Swine

Swine or pigs are a group of even-toed ungulate mammals from the family Suidae. They include domestic pigs and their ancestor, the common Eurasian wild boar, along with other species. Swine are native to the Old World, ranging from Europe to the Pacific islands. Suids other than the pig are the babirusa of Indonesia, the pygmy hog of Asia, the warthog of Africa, and another genus of pigs from Africa. The term "swine" is used more in the context of a negative connotation of pigs, such as in the saying "pearls before swine".

Characteristics[edit | edit source]

Swine are omnivorous, meaning they consume both plants and small animals. Pigs can consume a wide range of food, similar to humans. They have a great sense of smell. The pig's snout is used for finding food and is a very acute sense organ. Pigs have a full set of 44 teeth. The canine teeth, called tusks, grow continually and are sharpened by being ground against each other.

Domestication[edit | edit source]

Pigs were domesticated in Mesopotamia around 9,000 BC. They were also being farmed in China by 8,000 BC. Pigs were brought to southeastern North America from Europe by de Soto and other early Spanish explorers. Pigs are farmed for meat (such as pork, bacon, and ham), for their skin, and for their bristle. Some breeds of pig, such as the Asian pot-bellied pig, are kept as pets.

Health and diseases[edit | edit source]

Pigs can be prone to various health problems and diseases, including Pneumonia, Influenza, Parasites, and Swine Fever. Proper care and treatment can prevent most of these issues.

References[edit | edit source]

Swine Resources
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