Turopolje pig breed (T) is an autochthonous Croatian breed in the state of renewal and protection. In 2008, the breeding population was 130 sows and 15 boars. The aim of this study was to compare haematological and blood biochemical parameters of the pigs/hogs T and crossbreds TCSL. The pigs TCSL were offspring from the mating of T boar and crossbred sows CSL (♂CHypor x ♀Swedish Landrace (SL)). Pigs (T, n=20 ; TCSL, n=10) were produced by traditional Croatian technology of low feed input in outdoor production system (utilisation of natural resources such as acorn, soil and pasture accompanied by 0.5 kg of corn seed/animal/day). Serum concentration of glucose, urea, creatinine, triglycerides, total cholesterol, enzyme activity (CK, γ-GT, AST, ALT, and AP), blood cell count (WBC, RBC) and Haemoglobin (Hb) content were analysed. In both, T and TCSL pigs, the measured parameters, except for LDH in T and TCSL, and Hb in T were within the physiological range. The T pigs had significantly lower values of glucose (P<0.05), creatinine and Hb (P<0.01) than TCSL. The tendencies (P<0.10) of higher urea concentration and AST activity and lower RBC and ALT activity were observed in T pigs.

Since 1996, Turopolje pig breed, an autochthonous Croatian breed and one of the older European pig breed is in the state of renewal and conservation. The aim of this study was to determine the size of breeding and effective (Ne) population and some of the biological traits which should be of importance in the program of in-situ preservation. According to the FAO standards, this breed is in the status of critical/endangerment although the obtained results showed the increase of breeding (12 vs. 130 sows and 3 vs. 15 boars) and effective population (9.6 vs. 53.8) from 1996 to 2008, respectively. The average litter size (number of born piglets in total and live were 7.7 and 6.3, respectively) and piglets weights at 1st (1.25 kg) and 42nd (4.4 kg) day of age were within the standards for this breed. The average survival of piglets from 1st to 42nd day of age was 73.5%. The composition of carcass and carcass parts estimated as a ratio of muscle:fat tissues was 1.1:1.0 and 0.8-1.5:1.0, respectively. In addition, fatty acid composition of M. longissimus dorsi (MLD) and back fat as well as MLD histochemical and histomorphological characteristics (diameter and proportion of red slow-twitch oxidative (SO), white fast-twitch glycolytic (FG) and intermediate fast-twitch oxidative glycolytic (FOG) fibre types) were specific. The characteristics of carcass and tissues traits are consequences of specific historical conditions, breeding, selection and production in specific environment. The biological traits of Turopolje pig breed are not limiting factors in the increasing of breeding population and changing of the present endangerment status.

Black Slavonian (BS) pig is local Croatian breed originated in Slavonia region in the second half of the 19th century. Until the 1950s it was the most widespread breed in Slavonia, mainly used for the production of fat and meat products. Later, its population was drastically reduced and in 1990s the survival of the breed was endangered. In order to halt breed decline the State introduced protection measures which resulted in population increase ; in 2008 there were 78 boars and 669 sows. The breed is well adapted for traditional outdoor keeping which includes the utilization of pasture and woodland with supplement of a small amount of grains. Litter size is low with ~ 1.5 farrowing per year per sow. The fattening abilities are also modest, with low daily gains and high share of fat in the carcass. However, the meat quality is good, with high content of intramuscular fat and high appreciation of its meat products. As a part of current trends of support of sustainable and traditional food production systems, it becomes important to preserve the production systems of BS pigs and their products. Development of marketing of niche products could be the best way for long-term preservation of breed.