BALI PIG, A MUST PRESERVED GERMPLASM

BALI PIG, A MUST PRESERVED GERMPLASM

Komang Budaarsa

Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Udayana University, Denpasar Bali

Email: bdr.komang@unud.ac.id,  Hp: 08123629838

The Decreasing Population

          Today the population of Bali pigs continues to decline. Data from the Animal Husbandry and Animal Health Office of Bali Province shows that Bali pig population in 2013 was 253,959 pigs, while in 2012 the population was 284,531. It shows a decrease of 10.74%, in which drastic decrease was undergone by the parents. In fact, the parent is the only one which can breed the next offspring. If the number of population continues to decrease, there are concerns that one day Bali pigs will become extinct.

The extinction of animal species must begin with a decline in population. Take an example of Bali myna (Leucopsar rothschildi) which now has come to the brink of extinction due to illicit trafficking, and other examples are rhinos (Rhinoceros sondaicus and Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) and saltwater crocodiles (Crocodilus porosus). The saddest truth is that Bali tiger (Panthera tigris balica) has been declared extinct.

In terms of flora and fauna diversity, Indonesia ranks second in the world, while Brazil ranks first with its richest biodiversity stored in the renowned Amazon jungle. However, in the case of endemic (native) species, Indonesia is the richest.

Indonesia has 325,350 species of flora and fauna spread over 17,000 islands, what an extraordinary profusion, a great asset, and this abundance excels any other countries.

          Being excellent is not the prime case, what is more curcial is how to preserve and to develop biodiversity for people’s prosperity. As a matter of fact, the extinction rate of flora and fauna in Indonesia is very high. Bali pigs should not suffer the same fate as a Bali tiger, which ends with extinction. For this reason, conservation endeavors must be executed.

A Bali pig is traditionally raised in Nusa Penida, Klungkung Regency               

A Better Taste for Balinese Suckling Pig (Babi Guling)

          Using Bali pig for suckling pig (babi guling) gives more flavors, how is this possible? Bali pig belongs to fat type in which fat under the skin is thicker, compared to landrace pigs. Physically, it is softer because most of the composition consists of unsaturated fatty acids, especially linoleic and oleic fatty acids which give a special flavor. That fat essence highly affect the flavor of the meat.

The fat on the back and the pork skin of Bali pig are thicker than those of landrace pigs. These are the benefits of Bali pig for the dish because then the pork skin will be thicker and softer. The pads of fat under the skin will melt when heated, dissolving the collagen into gelatin which then increase the tenderness of the meat.

The soft meat becomes more savory because the pork is roasted with a spread of mashed salt and turmeric. The melting fat under the skin makes the salt soak into the flesh, and smear out the skin, giving a specific, more flavorful aroma. Pork skin is number one consumers’ favorite from a suckling pig.

Furthermore, the savory taste is also affected by the nutrient in the given feed. The ingredients of Bali pig’s feed are various, mostly consisting of forage, which is rich in vitamins and minerals. Often, it is mixed with rice water (banyu), added with other kitchen waste. Rice water contains vitamin B, especially vitamin B₁₂, all of which are very likely to affect the taste of meat.

The taste of a suckling pig from a Bali pig is way better, stated by Bu Ayu, a seller of suckling pig and rice at Menanga Market, Karangasem, who has been selling suckling pig for 10 years. Bu Ayu has been always choosing Bali pigs for her suckling pig as it has heavier taste of nyangluh (savory) and thicker skin, making it last for hours, even in the afternoon it won’t get ngales (squidgy).

Bali suckling pig is very popular. Initially, it is part of the offerings at certain ceremonies (banten bebangkit) which obligate a serving of a suckling pig. However, the trend has changed, and it has become a very famous Balinese culinary. The problem now is that Bali pigs are shrinking in number. A wise step is to preserve it, therefore the original Bali pig (BBA-Babi Bali Asli) will far from extinction.