The Nero Siciliano pig is a breed of domestic pig which is also known as Nero dei Nebrodi, Nero delle Madonie and Nero dell’Etna. It is from the Mediterranean island of Sicily, in southern Italy.
It is often known as the Nero dei Nebrodi mainly because it is raised in the province of Messina, particularly in the Monti Nebrodi. And for it’s association with the Madonie mountains and mount Etna it may also be called Nero delle Madonie or Nero dell’Etna respectively.
In the year of 2001, a herdbook for the breed was established and is kept by the Associazione Nazionale Allevatori Suini, the Italian national association of pig breeders.
The Nero Siciliano pig is one of the six autochthonous pig breeds recognized by the Ministero delle Politiche Agricole Alimentari e Forestali, the Italian ministry of agriculture and forestry.
There were about 3,642 pigs registered at the end of 2012. Read more information about the breed below.
Nero Siciliano Pig Characteristics
Nero Siciliano pig is a medium to large sized animal. It is mainly black in coloration.
Mature boars on average weight around 330 kg. And average live body weight of the mature sows is around 290 kg. Photo and info from Wikipedia.
Special Notes
The Nero Siciliano pig is a good productive breed. It is raised for both salumi and for fresh meat production.
The animal is usually slaughtered at 6-7 months of age when it typically weight around 60-70 kg. But the animals which are used for preserved meat production are generally slaughtered at the 10-11 months of age when they reach about 110-120 kg of body weight.
The principal salumi are the Salame Sant’Angelo, which has IGP status, and Prosciutto di Suino Nero dei Nebrodi; capocollo, guanciale, and coppa are also produced. However, review full breed profile of this breed in the following chart.
| Breed Name | Nero Siciliano | |
| Other Name | Nero dei Nebrodi, Nero delle Madonie and Nero dell’Etna | |
| Special Notes | Used for both salumi and fresh meat, slaughtered at the age of 6-7 months | |
| Breed Size | Medium to large | |
| Boars | Around 330 kg | |
| Sows | Around 290 kg | |
| Climate Tolerance | Native climates | |
| Color | Mainly black | |
| Rarity | Endangered | |
| Country/Place of Origin | Italy |
