Passato, presente e futuro della suinicoltura in Italia [From past to future: evolution of pig production in Italy]

The Italian pig sector reflects a long-standing interplay between agriculture, culture and society, in which the pig has consistently played a central role since classical antiquity. Roman authors such as Cato, Columella and Varro described it as an adaptable animal, capable of efficiently converting agricultural resources and supporting food preservation practices. Over time, the species became fully integrated within European societies, acquiring not only economic relevance but also a strong cultural and symbolic significance. Historical narratives, including the traditional account of the transfer of Saint Mark’s relics from Alexandria to Venice concealed under pork, reflect its incorporation within a broader cultural framework. Although partly legendary, this episode highlights the practical and symbolic role of the pig in historical contexts. In contrast, in other traditions, the pig has been subject to dietary restrictions and symbolic meanings, reflecting different cultural perceptions. Building on these historical foundations, the Italian pig sector has developed into a complex and differentiated system. The heavy pig production model, historically developed in the Po Valley, represents its best-known expression. Characterised by a close integration between animal husbandry, feed resources and food processing, this system is designed to supply raw material for high-quality cured products, requiring precise control of growth patterns and carcass composition. The availability of crop and dairy by-products has contributed to the consolidation of a highly interconnected production chain. Alongside this intensive and structured model, the Italian pig sector includes traditional and extensive systems based on local genetic resources, strongly adapted to specific environments. These systems play a key role in preserving biodiversity, maintaining rural landscapes and sustaining cultural heritage, contributing to the diversity and resilience of the national production framework. In the contemporary scenario, the sector faces increasing challenges driven by evolving societal expectations and regulatory frameworks. Animal welfare has become central, with a shift from resource-based evaluation towards animal-based approaches focusing on the actual condition of the animal (EFSA, 2022) and more recent research interest towards the assessment of “positive welfare”. In this framework, the European debate on alternative housing solutions for sows highlights the need to balance welfare improvements with technical feasibility and production stability. At the same time, the sector faces growing sanitary pressures, requiring continuous adaptation in biosecurity and preventive health management. Dependence on imported protein feed sources introduces additional complexity and instability, while environmental aspects are receiving increasing attention in livestock evaluation: national inventory data highlight the role of manure management and related emissions within the broader emission scenario (ISPRA, 2024). In this framework, the veterinarian plays a pivotal role as a guarantor of animal health and compliance and as an advisor in the optimisation of production systems. The Italian pig sector thus exemplifies how historical legacy, cultural identity and scientific knowledge must be integrated to address future challenges in livestock production.