Pigs

Pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus), also known as domestic pigs, are domesticated large, even-toed ungulates that are bred and raised primarily for food (e.g., pork, bacon, gammon) and sometimes for their skin. Pigs are descendants of the wild boar and are considered an important animal in many cultures around the world due to their use in agriculture, medical research, and more.

Characteristics

Pigs are known for their intelligence, social behavior, and physical attributes, including a snout for their acute sense of smell, small eyes, and a large, round body covered in short bristles. They have four hoofed toes on each foot, with the two large middle toes used for walking.

Domestication

The domestication of pigs is believed to have started around 9,000 years ago in the Near East and China. The process allowed humans to transform wild boars into domestic pigs through selective breeding, focusing on traits such as size, temperament, and growth rate.

Breeds

There are numerous breeds of domestic pigs, each adapted to different climatic conditions and bred for various qualities. Some of the well-known breeds include the Yorkshire, Duroc, and Berkshire, which are prized for their meat quality.

Uses

Food Production

Pigs are a major source of meat worldwide, producing pork, bacon, and ham. Their ability to convert inedible food into meat efficiently makes them valuable in the food industry.

Medical Research

Due to their physiological similarities to humans, pigs are used in medical research, including studies on human diseases, surgical procedures, and the development of pharmaceuticals.

Agriculture

In addition to meat production, pigs contribute to agriculture by consuming waste products and turning them into valuable manure for crops.

Environmental Impact

While pigs play a significant role in agriculture and food production, their farming can have environmental impacts, including pollution from manure runoff and the use of resources such as water and feed.

Cultural Significance

Pigs hold various cultural significances around the world, symbolizing prosperity and fertility in some cultures, while being considered unclean in others.

See Also

• Livestock
• Animal husbandry
• Pork
• Swineherd