Indigenous pig breeds in China possess distinct biological characteristics, yet their growth dynamics and feeding behaviors remain inadequately characterized. This study compared growth performance, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and feeding behavior in four Hunan indigenous pig breeds, Dongshan (DS), Longtan (LT), Pushi (PS), and Taoyuan (TY), during the fattening stage (approximately 50–90 kg, over 60 days). Automated feeding stations were used to continuously monitor body weight, feed intake, and feeding behavior over 60 days in 48 pigs (12 per breed). Linear mixed model and generalized additive mixed model (GAMM) were employed to analyze growth trajectories, FCR dynamics, and temporal feeding patterns. The PS breed exhibited the highest daily gain (0.785 kg/day) and lowest FCR (3.98), whereas the DS breed showed the poorest feed efficiency (FCR 4.83). GAMM revealed significant non-linear changes in FCR and feeding rate across growth stages, with breed-specific critical windows of divergence. Notably, the TY breed achieved comparable growth to DS and LT with superior feed efficiency, suggesting adaptive metabolic characteristics. Diurnal feeding rhythms were conserved across breeds, despite marked differences in absolute feeding rates. These findings provide a fundamental database for precision feeding management and genetic improvement of indigenous pig breeds.

Indigenous pigs constitute crucial genetic reservoirs. Adipose tissue is central to pig growth and metabolism, yet its molecular ontogeny remains poorly characterized in indigenous breeds such as the Ningxiang pig. We employed mass spectrometry to profile backfat proteomes across six postnatal stages (60–360 days). Proteomes clearly separated early (60–120 days) from late stages (300–360 days). Older pigs showed enrichment in processes linked to energy metabolism, translation, immune function, and mitochondrial activity. We identified 43 lipid metabolism proteins exhibiting significant age-dependent abundance. Weighted co-abundance network analysis revealed four protein modules significantly correlated with lean meat percentage, fat percentage, and carcass weight. Intramodular analysis identified four hub proteins—ALDH18A1, FABP4, FBP1, and HADHB—as putative candidates associated with lipid transport, gluconeogenesis, and fatty acid oxidation. This study links temporal proteomic profiles with key carcass traits, providing a data resource and a network-based framework for future research.

Yan goose, a representative Chinese local breed, requires genetic resource conservation. To address this, we optimized a semen cryopreservation protocol for Yan geese and validated its feasibility in large-scale cryobank production. Using motility of frozen-thawed sperm (MFS) as the primary indicator, supplemented by artificial insemination (AI) trials, we systematically evaluated cryoprotectant type, freezing rate, extender osmolality and pH, and thawing rate. Dimethylformamide (DMF) significantly outperformed dimethylacetamide (DMA) in MFS (34.17% vs. 24.17%, p < 0.05). Based on optimization data and practical requirements, the final DMF method comprised freezing at 2.0 cm above liquid nitrogen for 2 min, extender osmolality of 335 mOsm/kg at pH 7.8, and thawing at 5 °C for 60 s. Teaser-induced semen collection was successfully applied in a Chinese local goose breed for the first time, achieving a 69.14% success rate. Using this system, production over 17 days yielded 1225 straws (96.61% qualified), of which 838 from 30 families were banked. AI of banked semen achieved a fertilization rate of 70.4% and a hatchability of 86.8%. These findings demonstrate the successful establishment of a cost-effective cryobank for Yan geese, providing a feasible paradigm for conserving other Chinese local goose breeds.