Pig production in Poland in the 20th century: History and future prospects.

Abstract

The article is based on a comparative analysis of statistical data on the size and structure of pig herds in Poland in the period of 1930-1989. It focuses on the economic situation and agricultural policies after World War I and World War II and the problems due to war damage and the communist economic system imposed by the Soviet Union. Polish pig breeding was successful in the postwar periods in terms of the development of breeding material for noble pig breeds: Polish Large White, Polish Landrace, Złotnicka White, Złotnicka spotted, and Puławska. This article shows the long-term prospects of pig breeding trends in Poland and their implications for present pig production. It also shows that Poland has unique opportunities and conditions for rebuilding and development of pig herds and can compete on the global market.