Pig

The pig (scientific name: Sus scrofa domesticus) is a domesticated animal raised by humans for meat, fat and skin. It descends from the wild boar (Sus scrofa), which still inhabits many parts of Europe and Asia. The pig is among the earliest animals domesticated by humans, with domestication believed to have begun thousands of years ago in Asia and the Middle East.

The pig is omnivorous and can eat plants, roots, fruits, insects and food waste. Because of this broad diet and rapid breeding, it is raised in many parts of the world, particularly in East Asia, Europe and the Americas. Pig meat production is among the world's largest industries.

Physical characteristics

The pig has a stocky body, a long rigid snout used for rooting in soil and foraging for food, small eyes and large ears. The skin bears coarse short hair. Pigs lack substantial sweat glands, which forces them to cool themselves through mud or water when temperatures rise. Domesticated varieties differ in colour, size and weight; some large breeds can weigh hundreds of kilograms.

Breeding and husbandry

The female pig produces many offspring at each birth—typically more than six—after a pregnancy lasting approximately four months. Because of the large number of piglets and rapid growth, the pig is considered a highly productive meat animal. Modern husbandry employs confined facilities, mixed feed and vaccination to prevent disease.

Religion and culture

Islam and Judaism regard pig meat as forbidden (haraam/not kosher). Because of this, pig farming is minimal or absent in countries where Muslims are the majority population, including Somalia. Conversely, in many countries in Asia, Europe and the Americas, pig meat is an important part of the everyday diet.

Health and research

Pigs can carry diseases that affect other animals and sometimes humans, such as African swine fever, which significantly impacts the industry. Additionally, because pig organs are similar in size and function to human organs, pigs are used in health research and experiments concerning organ transplantation.