Some physical characteristics of Muong Te pigs in Lai Chau province
The objective of this research was to evaluate some physical charteristics of Muong-Te pigs in Lai-Chau province. The investigation was performed at Ung Thin Cooperative from October 2021 to June 2025. The research was conducted on 361 Muong Te pigs, including 332 females and 29 males, in Muong Te district, Lai Chau province, to evaluate their morphological characteristics. The method of standard observation and measurement were employed to determine the morphological traits. The results revealed that the phenotypic traits of Muong Te pigs were as follows: white spots on the head accounted for 20.13%, while non-spotted individuals represented 79.87%. The frequency of white spots on the left foreleg, right foreleg, left hind leg, and right hind leg were 34.56%, 33.22%, 35.23%, and 35.23%, respectively, with tail spots observed in 15.10% of pigs. The number of teats varied, with 10 teats in 33.89%, 12 teats in 42.78%, and 14 teats in 18.06% of individuals. Regarding other external features, rough skin was observed in 63.64% of pigs; straight hair in 100%; sparse hair density in 54.55%, and medium hair density in 43.94%. No pigs exhibited a mane. The majority had a straight facial profile (94.72%), long snout (60.56%), horizontal ears (91.20%), slim abdomen (89.39%), straight back (79.40%), and well-formed hooves (61.54%). Mean body measurements were as follows: body length 101.80 cm, shoulder height 59.24 cm, back height 58.55 cm, head length 28.66 cm, ear length 13.03 cm, and tail length 28.22 cm. In conclusion, Muong Te pigs are characterized by a straight facial profile, long snout, horizontal ears, slim abdomen, straight back, and white spots on the legs. The average number of teats was 12, ranging from 10 to 16. Their body measurements correspond to those of Vietnamese indigenous pig breeds.
