We report on results of a 30-year cooperation between Hungarian and German scientists on reproductive research in female pigs. Several new techniques such as endoscopy and embryo transfer were used to study endocrinology, the ovulatory process and fertilization in pigs. The research was further focused on indigenous Hungarian Mangalica pigs to highlight particularity and support the renaissance of this native pig breed. This bilateral cooperation was broadened to non-European fatty pig breeds.

One novel coding SNP was found in exon 1 of pig TMEM95 gene, namely NC_010454.3:g.341T > C, which was significantly associated with testis measurement traits at 15 days of age in the LW population (p < 0.05). Moreover, a significant relationship was found between this A47A polymorphism and testis weight at 40 days of age in LW population (p = 0.047). These results could contribute to breeding and genetics programs in the pig industry via DNA marker-assisted selection (MAS).

Single housing with full-time crating is the typical system for keeping suckling sows, but animal welfare is neglected. Short-time crating is an alternative due to animal welfare. The objective was to compare the two systems under practical conditions. Short-time crated gilts did not cause an increased amount of loss of piglets due to crushing, and the daily gain of their piglets was higher. Behavioural observations showed that gilts' welfare was positively influenced by short-time crating.

A comparative life cycle assessment of pork with different feed scenarios substituting soybean products has been performed. Alternative scenarios used legumes, a protein crop mix, and amino acids. Results expressed per kilogram of feed depended greatly on the method used and the impact category considered. The inclusion of land use change increased global warming potential by up to 43 %. Results per kilogram of pork showed the amino acid scenario to have the least overall environmental impacts.