Hakka people possess rich traditional knowledge and management experience in raising Luchuan pigs. Our study provides extensive documentation of traditional knowledge and recommends integrating cultural and genetic aspects for sustaining this biocultural heritage. Findings can inform initiatives supporting local breed conservation globally.

Keywords: Feed plants; Genetic breeding; Hakka; Local breed; Luchuan pig; Traditional knowledge; Veterinary plants.

Fig. 1

Map of the study area

Fig. 2

Part of wild feed plants for Luchuan Pigs. (a Celosia argentea, b Pennisetum purpureum, c Commelina diffusa, d Polygonum plebeium, e Persicaria lapathifolia, f Portulaca oleracea, g Stellaria aquatica, h Pontederia crassipes, i Erechtites valerianifolius, all photographs were taken by Yongqing Liufu.)

Fig. 3

Part of veterinary plants for Luchuan Pigs. (a Ricinus communis, b Cymbopogon citratus, c Mussaenda pubescens, d Emilia sonchifolia, e Prunus persica, f Averrhoa carambola, g Mangifera indica, h Solanum americanum, i Baeckea frutescens, all photographs were taken by Yongqing Liufu.)

Fig. 4

The ecological farming and free-range farming of Luchuan Pigs. (a free-range farming on mountain areas (by Song Li), b free-range farming in fruit ranch (by Guixin Chen), c the ecological farming base (by Jinming Li), d Luchuan Pigs on slatted floors (by Song Li))

Fig. 5

The breeding application of Luchuan Pigs. (a Luchuan pig (by Song Li), b Duroc boar (by Shichong Wang), c Hybrid black pig (by Yongqing Liufu), d Danish Landrace boars (By Shichong Wang), e Hybrid black-spotted white pig (by Yongqing Liufu))

Fig. 6

Luchuan Pig Cultural Festival and Luchuan Pig cuisine. (a Luchuan Pig cuisine cooking competition (by Yongqing Liufu), b Luchuan Pig cuisine (by Weicui Wu ))