Pig Breeds in India: Local and Exotic Varieties

Last updated on:

May 15, 2025

India is home to a rich diversity of pig breeds – from hardy indigenous types that have thrived in local conditions for generations to high-performing exotic breeds introduced to boost productivity. According to ICAR-NBAGR, there are currently 13 registered indigenous pig breeds in India, alongside several exotic and crossbred varieties used in commercial farming. Understanding these breeds – their traits, geographic spread, and role in livelihoods – is essential for anyone involved in pig production or animal husbandry.

Overview of pig breeds in India
Indigenous pig breeds of India
Desi pig
Ankamali pig
Ghori pig
Exotic pig breeds used in India
Large White Yorkshire
Landrace
Crossbreeding: combining the best of both
Pig farming and rural livelihoods

Overview of pig breeds in India

Indian pig breeds fall into two broad categories: indigenous breeds, which evolved locally over centuries through gradual domestication, and exotic breeds, which were introduced from Europe and are now used widely in crossbreeding programs. India’s indigenous pig genetic resources are distributed across different agro-climatic zones, and each region has its own distinct breed suited to local conditions, feeding systems, and cultural practices.

As per the 20th Livestock Census (2019), India’s pig population stands at 9.06 million, with indigenous breeds accounting for 79% of that total. Assam leads all states in pig population, followed by Jharkhand and Meghalaya – a reflection of how deeply pig farming is embedded in northeastern India’s rural economy.

Indigenous pig breeds of India

Indigenous breeds are smaller in size and slower in growth compared to exotic ones, but they possess qualities that make them indispensable for small-scale and rural farming – disease resistance, low maintenance, and adaptability to harsh or variable climates. The three primary types of domesticated indigenous pigs recognized in India are the Desi, Ghori, and Ankamali, each associated with a specific geographic region.

Desi pig

The Desi pig, often called the Country Hog, is the most widespread indigenous breed in India. It is a small-sized animal, mostly black in colour, with an average body weight of 35-45 kg, and is found mainly in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Punjab. It has short ears, an elongated body, and a tail that reaches near the hocks. While its growth rate is slow and litter sizes are smaller, the Desi pig is prized for its exceptional disease resistance and high adaptability to local feed and climate conditions.

A comparison from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University shows that Desi pigs have a litter size of 7.5 at birth compared to 10 for exotic breeds, and reach maturity at 14 months versus 8-10 months for exotic breeds – a significant gap in productivity, but one that is offset by the breed’s minimal input requirements. Desi sows are also known for good maternal instincts and reliable conception rates, making them suitable for subsistence-level farming.

Ankamali pig

The Ankamali is an indigenous breed native to Kerala, and is also found in parts of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra. These pigs have predominantly black coats with white patches, thick and stout legs, and are well-adapted to Kerala’s wet, tropical climate. They are valued not just for their meat quality but also for their foraging ability – they are often seen in coconut groves where they help control pests while sourcing their own food.

Genetic analysis using microsatellite markers has shown that Ankamali pigs are genetically distinct from other native Indian pig types as well as from exotic Large White pigs, confirming their unique heritage. Unfortunately, the breed is now considered endangered due to crossbreeding, habitat loss, and limited conservation awareness. Their feed digestibility rate of 70-80% and resistance to diseases like swine fever make them a valuable genetic resource worth protecting.

Ghori pig

The Ghori (also referred to as Gahuri in some scientific literature) is the indigenous breed associated with India’s northeastern states, particularly Assam and Meghalaya. The Ghori breed is believed to have evolved from Sus salvanius hodgson and is well-adapted to the hilly terrain and heavy rainfall of the northeastern region. These pigs are compact in size, typically weighing around 40-60 kg, and are known for their docile temperament and strong herd instincts.

Ghori pigs are commonly raised in semi-intensive systems – allowed to forage during the day and housed at night. Their ability to convert locally available plant material and kitchen waste into protein makes them economically practical for tribal and marginal farming communities. In northeastern India, pig farming is deeply integrated into the culture, nutrition, and livelihoods of tribal communities, and breeds like the Ghori are at the heart of that system.

Exotic pig breeds used in India

Exotic breeds were introduced into India primarily to address the productivity gap observed in indigenous breeds. These breeds originate from Europe, have larger body frames, faster growth rates, and better feed conversion ratios. The two most commonly used exotic breeds in India are the Large White Yorkshire and the Landrace.

Large White Yorkshire

The Large White Yorkshire is the most extensively used exotic breed in India and is classified as a bacon-type breed. Its body is solid white with occasional black pigmented spots called “freckles.” It has erect ears, a medium-length snout, and a slightly dished face. Mature boars weigh between 300-400 kg and sows between 230-320 kg, making it significantly larger than any indigenous Indian breed.

The breed is known for its prolificacy, with average litter sizes of 11-12 piglets, and sows are noted for being milky and attentive mothers. The Large White was developed in Yorkshire, England, and has since become one of the most widely distributed pig breeds in the world. In India, it is primarily used as a sire breed in crossbreeding programs to improve the growth rates and meat quality of local breeds.

Landrace

The Landrace originates from Denmark, where it was specifically developed to produce high-quality bacon. It has a large, long body; a deep, square ham; and relatively short legs. The breed is white, though black skin freckles are common. Mature boars weigh 270-360 kg and sows 200-320 kg. The Landrace produces lean, high-quality carcasses and is also recognized for good maternal traits – large litters and strong milk production.

The Landrace is highly productive for meat and is considered excellent for crossbreeding, similar to Large White Yorkshire. However, like all exotic breeds, it requires a more controlled management environment and is more sensitive to extreme Indian temperatures compared to indigenous breeds. Both the Landrace and Large White Yorkshire are best suited to semi-intensive or intensive farming setups with proper housing and nutrition management.

Crossbreeding: combining the best of both

One of the most impactful developments in Indian pig farming is the deliberate crossbreeding of indigenous and exotic breeds. The goal is straightforward: bring together the climate adaptability and disease resistance of local breeds with the faster growth rates and better carcass quality of exotic ones. Crossbred pigs inherit favourable traits from both parents – the hardiness of the local breed and the productivity of the exotic breed – creating animals better suited to Indian agro-climatic conditions.

A common strategy involves using an exotic boar with an indigenous sow. For instance, crossing a Large White Yorkshire boar with Desi sows produces offspring that reach market weight significantly earlier than pure Desi pigs while retaining much of their disease resistance. In Assam and Meghalaya, Ghori crosses with exotic breeds are increasingly common in semi-commercial systems, though balancing productivity with the conservation of genetic diversity remains a key policy consideration.

In Kerala, the Ankamali × Yorkshire cross has shown strong results – combining Ankamali’s adaptation to humid tropical conditions with Yorkshire’s growth performance. At the national level, institutions like ICAR and various State Agricultural Universities have been actively developing region-specific crossbred varieties. One example is the Jharsuk crossbreed developed for Jharkhand, which has shown promise in improving nutritional security and livelihood outcomes for tribal communities in the state.

Pig farming and rural livelihoods

Pig farming in India is far more than a commercial activity – it is a critical livelihood source for some of the country’s most economically vulnerable communities. Small animals like pigs are largely kept by land-scarce poor households for commercial purposes due to their low initial investment and operational costs. Pigs have a short gestation period of around 115 days, high fecundity (8-12 piglets per litter), and good feed conversion efficiency, making them one of the fastest livestock species to deliver economic returns.

In Jharkhand, pig farming is described as an important livelihood activity for tribal and marginal farmers, providing a sustainable source of income, employment, and nutrition. In northeastern states, tribal women play a central role in pig rearing and household finances, though they remain underrepresented in the formal pork value chain – an area where policy intervention could meaningfully raise household incomes.

India’s 20th Livestock Census recorded approximately 9.1 million pigs in the country, and pork currently represents a modest but growing share of the nation’s animal protein output. As demand rises and crossbreeding programs improve productivity, pig farming holds significant potential – not just as a commercial venture, but as a tool for rural food security and poverty reduction.

What do you think? Given that indigenous breeds like the Ankamali are now endangered due to widespread crossbreeding, how should India balance the push for higher productivity with the need to conserve its native pig genetic diversity? And what role can rural tribal communities play in leading those conservation efforts?

References

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Pig Breeds in India: Local and Exotic Varieties

Table of Contents

Overview of pig breeds in India 🔗

Indigenous pig breeds of India 🔗

Desi pig 🔗

Ankamali pig 🔗

Ghori pig 🔗

Exotic pig breeds used in India 🔗

Large White Yorkshire 🔗

Landrace 🔗

Crossbreeding: combining the best of both 🔗

Pig farming and rural livelihoods 🔗