Draft:Bantu pig

= Bantu pigs = The Bantu is a domesticated breed of pig largely found in southern Africa. They are believed to have been bred from imported swine from Asia and Europe, or even North Africa. Bantu's are small to medium size when fully grown, and grow quickly. They are not often used for intensive farming, but rather smallholdings and smaller farming operations.

History
It is generally considered that the Bantu breed originates from swine imported from Asia and Europe. A study by the University of Pretoria found traces of the breeds of Poland China and the English breed Gloucester Spot. Dotted varieties of the pig may share the blood of a local breed of pig, known as the Kolbroek pig in the Western Cape Province.

Appearance
The average weight of a Bantu piglet at birth is 2lbs, and the average weight for adults is between 210 and 220lbs. They are usually brown, but can also be white with black spots, or black, and a small minority are reddish tan. These pigs have longitudinal lines like bush pigs, suggesting interbreeding. However, domestic Bantu pigs sleep less and have more activity compared to their wild counterparts.

Characteristics
Bantu pigs are social and intelligent animals, and work well together in small groups. When a herd has been formed, Bantu pigs will work together very well, however the introduction of new individuals into a group can agitate the herd. They are generally tough animals, resistant to many diseases that affect commercial pigs, and well adapted to their hot and humid environment. Bantu pigs do not flourish when accommodated with other breeds. Bantu's are generally kept in large cages due to the areas they are raised on, however areas of large amounts of Bantus will keep them in larger areas, as they can be highly territorial.