Zovak

Origin: Mizoram, Northeast India. The name means 'pig' in the Mizo language. An ancient and pure local breed.

Colour / Look: Completely black body. Small, compact size. Short ears. Slightly arched back.

Body Weight: Adult boar: 35-55 kg. Adult sow: 30-45 kg.

Purpose: Pork production for local communities. Sacred in some Mizo traditions. Used in community feasts (Mautam).

Key Features: One of the purest indigenous pig breeds of Northeast India. Very disease-resistant. Survives on forest forage and minimum feeding. Extremely hardy. Slow growing but produces very flavourful pork.

ICAR Guidance: ICAR-NBAGR considers Zovak one of the priority breeds for conservation in Mizoram. It is included in the state animal genetic resources conservation plan.