4.2.3. Pigs

Pigs are one of the major livestock species in Nepal and are ranked as the 5th most important livestock species after fowl, cattle, buffalo, and goa<sup>t</sup> in terms of population numbers. The trend for population size of pigs is increasing (Figure 1E) [15], and indigenous pig breeds contribute significantly (~50%) to the total pig population [31]. Due to certain cultural and religious taboos, pork production and consumption were limited to specific ethnic communities in the past. However, along with the transformation in cultural beliefs and values, pork has become a popular choice among the Nepalese, particularly in the urban areas, as evidenced by a sharp increase in pork production and consumption (Figure 3C) [15].

In the future, pork is expected to contribute substantially to the country's total meat production. With changing demands for pork, it is vital to conserve indigenous pig resources for future pig improvement programs [31]. Since the traditional small-scale subsistence piggery is mostly maintained under quite low planes of nutrition, particularly utilizing kitchen waste and by-products, it is essential to direct future efforts toward the commercialization of the pig industry. This should include a focus on improvements of farm structures, animal breeding, and feeding practices to improve not only pig performance but also to break routes of infectious diseases, particularly the zoonotic parasitic diseases taeniasis and cysticercosis. This will help to integrate a traditionally not well accepted or not recognized pig sector into the national livestock farming system with a massive potential for future meat production in the country. Recently, there has been an increasing number of piggery operations with a larger number of animals and a more commercialized approach. Piggery has been one of the popular agricultural business choices among youth who have returned from overseas.
