Feed Plants, Ethnoveterinary Medicine, and Biocultural Values: Insights on the Luchuan Pig from Hakka Communities in China

doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-3248945/v1

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Research Article

Feed Plants, Ethnoveterinary Medicine, and Biocultural Values: Insights on the Luchuan Pig from Hakka Communities in China

https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3248945/v1

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published 15 Sep, 2023

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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 Hakka customs, rituals, and cuisine. While the ecological farming model minimizes environmental impacts, challenges remain for conserving and promoting local 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.

Luchuan pig

local breed

feed plants

veterinary plants

genetic breeding

traditional knowledge

Hakka

Livestock and poultry genetic resources provide quality animal products and promote farmer income, sustainable resource use, and ecological and cultural heritage protection, establishing a foundation for food security, rural revitalization, biodiversity conservation, and ecological construction [1–3]. Native breeds of livestock and poultry are populations adapted to local traditional farming systems and environments [4]. Originating from specific regions where they are frequently utilized, native breeds are adapted to the local conditions [4]. They often have advantageous traits like coarse feed tolerance, disease resistance, delicious taste, good meat quality, and stable genetics, making them important genetic resources for developing new breeds and promoting sustainable animal husbandry [5–7].

As a major livestock producer, China possesses the world's richest livestock and poultry genetic resources, accounting for about 1/6 of the global total [8, 9]. However, the rise of intensive farming and economic growth has led to the replacement of some native breeds with faster-growing varieties, driving rapid decline and even extinction of local breeds [10–12]. Statistics indicate that 30% of existing animal genetic resources are threatened, endangered, vulnerable, or extinct [13]. Alarmingly, nearly 800 livestock breeds have been documented as lost in the past century [13]. Surveys reveal that 55 local Chinese breeds are endangered and 22 critically endangered. Additionally, 15 documented breeds were not found, making their extinction status unclear [14]. In total, endangered and critically endangered breeds account for approximately 14% of local breeds in China [14].

Luchuan County in Guangxi is a major settlement area for the Hakka people, with approximately 700,000 residents, constituting about two-thirds of the total population[15]. The Luchuan pig, named after its place of origin, has become a representative indigenous breed in China. Compared to Western domestic pigs, Luchuan pigs exhibit distinct characteristics, including superior meat quality, early maturity, high reproductive capacity, stable maternal lineage, adaptability to coarse feed, and strong disease resistance [16–18]. Recognized as one of China's excellent local pig breeds, the Luchuan pig was listed in the "Catalogue of National Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resources" and "Geographical Indication Protection Products for Agricultural Products" [19]. Studies report that Luchuan pig meat is tender, delicious, and rich in essential amino acids like glutamic acid and lysine, as well as vitamins, saturated fatty acids, and monounsaturated fatty acids, contributing to its unique flavor and high nutritional value [20–22]. However, Luchuan pigs also exhibit some physiological limitations, such as small body size, slow growth rate, and low lean meat percentage [23]. Moreover, their higher market price compared to other pig breeds has led to limited market capacity. These factors pose challenges to the reproductive production of Luchuan pigs. Despite being recognized as an important genetic breeding strategic resource, the conservation of Luchuan pigs remains a complex task, drawing significant attention from the local government.

Researches have shown that the conservation of genetic resources cannot be dissociated from their natural and cultural environments [11, 24]. In numerous indigenous regions around the world, the utilization of natural resources is embedded within local traditional knowledge and culture. Traditional knowledge serves as a valuable source of information concerning local wild forage resources, their nutritional characteristics, as well as veterinary and plant resources [25]. It can significantly contribute to the development of novel and sustainable approaches to natural resource management [26, 27].

The intelligent and diligent Hakka people in Luchuan have accumulated a vast amount of traditional knowledge regarding breeding Luchuan pigs through their long-standing production practices. Alongside this knowledge, they have also developed various traditional cultures and customs related to pigs, such as dietary customs, social rituals, and festive traditions. Despite the crucial significance of this knowledge in the conservation of Luchuan pigs, there is a lack of systematic documentation and record-keeping of these traditional practices. Therefore, in the years 2021 and 2023, we conducted multiple investigations in Luchuan County, Guangxi, with the objective of (1) documenting the traditional breeding and management experiences of Luchuan pigs, including the utilization of feed and veterinary medicinal plants; (2) evaluating and identifying key plant species used in feeding Luchuan pigs through a scoring system for feed plants; (3) assessing the current status of the local Luchuan pig-related industry's conservation and development and providing feasible improvement suggestions; and (4) elucidating the importance of Luchuan pig-related traditional customs and culture in the conservation efforts. This investigation aims to provide insights into the development of plant-based feed and veterinary medicine and also serve as a case reference for the conservation and industrial development of local livestock and poultry breeds.

Luchuan County, Guangxi Autonomous Region, is situated in the hilly region of south China and represents a typical agricultural area characterized by hills. The land in this region is fertile, with a substantial organic matter content (3.21%) and a considerable presence of iron elements, and the pH level ranges from 5.4 to 6.7. The climate is mild, with abundant sunlight, plentiful rainfall, and a long frost-free period, providing highly favorable conditions for the growth and reproduction of various flora and fauna. These conditions also benefit the cultivation and propagation of agricultural and forage crops, which offer an excellent natural geographical environment for breeding and raising Luchuan pigs [28].

From 2021 to 2023, we conducted ethnobiological research using the ethnobotanical approach in seven townships known for their significant Luchuan pig farming activities, including Gucheng, Qinghu, Liangtian, Wushi, Daqiao, Wenquan, and Mapo (Fig. 1).

Subsequently, purposive sampling was employed to select respondents with abundant traditional knowledge of pig farming for interviews [3, 29]. A total of 72 respondents participated in the study, comprising 25 females and 47 males, with an average age of 55.8 years and an average pig farming experience of 26.9 years.

Data collection employed a semi-structured interview method and participatory observation [3, 24, 30]. During the semi-structured interviews, respondents were asked basically around the questions listed in Table 1. The participatory observation was conducted during the free-range grazing of Luchuan pigs and the collection of plant feed and veterinary medicinal plants by farmers. Specimens were collected, and records were made of the plant species and related knowledge on their utilization. Plant identification was carried out using taxonomic electronic databases, such as https://www.cvh.ac.cn/; http://www.iplant.cn/; www.worldfloraonline.org, based on morphological characteristics and geographical origins of the plants. Relevant plant voucher specimens were deposited in the herbarium of the Guangxi Natural Museum.

Furthermore, 2–3 individuals, totaling 25 key informants, including farmers, farm caretakers, veterinarians, and intangible cultural heritage inheritors, were selected at each survey site for group discussions and scoring [31]. Five aspects were quantitatively scored for the feed plants: nutritional value, pig preference level, availability of resources, digestibility, and frequency of use. Each aspect was rated on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 indicating the highest score and 1 the lowest. For instance, regarding the nutritional value of feed plants, the scoring criteria were as follows: Excellent (5 points), Good (4 points), Moderately Good (3 points), Fair (2 points), and Poor (1 point)[30]. The scoring criteria for the frequency of use were as follows: used more than once per week (5 points), used once per week (4 points), used once per month (3 points), used less than once per month but more than once per year (2 points), and used once or less per year (1 point). The overall utilization value of feed plants was assessed based on the total scores. A higher score indicated a higher comprehensive utilization value of the feed plant, indicating greater development prospects.

Table 1

semi-structure interview content
No.	Basic questions
1	Why do you raise Luchuan pigs?
2	What plants do you use to feed Luchuan pigs?
3	What are the favorite plants for Luchuan pigs to eat?
4	What differences are there in feeding Luchuan pigs at different growth stages?
5	What differences are there in feeding plants during different seasons?
6	What are the main diseases of Luchuan pigs?
7	Which plants did you use to prevent or treat which diseases in Luchuan pigs?
8	What changes have occurred in Luchuan pig farming compared to the past?
9	Please list any traditional cultural practices you know related to Luchuan pigs.

3.1 The traditional feed of Luchuan Pigs

A total of 51 feed plants were reported by the respondents, belonging to 21 families and 43 genera (see Table 2). Among these feed plants, the Asteraceae, Poaceae, and Amaranthaceae families were the most represented, with 11, 6, and 5 species, respectively. Various parts of the plants were utilized as feed, including above-ground parts, whole plants, leaves, fruits, seeds, seed coats, rice husks, stems, and root blocks, with above-ground parts and whole plants being the primary components, accounting for 37.7% and 22.6%, respectively. More than half of the feed plants used for Luchuan pigs were wild plants (accounting for 55.8% of the total) (some images are shown in Fig. 2), while cultivated plants accounted for 38.4%. During the survey, we organized key informants to conduct group discussions and scoring of Luchuan pig feed plants. The results showed that the comprehensive utilization scores of Luchuan pig feed plants ranged from 10 to 24 points. Rice, corn, Pennisetum purpureum, sweet potato, wheat, and soybean obtained relatively high scores, indicating their significant comprehensive utilization value in Luchuan pig farming. Apart from wheat, which needs to be introduced, all these plants are commonly cultivated locally. Pennisetum purpureum, on the other hand, is both harvested from the wild and cultivated by some individuals.

Table 2

The inventory of feed plants for Luchuan pigs
Specimen No.	Family name	Scientific name	Local name	Used part	Harvesting season	Resource type	Life form	Integrated score
LFYQ23146	Amaranthaceae	Beta vulgaris L.	tóng sháo mài, zhū má cài	leaf	spring, summer, winter	cultivated	herb	20
LFYQ23157	Amaranthaceae	Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb.	jiǎ kōng xīn cài	overground part	spring, summer	wild	herb	16
LFYQ23164	Amaranthaceae	Amaranthus viridis L.	gǒu sè xiàn	whole plant	spring, summer, fall	wild	herb	16
LFYQ23034	Amaranthaceae	Cyathula prostrata (L.) Blume	xì yàng mǎ biān cǎo, dì dān	whole plant	whole year	wild	herb	12
LFYQ23019	Amaranthaceae	Celosia argentea L.	qīng xiāng	overground part	spring, summer, fall	wild	herb	11
LFYQ23144	Araceae	Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott.	yù tóu miáo, yǎng yù	petiole	whole year	wild	herb	21
LFYQ23068	Asteraceae	Ixeris polycephala Cass. ex. DC.	mài cài	leaf	spring, winter	cultivated	herb	21
LFYQ23154	Asteraceae	Lactuca sativa L.	yóu mǎi cài	leaf	whole year	cultivated	herb	17
LFYQ23159	Asteraceae	Lactuca sativa var. ramosa Hort.	shēng cài	leaf	spring, winter	cultivated	herb	16
LFYQ22018	Asteraceae	Emilia sonchifolia (L.) DC.	yī diǎn hóng	whole plant	whole year	wild	herb	16
LFYQ23161	Asteraceae	Lactuca sativa var. angustata Irish ex Bremer	wō sǔn	leaf	spring, winter	cultivated	herb	15
LFYQ23111	Asteraceae	Erechtites valerianifolius (Link ex Spreng.) DC.	guò cháo cài	overground part	whole year	wild	herb	15
LFYQ23048	Asteraceae	Gamochaeta pensylvanica (Willd.) Cabrera	é ài	whole plant	whole year	wild	herb	15
LFYQ22009	Asteraceae	Bidens pilosa L.	yī bāo zhēn	overground part	whole year	wild	herb	14
LFYQ23054	Asteraceae	Crassocephalum crepidioides S. Moore	guò cháo cài, gé mìng cài	overground part	spring, summer, fall	wild	herb	14
LFYQ22172	Asteraceae	Eclipta prostrata (L.) L.	mò cǎo	overground part	whole year	wild	herb	12
LFYQ23164	Asteraceae	Erigeron canadensis L.	xiǎo péng cǎo	overground part	whole year	wild	herb	10
LFYQ23150	Brassicaceae	Raphanus raphanistrum subsp. sativus (L.) Domin	luó bo	whole plant	winter	cultivated	herb	18
LFYQ23151	Brassicaceae	Brassica rapa var. glabra Regel	huǒ tǒng cài, bái cài	leaf	winter	cultivated	herb	18
LFYQ23155	Brassicaceae	Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.	yē zǐ cài	overground part	spring, winter	cultivated	herb	17
LFYQ23156	Brassicaceae	Brassica oleracea L.	bāo cài	overground part	spring, winter	cultivated	herb	17
LFYQ23160	Caricaceae	Carica papaya L.	mù dōng guā	fruit	fall	cultivated	tree	15
LFYQ23020	Caryophyllaceae	Stellaria aquatica Scop.	má sī cǎo, é cháng cài	overground part	whole year	wild	herb	12
LFYQ23151	Commelinaceae	Commelina diffusa Burm.f.	ròu cǎo, zhú gāo cǎo	whole plant	whole year	wild	herb	18
LFYQ23142	Convolvulaceae	Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.	hóng shǔ téng, hóng shǔ téng, fān shǔ	whole plant	whole year	cultivated	herb	24
LFYQ23158	Convolvulaceae	Ipomoea aquatica Forssk.	kōng xīn cài	overground part	summer	cultivated	herb	16
LFYQ23100	Costaceae	Hellenia speciosa (J.Koenig) Govaerts	fú shǒu gùn	overground part	spring, summer, fall	wild	herb	11
LFYQ23148	Cucurbitaceae	Cucurbita moschata Duchesne	nán guā	fruit	summer, fall	cultivated	herb	19
LFYQ23153	Cucurbitaceae	Benincasa hispida Cogn.	dōng guā	fruit	summer, fall	cultivated	herb	18
LFYQ23145	Euphorbiaceae	Manihot esculenta var. Pohlii Cif.	mù shǔ	tuber	fall, winter	cultivated	shrub	21
LFYQ23143	Fabaceae	Glycine max (L.) Merr.	dòu pò	seed	fall	cultivated	herb	23
LFYQ23147	Fabaceae	Arachis hypogaea L.	huā shēng fū	seed coat	summer	cultivated	herb	20
LFYQ23149	Moraceae	Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) Vent.	gòu shù	tender leaf	whole year	wild	tree	19
LFYQ23148	Onagraceae	Ludwigia adscendens (L.) H. Hara	guò táng shé	whole plant	whole year	wild	herb	19
LFYQ23021	Onagraceae	Ludwigia hyssopifolia (G. Don) Exell.	/	overground part	spring, winter	wild	herb	12
LFYQ22784	Poaceae	Zea mays L.	yù mǐ	seed, stem	fall	cultivated	herb	24
LFYQ22808	Poaceae	Oryza sativa L.	zhōu, mǐ kāng, xǐ mǐ shuǐ	seed, husk	summer, fall	cultivated	herb	24
LFYQ23052	Poaceae	Pennisetum purpureum Schumach.	tián xiàng cǎo, jiǎ gān zhè	overground part	whole year	cultivated or wild	herb	24
LFYQ22806	Poaceae	Triticum aestivum subsp. spelta (L.) Thell.	mài pí	seed coat	/	introduced	herb	23
LFYQ23152	Poaceae	Cenchrus flaccidus (Griseb.) Morrone	huáng zhú cǎo	overground part	whole year	wild	herb	18
LFYQ23018	Poaceae	Eleusine indica Gaertn.	niú jīn cǎo	overground part	whole year	wild	herb	13
LFYQ23050	Polygonaceae	Rumex crispus L.	jiǎ mài cài	overground part	spring, summer, fall	wild	herb	16
LFYQ23015	Polygonaceae	Persicaria maculosa Gray	xiǎo là liǎo	whole plant	whole year	wild	herb	15
LFYQ23006	Polygonaceae	Persicaria lapathifolia (L.) Delarbre	jiǎ là liǎo	overground part	whole year	wild	herb	15
LFYQ23002	Polygonaceae	Polygonum plebeium R. Br.	wū yíng yì, páng xiè yǎn	whole plant	whole year	wild	herb	13
LFYQ23152	Pontederiaceae	Pontederia crassipes Mart.	shuǐ piāo, fú shuǐ lián	overground part	spring, summer	wild	herb	18
LFYQ23066	Portulacaceae	Portulaca oleracea L.	mǎ chǐ xiàn	whole plant	spring, summer, fall	wild	herb	16
LFYQ23163	Sapindaceae	Litchi chinensis Sonn.	lì zhī	leaf	whole year	cultivated	tree	10
LFYQ23013	Saururaceae	Houttuynia cordata Thunb.	yú xīng cǎo	whole plant	whole year	wild	herb	16
LFYQ23157	Solanaceae	Solanum americanum Mill.	bái huā cài	stem and leaf	spring, summer, fall	wild	herb	17
LFYQ23162	Solanaceae	Physalis angulata L.	dēng lóng cài	overground part	whole year	wild	herb	12

Table 2 The inventory of feed plants for Luchuan pigs (see the annexed tables)

Among the 51 feed plants, the farmers classified rice, corn, soybean, peanut bran, and wheat, which have relatively high nutritional content, as concentrate feed. The remaining 46 feed plants, including elephant grass, sweet potato, and taro, were categorized as roughage. Different species of concentrate and roughage supplements are provided to Luchuan pigs during different growth stages. During the gestation period, it is essential to balance the nutritional needs of pregnant sows. The concentrate feed mainly consists of porridge, corn, wheat bran, and rice bran, with a small amount of peanut bran and approximately half of the roughage provided twice a day. In the late stages of pregnancy, additional starchy feeds such as sweet potatoes and cassava flour are required. During the lactation period, sow diets should include not only corn flour, wheat bran, rice bran, and roughage feed but also sufficient water and increased plant protein sources such as soybean meal and peanut cake to enhance the sow's lactation capacity. For piglets aged 0 to 2 months, their protein requirements are high, and they primarily rely on maternal milk supplemented with appropriate solid food. They should be fed 4 to 5 times a day with a diet consisting mainly of porridge, corn flour, soybean meal, and wheat bran, mixed with small amounts of fish meal and bone meal. After reaching a weight of 15 pounds, roughage feed should be gradually introduced. Piglets can be kept in confinement after weaning or gradually switched to free-range feeding. When confined, they should be fed twice a day, with roughage as the main component and a small amount of concentrate feed. During free-range feeding, they can be fed once in the morning or evening, with the rest of the time spent foraging on wild plants.

The favorable weather and unique geographical environment have nurtured abundant feed plant resources in Luchuan. The survey results reveal that a large variety of plants are available year-round to feed Luchuan pigs. Among the feed plants used for Luchuan pigs, 23 species can be harvested throughout the year, accounting for 45.10% of the total; 16 species are harvested in spring (31.37%), 14 species in summer (27.45%), 13 species in autumn (24.49%), and 10 species in winter (19.61%) (see Fig. 3). During late winter and early spring, farmers mainly compensate for the insufficient feed by strengthening the cultivation of melons, fruits, and vegetables. Some farmers also utilize fermentation techniques to preserve plant feed, such as fermenting Pennisetum purpureum. They rarely use artificial feed, as they believe that feeding artificial feed may lead to issues such as fever, constipation, and digestive problems in Luchuan pigs.

The traditional practice of feeding Luchuan pigs with natural feed is closely related to the lifestyle habits of the Luchuan Hakka people. In the past, the Luchuan Hakka people relished "Lao Fan", which was a dish made by boiling a large quantity of water with rice in a wok, then scooping out the cooked rice with a ladle. They would mix the leftover rice broth with other plant fodders to feed pigs. During our participatory survey of free-range pigs, we found that Luchuan pigs consume a greater variety of wild plants, such as Eleusine indica, than what the respondents reported. Some respondents mentioned that they were familiar with certain plants but did not know their specific names. It is speculated that there might be more traditional wild feed plant species for Luchuan pigs than those reported by the respondents.

Moreover, compared to the present, in the past, farmers used more wild plants to feed Luchuan pigs, especially during times of grain scarcity when people had no choice but to rely on wild plants. However, with improvements in living standards and changes in feeding practices, many traditional wild-feed plants have been replaced by fermented feed and cultivated plants. Similar to other Chinese local pig breeds[29], the traditional knowledge about the utilization and management of wild feed plants is facing significant risks of extinction in the local community.

3.2 The traditional veterinary medicine for Luchuan pigs

Traditional herbal medicine is an important source of medication used by farmers to treat ailments in Luchuan pigs. The results of this study show that a total of 62 species of herbal medicines were reported by the respondents for treating diseases in Luchuan pigs (Table 3, Fig. 4). Common diseases in Luchuan pigs include cold, cough, wheezing, constipation, anorexia, indigestion, internal heat, and diarrhea.

Table 3

The inventory of veterinary plant for Luchuan Pigs
Specimen ID	Family name	Scientific name	Local name	Part used	Processing method	Medicinal effect	Life form	Resource type
LYFQ21020	Acanthaceae	Dicliptera chinensisJuss.	qīng shé	overground part	cook fully and feed	clear heat, treat cold, treat jaundice	herb	wild
LFYQ23170	Acanthaceae	Strobilanthes cusia Kuntze	bǎn lán gēn	root	make herbal decoction and drink; sun-dry, grind into powder, and mix into feed	clear heat, treat jaundice	herb	introduced
LFYQ23175	Acanthaceae	Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Wall.	chuān xīn lián	overground part	sun-dry, grind into powder, and mix into feed	clear heat, cool blood, reduce swelling, treat cold, reduce fever	herb	introduced
LYFQ21121	Anacardiaceae	Mangifera indica L.	máng guǒ mù yè	leaf	make herbal decoction and drink	improve digestion	tree	cultivated
LYFQ21027	Apiaceae	Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides Lam.	xì yàng léi gōng gēn	whole plant	cook fully and feed	treat cold, treat cough	herb	wild
LFYQ23177	Apiaceae	Saposhnikovia divaricata (Turcz.) Schischk.	fáng fēng	root	sun-dry, grind into powder, and mix into feed	treat cold	herb	introduced
LYFQ21007	Apiaceae	Centella asiatica (L.) Urb.	yú sè cǎo	whole plant	cook fully and feed	treat jaundice, clear heat	herb	wild
LFYQ22348	Aquifoliaceae	Ilex rotunda Thunb.	róng dǎn mù	root	make herbal decoction and drink	clear heat, treat cold	tree	wild
LFYQ22021	Asteraceae	Elephantopus scaber L.	dì dǎn tóu	whole plant	make herbal decoction and drink	clear heat, treat cold, treat jaundice	herb	wild
LYFQ21157	Asteraceae	Ageratum conyzoides L.	chòu cǎo	overground part	make herbal decoction for bath	kill bacterial, relieve itching, treat skin diseases	herb	wild
LYFQ21002	Asteraceae	Emilia sonchifolia (L.) DC.	yī diǎn hóng	overground part	cook fully and feed	clear heat	herb	wild
LFYQ23054	Asteraceae	Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz.	pú gōng yīng	whole plant	cook fully and feed	relieve inner heat	herb	introduced
LFYQ23174	Asteraceae	Artemisia annua L.	qīng hāo	overground part	make herbal decoction and drink	treat gastrointestinal illnesses	herb	introduced
LYFQ21084	Asteraceae	Artemisia indica Willd.	ài	overground part	herbal soak or decoction for bathing	relieve itching, expel parasites, treat skin diseases	herb	wild
LFYQ23183	Asteraceae	Artemisia argyi H.Lév. & Vaniot	ài	overground part	herbal soak or decoction for bathing	relieve itching, expel parasites, treat skin diseases	herb	wild
LYFQ21242	Caprifoliaceae	Lonicera confusa DC.	jīn yín huā	branch and leaf;flower	flower or branch and leaf: make herbal decoction and drink; branch and leaf: herbal soak or decoction for bathing	herbal drink: treat cold, clear heat; medicinal bath: relieve itching, expel parasites, treat skin diseases	liana	wild
LFYQ23182	Celastraceae	Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f.	léi gōnɡ ténɡ	root	herbal soak or decoction for bathing	relieve itching, expel parasites, treat skin diseases	shrub	wild
LYFQ21217	Convolvulaceae	Cuscuta australis R.Br.	tú sī zǐ	whole plant	cook fully and feed	alleviate constipation	herb	wild
LYFQ21297	Dioscoreaceae	Schizocapsa plantaginea Hance	shuǐ tián qī	whole plant	make herbal decoction and drink	clear heat, treat pink eye	herb	wild
LFYQ23181	Dryopteridaceae	Dryopteris crassirhizoma Nakai	guàn zhòng	root	make herbal decoction and drink	clear heat, stimulate urination, alleviate inflammation	herb	introduced
LFYQ23178	Ephedraceae	Ephedra equisetina Bunge	má huáng	stem	sun-dry, grind into powder, and mix into feed	clear heat, treat asthma, treat lung fever	shrub	introduced
LYFQ21159	Euphorbiaceae	Breynia fruticosa (L.) Müll.Arg.	guǐ huà fú	branch and leaf	make herbal decoction and drink	stimulate urination, treat dysentery	shrub	wild
LFYQ22341	Euphorbiaceae	Ricinus communis L.	hóng bì má	branch and leaf	herbal soak or decoction for bathing	relieve itching, expel parasites, treat skin diseases	herb	cultivated
LYFQ21038	Fabaceae	Grona styracifolia (Osbeck) H. Ohashi & K. Ohashi	jīn qián cǎo	whole plant	make herbal decoction and drink	improve digestion	herb	wild
LFYQ23171	Fabaceae	Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.	gān cǎo	root	sun-dry, grind into powder, and mix into feed; make herbal decoction and drink	treat asthma	herb	introduced
LFYQ23172	Fabaceae	Astragalus mongholicus Bunge	huáng qí	root	make herbal decoction and drink	treat gastrointestinal illnesses	herb	introduced
LFYQ23166	Gentianaceae	Gentiana scabra Bunge	dǎn cǎo	whole plant	sun-dry, grind into powder, and mix into feed	clear heat, treat cold	herb	wild
LYFQ21192	Lamiaceae	Clerodendrum fortunatum L.	hóng dēng lóng	overground part	make herbal decoction and drink	alleviate swine fever	herb	wild
LYFQ21046	Lamiaceae	Mentha canadensis L.	bò hé	overground part	crush and mix into feed; cook fully and feed	treat cold	herb	wild
LFYQ23176	Lamiaceae	Schizonepeta tenuifolia Briq.	jīng jiè	overground part	sun-dry, grind into powder, and mix into feed	treat cold	herb	introduced
LYFQ21094	Lamiaceae	Leonurus japonicus Houtt.	yì mǔ cǎo	overground part	cook fully and feed	prevent miscarriage	herb	wild
LYFQ21064	Lygodiaceae	Lygodium japonicum (Thunb.) Sw.	niú dòu xū	branch and leaf	make herbal decoction for bath;place fresh plants in pigpen as bedding	kill bacterial	herb	wild
LYFQ21172	Melastomataceae	Melastoma dodecandrum Lour.	dì niè	whole plant	cook fully and feed	stop diarrhea	herb	wild
LFYQ22427	Meliaceae	Melia azedarach L.	kǔ liàn mù	bark	herbal soak or decoction for bathing	relieve itching, expel parasites, treat skin diseases	tree	wild
LFYQ23137	Menispermaceae	Fibraurea recisa Pierre	shān dà wáng, shān huáng lián	root, stem	make herbal decoction and drink	clear heat	liana	wild
LFYQ22811	Musaceae	Musa acuminata Colla	jiāo xīn	leaf sheath	cook fully and feed	relieve constipation, treat heat syndrome of the eyes, clear heat	herb	cultivated
LFYQ23036	Myrtaceae	Psidium guajava L.	fān táo	tender leaf	make herbal decoction and drink	stop diarrhea	tree	cultivated
LFYQ23028	Myrtaceae	Baeckea frutescens L.	sào bǎ	tender branch and leaf	herbal soak or decoction for bathing	relieve itching, expel parasites, treat skin diseases	shrub	wild
LFYQ22745	Myrtaceae	Eucalyptus robusta Sm..	dà yè ān	branch and leaf	herbal soak or decoction for bathing	relieve itching, expel parasites, treat skin diseases	tree	cultivated
LFYQ23180	Oleaceae	Forsythia suspensa Vahl	lián qiào	fruit	sun-dry, grind into powder, and mix into feed	clear heat	shrub	introduced
LFYQ23148	Onagraceae	Ludwigia adscendens (L.) H.Hara	guò táng shé	whole plant	cook fully and feed	clear heat, treat cold, relieve constipation	herb	wild
LFYQ23167	Oxalidaceae	Averrhoa carambola L.	yáng táo mù yè	branch and leaf	make herbal decoction and drink	improve digestion	tree	wild
LYFQ21143	Pandanaceae	Pandanus tectorius Parkinson ex Du Roi	gāo jiǎo lǜ gǔ tóu	fruit	make herbal decoction and drink	clear heat	shrub	wild
LFYQ23095	Pinaceae	Pinus massoniana Lamb.	sōng zhēn	branch and leaf	herbal soak or decoction for bathing	relieve itching, expel parasites, treat skin diseases	tree	wild
LYFQ21022	Plantaginaceae	Plantago major L.	zhú ké cài	whole plant	cook fully and feed	stimulate urination	herb	wild
LYFQ21166	Poaceae	Lophatherum gracile Brongn.	dàn zhú yè	whole plant	make herbal decoction and drink	improve digestion, clear heat, treat cold	herb	wild
LYFQ21278	Poaceae	Cymbopogon citratus Stapf	xiāng máo	leaf	make herbal decoction for bath; place fresh plants in pigpen as bedding	sterilize, kill bacterial, expel evil	herb	wild
LFYQ23169	Poaceae	Bambusa blumeana Schult. f.	lè zhú xīn	tender leaf	make herbal decoction and drink	clear heat	herb	cultivated
LYFQ21071	Poaceae	Panicum repens L.	yìng gǔ cǎo shǔ	root	make herbal decoction and drink	alleviate stomach distension	herb	wild
LFYQ23173	Poaceae	Phragmites australis (Cav.) Steud.	wěi gēn	root	sun-dry, grind into powder, and mix into feed; make herbal decoction and drink	treat gastrointestinal illnesses	herb	wild
LFYQ22184	Polygonaceae	Polygonum chinense L.	huǒ zhǐ tàn chā	branch and leaf	cook fully and feed; make herbal decoction for bath	feed: clear heat, swine fever, prevent miscarriage, treat jaundice; decoction for bathing: relieve itching, treat skin diseases	herb	wild
LFYQ23066	Portulacaceae	Portulaca oleracea L.	mǎ chǐ xiàn	whole plant	cook fully and feed	relieve constipation	herb	wild
LFYQ23165	Primulaceae	Maesa perlarius (Lour.)Merr.	jì yú dǎn	branch and leaf	make herbal decoction and drink	clear heat, treat cold, treat jaundice	shrub	wild
LFYQ23083	Primulaceae	Embelia laeta (L.) Mez	suān téng mù yè	leaf, root	make herbal decoction and drink	leaf: improve digestion, stop diarrhea, treat jaundice, clear heat; root: clear heat	liana	wild
LFYQ23168	Rosaceae	Prunus persica (L.) Stokes	máo táo yè	branch and leaf	make herbal decoction for bath;place fresh plants in pigpen as bedding	Sterilize, kill bacterial, expel evil	tree	cultivated
LFYQ23179	Rosaceae	Prunus sibirica L.	kǔ xìng rén	seed	sun-dry, grind into powder, and mix into feed	clear heat, treat asthma, treat lung heat	shrub	introduced
LFYQ23123	Rubiaceae	Psychotria serpens L.	shàng mù shé	whole plant	cook fully and feed	clear heat, treat cold	liana	wild
LFYQ22015	Rubiaceae	Mussaenda pubescens W.T.Aiton	xiǎo liáng téng	whole plant	make herbal decoction and drink	treat cold, clear heat	shrub	wild
LYFQ21005	Saururaceae	Houttuynia cordata Thunb.	yú xīng cǎo	whole plant	cook fully and feed;or crush and mix into feed	treat cold, treat cough	herb	wild
LYFQ21021	Solanaceae	Solanum americanum Mill.	bái huā cài	overground part	cook fully and feed	clear heat, treat jaundice	herb	wild
LFYQ23010	Urticaceae	Boehmeria nivea Gaudich.	zhù má yè	branch and leaf	make herbal decoction and drink	prevent miscarriage, alleviate heat syndrome in sows	shrub	wild
LYFQ21149	Verbenaceae	Clerodendrum cyrtophyllum Turcz.	dà qīng yè	root	make herbal decoction and drink	antibacterial, stimulate urination, treat jaundice, clear heat	tree	wild

Table 3 The inventory of veterinary plant for Luchuan Pigs (see the annexed tables)

Pig farmers mentioned that feeding Luchuan pigs with rice bran, soybean meal, and peanut bran can easily lead to internal heat and associated issues such as anorexia, constipation, and wheezing. Therefore, they place great emphasis on preventing internal heat in the process of pig farming. They use 27 species of crushed or grinded herbs decocted and mixed into the feed as a preventive and treatment measure for internal heat in Luchuan pigs. Locally, these herbal concoctions are referred to as "cooling teas." Additionally, they adjust the daily diet of Luchuan pigs to prevent and treat internal heat. For instance, when symptoms of internal heat occur in Luchuan pigs, the feeders reduce the proportion of rice bran, soybean meal, and peanut bran in their food while increasing the proportion of wheat bran, sweet potato shoots, and Musa acuminata. These plants promote gastrointestinal motility in pigs, thereby alleviating symptoms such as constipation and indigestion.

According to the interviewees, newborn piglets and pigs raised under forested conditions are prone to skin diseases. To address this, the local people use 14 species of plants, such as Pinus massoniana, Melia azedarach, Eucalyptus robusta, Tripterygium wilfordii, and Cymbopogon citratus, for pig bathing. They believe that these plants have excellent therapeutic effects and can treat and prevent approximately 95% of skin diseases. Research results indicate that active ingredients in plants like Melia azedarach, Eucalyptus robusta, and Tripterygium wilfordii have vermifugal, insecticidal, and antibacterial effects[32–35]. In traditional Chinese medicine, Tripterygium wilfordii is also used for treating autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, glomerulonephritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus[34]. During the survey, it was observed that farmers prefer placing Cymbopogon citratus, Prunus persica leaves, and Lygodium japonicum directly inside the pigsty for pigs to sleep on. According to their accounts, this practice effectively repels mosquitoes, parasites and prevents skin diseases in piglets. Cymbopogon citratus emits a strong aroma and is reported to have effective chemical components with antibacterial and insect-repelling properties[36–38].

In the past, the treatment of Luchuan pigs' illnesses mainly relied on herbal medicine. With the development of modern medical technology, modern farmers now primarily depend on vaccines and Western medicine to treat pig diseases. Indeed, animal vaccination has significantly contributed to the prevention and control of severe animal diseases. However, this shift towards modern medical practices may have adversely affected the traditional knowledge system concerning livestock health and welfare, as vaccines have become readily available for most farmers, and disease prevention is now the primary focus [1]. Nonetheless, in treating less severe health issues and in more isolated regions, traditional ethnic veterinary practices may still serve as an essential low-cost alternative to "Western" veterinary methods [1]. Therefore, effective measures should be taken to promote the use of traditional herbal remedies. For instance, utilizing pig farming association platforms to disseminate common knowledge about traditional Chinese veterinary medicine among farmers.

3.3 Luchuan pig farming models

In our investigation, we observed a historic transformation in the Luchuan pig farming industry, achieved through collaborative efforts among the government, enterprises, and farmers, transitioning from traditional confinement systems to more environmentally friendly and sustainable practices: ecological farming and free-range in the forest (Fig. 5).

In the ecological farming model, farms are typically established within artificial economic and fruit forests, accompanied by fish ponds. The pig pens are equipped with innovative features such as slatted floors, automated feeding and watering systems, and centralized manure treatment pools. The use of automated equipment significantly reduces feed and labor costs. Moreover, the slatted floors in the pig pens enhance ventilation, reducing the risks of harmful gases for the pigs and lowering the likelihood of diseases among Luchuan pigs. To mitigate environmental pollution from pig feces and urine, farmers primarily employ techniques such as solid-liquid separation and biogas fermentation to treat the excrement in an eco-friendly manner. The processed pig manure serves as a natural fertilizer for fruit trees, forest plants, and pasture within the farm, while the biogas slurry is used to raise fish or irrigate crops. This "pig farming + fish farming" and "pig farming + cultivation" ecological farming model not only minimizes environmental pollution from waste but also promotes sustainability and generates additional economic income for the farmers.

In the free-range in the forest model, Luchuan pig farmers divide the mountainous area into several sections and practice low-density rotational grazing to allow for free-range feeding. This method helps reduce the potential threats to the ecological environment caused by overgrazing. To manage Luchuan pigs more efficiently during the night and provide shelter during adverse weather conditions (such as rain or high temperatures), farmers often build simple houses on the mountain. Luchuan pigs in the forest are familiar with their owner's voice or whistle and can return to designated areas based on specific signals. Under this model, Luchuan pigs are only fed once a day, which reduces feed costs. Due to the minimal input required and low economic risks, free-range pig farming is gaining popularity and plays a significant role in the livelihoods of many rural families worldwide[39–41].

In the wild, pigs are active during the day and spend 75% of their active time on foraging activities[42]. Their increased activity contributes to better health and improved meat quality compared to typical domestic pigs[3, 30, 43, 44]. Research indicates that free-range pigs living in vast, comfortable natural environments have enhanced immunity and disease resistance[3].

3.4 Breeding utilization and industrial development of Luchuan pigs

Luchuan pigs may have limited market share due to their small size, slow growth, and low lean meat percentage. However, they possess valuable genetic traits such as high prolificacy, tolerance to coarse feed, high reproductive capacity, early maturation, and easy fattening, making them of significant genetic breeding value. For instance, crossbreeding Luchuan sows with Danish Landrace boars produces hybrid offspring, and further crossing these hybrids with Duroc boars creates three-way crossbred pigs. Likewise, crossbreeding Luchuan sows with Duroc boars yields black pig offspring, and crossing these offsprings with Danish Landrace boars results in three-way crossbred pigs (Fig. 6). The hybrid pigs exhibit excellent adaptability, high productivity, and superior meat quality, giving them a competitive edge in the market. The economic benefits from hybrid breeding could be crucial for preserving Luchuan pigs and their associated traditional knowledge and culture [45].

The Luchuan pig farming industry is a distinctive sector in Luchuan County. According to statistics, in 2016, the total output value of Luchuan pigs reached 5 billion yuan, accounting for 70% of the counties' total agricultural output[46]. In recent years, the government has undertaken significant efforts to protect and breed Luchuan pigs. These efforts include establishing a national-level Luchuan pig conservation center, setting up Luchuan pig protection areas in five different towns, providing financial subsidies to Luchuan pig breeders, and promoting the Luchuan pig brand.

Despite these measures, the production and utilization of Luchuan pigs still face several challenges. Firstly, the current sales market for Luchuan pigs mainly relies on local consumption. However, with the impact of low-cost, high-yield pork from Europe and America, it is difficult for Luchuan pigs to fetch competitive prices in the market. Secondly, due to insufficient consumer awareness of Luchuan pigs, fraudulent practices in the pork market lead to a significant negative impact on the sales of genuine Luchuan pork. Although the government is working towards building the Luchuan pig brand, there are currently only few Luchuan pig specialty chain stores in Yulin, Guigang, and Nanning in Guangxi, which is insufficient for promoting and disseminating Luchuan pigs. Additionally, epidemics have always posed the most significant obstacle to pig farming[47]. Similar to other pig breeds in China[3], during the outbreak of African swine fever, Luchuan pigs suffered significant losses, with the number decreasing from over 1.31 million to 235,000, causing substantial economic damage to breeders[46]. While some interviewees mentioned the effectiveness of strict epidemic prevention measures and feeding "liangcha" (cooling herbal tea) to pigs to reduce the occurrence and spread of African swine fever, most pig breeders lack experience in epidemic prevention and control, leading them to avoid pig farming risks.

Therefore, to promote and protect Luchuan pigs, government agencies need to take proactive measures, such as 1) increasing the promotion of breeding and farming methods; 2) utilizing the pig farming association platform to educate farmers on preventing and treating common diseases; 3) enhancing research and development in pork processing to expand Luchuan pig meat products in domestic and international markets; 4) conducting effective publicity through museums, promotional events, media, etc., to increase consumer awareness of Luchuan pigs; and 5) attracting investment to establish more specialty chain stores.

3.5 Folk Culture and Customs Related to Luchuan Pigs

Luchuan pigs play a significant role in the local Hakka traditional dietary culture, social rituals, festive celebrations, and customary practices (Fig. 7). Among the Hakka community, Luchuan pigs are regarded as symbols of kindness, good fortune, and blessings. The locals adhere to feeding Luchuan pigs with natural feeds. Luchuan pig meat is highly valued for its delicious taste and nutritional benefits, making it a precious ingredient in both culinary and medicinal practices. Additionally, in the Hakka culture of worship and offerings, pigs are considered the most sincere and meaningful tribute to the deities.

3.5.1 Dietary Culture

Luchuan pigs belong to the fatty-type breed, characterized by tender, aromatic, crisp, and sweet meat. Locals prepare various pork dishes to entertain guests, creating a rich culture centered around consuming pork. Commonly enjoyed dishes include white-cut pig's feet, roasted suckling pig, braised pork, cured pork, sausage, and preserved meat. For the Hakka community in Luchuan, the Luchuan pig serves not only as a source of nutritional food but also as an important medicinal resource for preventing and treating illnesses. Through long-term practical experience, they have developed the concept of "form matching form," using specific parts of the pig to address corresponding health issues. Such as consuming pig's blood to replenish blood, pig's kidneys to nourish the kidneys, and pig's feet to strengthen the feet, among others. Local Hakka people boil pig liver, and goji leaves together to make soup with the effects of liver clearing and vision improvement. Stewed pig's ears with Combretum alfredii are used to treat tinnitus, while a soup made from Tinospora sinensis and pig's feet is employed to alleviate rheumatic bone pain and other ailments.

3.5.2 Festivals and Traditional Customs

The Luchuan pig plays a significant role in the local Hakka traditional customs. Locally, when a Hakka man gets married, it is customary to present a pig's head and tail to the matchmaker as a gesture of gratitude. Additionally, the Luchuan pig is an essential offering in the worship of deities and ancestors during traditional festivals and important customs among the Hakka people. Particularly during the Qingming Festival and the Double Ninth Festival, affluent Hakka families often use a roasted suckling pig as an offering to their ancestors (Fig. 7b). The Hakka people of Luchuan believe that pigs are easy to raise and bring good fortune. Therefore, if a child is weak and prone to illness, their parents may offer a Luchuan pig or a pig's head to the local earth god, praying for the child to be as healthy and fortunate as a pig.

Amid urbanization and changing lifestyles, many traditional ceremonies are gradually fading from people's view. However, the cultural significance related to pigs remains well-preserved in the Hakka region of Luchuan County. The Luchuan pig not only holds an important place in Hakka culture but also serves as a medium for reflecting the distinct characteristics of the local Hakka people. The Hakka people of Luchuan are known for their kindness, warmth, hospitality, gratitude, and reverence for deities and ancestors. They share the best pork with guests to express hospitality and gratitude and offer pork as the finest tribute to deities and ancestors, conveying their reverence and fond remembrance. These cultural values likely serve as a vital driving force in preserving the local traditional customs and culture. Therefore, while safeguarding the genetic resources of the Luchuan pig, equal emphasis should be placed on the conservation of the associated traditional customs and culture.

The Luchuan Hakka people possess rich traditional knowledge and management experience in raising Luchuan pigs. However, with the improvement of living standards, changes in farming practices, and the development of medical technologies, many traditional wild feed plants have been replaced by fermented feed and cultivated crops, and traditional Chinese veterinary medicine has been replaced by vaccines and Western medicine. The traditional knowledge about the utilization and management of wild feed plants and veterinary plants is facing a significant risk of disappearance, and effective measures need to be taken for its preservation. The ecological farming and under-forest grazing models of Luchuan pigs have reduced the environmental pollution and potential threats caused by pig farming, and these models are worthy of promotion. Although Luchuan pigs have high genetic breeding value, their production and utilization still face many challenges and require further promotion and protection. Luchuan pigs are an important cultural species locally, and while protecting the genetic resources of Luchuan pigs, efforts should also be made to strengthen the preservation of traditional customs and culture related to Luchuan pigs.

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the Luchuan County Government for their assistance in facilitating the field survey for this research. Special thanks to the Luchuan County Animal Husbandry Bureau for their support during the field investigations. We also extend our gratitude to local pig farmers, including Shou Li, Xiang Li, Junrong Huang, Bifen Deng, Ruixing Zhong, Yuan Lai, Qingshi Lu, Kun Liu, and others, for sharing valuable traditional knowledge and culture related to Luchuan pigs. We also acknowledge the help provided by colleagues such as Yunfa Chen.

Author contributions

Y.L. and B.L. conceptualized the study, acquired funding, and wrote the original draft of the manuscript. J.Z., Q.F., M.S., and Y.X. conducted field investigations, performed specimen identification and validation, and reviewed the manuscript.

Funding Support

This study was supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Guangxi Province (Project No. 2022GXNSFBA035527), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Project No. 41662002), the Talents Program of Jiangxi Province of China (Project No. jxsq2020104003) and the Special Project of the Lushan Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Project No. 2021ZWZX12).

Availability of data and materials

All data generated or analysed during this study are included in this published article.

Ethics approval and consent to participate

This ethnobotanical study was approved by the concerned bodies of Lushan Botanical Garden. During the field trip, all informants in the study area and all authors willingly agreed to participate, use the data related to their knowledge and publish the results.

Consent for publication

Not applicable.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

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No competing interests reported.

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published 15 Sep, 2023

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Editorial decision: Major revision
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Feed Plants, Ethnoveterinary Medicine, and Biocultural Values: Insights on the Luchuan Pig from Hakka Communities in China

Status:

Journal Publication

Version 1

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Figures

1 Introduction

2 Study Area and Methodologies

3 Results and Discussions

3.1 The traditional feed of Luchuan Pigs

3.2 The traditional veterinary medicine for Luchuan pigs

3.3 Luchuan pig farming models

3.4 Breeding utilization and industrial development of Luchuan pigs

3.5 Folk Culture and Customs Related to Luchuan Pigs

3.5.1 Dietary Culture

3.5.2 Festivals and Traditional Customs

Conclusion

Declarations

References

Additional Declarations

Status:

Journal Publication

Version 1