The domesticated pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) is a domesticated subspecies of the wild boar, one of the oldest farm animals that plays an important role in the food industry and culture of many nations. Due to their high fertility, unpretentiousness and rapid growth, pigs are widespread around the world.
Classification and scientific name
• The Kingdom: Animalia
• Type: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Row: Artiodactyla
• Family: Swine (Suidae)
• Gender: Pig (Sus)
• View: Wild boar (Sus scrofa)
• Subspecies: Domestic pig (Sus scrofa domesticus)
Appearance
📏 Sizes
- Height at the withers: 50-110 cm
- Body length: 90-180 cm
- Weight: 50-350 kg, depending on breed and conditions
🎨 Color scheme
- The skin can be pink, gray, black, white or spotted
- Hair is sparse, bristly
🐷 Features
- It has an elongated snout with a movable heel that is used for digging soil
- Eyes small, ears often large and mobile
Origin and distribution
🌍 Domestication
- Pigs were domesticated about 9,000 years ago in what is now Turkey, China and Iran
- Modern breeds are bred by selecting wild forms
📦 Spread
- Pigs are kept on all continents except Antarctica
- They are adapted to various climatic conditions
Behavior
🧠 Intelligence
- Pigs are extremely intelligent animals capable of learning, memorizing and solving problems
- They are considered one of the most intelligent pets
👪 Social structure
- In nature they live in groups, in pig production - in pens
- They communicate with each other through sounds, smells, and body signals
Food
🥕 Diet
- Omnivores: eat roots, grains, fruits, vegetables, leftovers, sometimes meat
- It is important to provide a balanced diet for good growth
Reproduction
🍼 Fertility.
- They become sexually mature at 6-8 months
- A sow can produce 2 litters per year of 8-14 piglets each
🕊️ Pregnancy
- Lasts approximately 114 days (3 months, 3 weeks, 3 days)
- Piglets are usually born without complications
Meaning for a person
🍖 Products.
- Meat (pork), lard, sausage products
- Skin, bristles, and organs are also used for medicine
🏡 Economy
- Pigs are kept in private households, farms, and industrial complexes
🔬 Science.
- Pigs are used in biomedical research, including as a model for humans
Interesting facts
✔️ Pigs have a very developed sense of smell - even better than dogs
✔️ They are able to recognize themselves in the mirror, which is a sign of self-awareness
✔️ Pigs like to lie in the mud not because of the dirt, but to cool their bodies and protect themselves from insects
✔️ In some countries (e.g., China), the pig is a symbol of wealth and happiness
Conclusion
The domestic pig is not only a source of important products, but also an amazing animal with high intelligence and sociality. Its role in human life is enormous - from ancient times to the present day, in agriculture, science and culture.
