Appendices colli in the domestic pig (Sus scrofa f. domestica)

Appendices colli represent cutaneous appendices on the ventral surface of the neck which are found in goals, sheep and pigs. These structures differ in the development of cartilagineous bars, a muscular apparatus, own vessels and nerves. While tassels appear commonly in recent caprine breeds of Central Europe, their occurrence in modern domestic pigs is very unusual. Appendices colli can occur sporadically in many different races of domestic pigs, whereas in some races they can be found as a peculiar feature of the whole race. Tassels which varied in number, size, shape and position could be seen in domestic pigs in Belize. The observed generally colored pigs showed different habits and were kept extensively in small villages and in the adjacent forests.