Behold the Domestic Pig
When you think about a pig, the thought generally brings to mind mud, fat pot bellies, grunts, squeals, and piglets. But pigs are so much more than that. These incredibly intelligent, caring, and loyal animals have much more to offer than just a farm animal. We used to have a mini pig and she was incredibly smart, sweet, and friendly. Keep reading to learn more about these amazing animals.
First the Stats…
Scientific name: Sus scrofa domesticus
Weight: Up to 790 lbs.
Length: Up t 6.6 feet
Height: Up to 3 feet
Lifespan: Up to 20 years
Now on to the Facts!
1.) Pigs existed ever since the early Miocene period, which is about 16.3 million years ago. They would have weighed in at around 1,000 lbs, stood up to 7 feet tall at the shoulder, and had multiple sets of teeth. They are believed to have been an apex predator called enteledonts.
2.) Considering the fact that pigs have no sweat glands, they are more tolerant of cooler temps than hotter ones. So, this in mind, the phrase “sweating like a pig” is a misnomer and almost a compliment. Since pigs don’t sweat.
3.) Newly born piglets learn to come to their mothers’ voices, and can even recognize their own names by the time they’re just 2 weeks old! Sows (female pigs) have been known to sort of ‘sing’ to their young piglets while nursing.
4.) Pigs have superb memories. They can remember experiences for years and can even recognize and recall objects.
5.) An adult pig can run up to 11 mph.
But wait, there’s more on the pig!
6.) They rank 3rd after apes and dolphins regarding intelligence. They are the fastest animals to learn new routines and tricks!
7.) Since they tend to have dry skin, pigs love being massaged and scratched. You think your dog loves a good belly rub, you’ve never seen a pig respond to one.
Did you know…?
A pig’s sense of smell is roughly 2,000 times more powerful than a human’s!
8.) While you may not be able to sweat like a pig, you can certainly try to eat like one. Pigs are what are called ‘gorge feeders’. They will literally eat till they are stuffed full.
9.) Pigs are omnivores (eat both plant and animal matter), eating just about anything that’s put in front of them; from grain, to meat, to ice cream…
10.) Pigs are actually clean animals. They will even self potty train when kenneled in barns, going to the bathroom in a communal location away from their food.
But wait, there’s even more on the pig!
11.) A pig can scream up to 130 decibels! In comparison, jet engines weigh in at 120 decibels. If you’ve ever heard a screaming pig, you’ll agree, it is loud!
12.) Porcine heart valves are typically used in human patients who require replacement heart valves.
13.) These incredible creatures are very loving and social. They also form life-long bonds with each other and even other animals.
14.) Pork is actually the most widely consumed animal protein in the world.
15.) A pig’s gestation (pregnancy) is 3 months, 3 weeks, and 3 days! It’s the rule of three’s.
But wait, there’s still more on the pig!
16.) It has been documented that pigs have more than 20 different vocalizations!
17.) In 2012, a farmer in Oregon was eaten by his pigs after having a heart attack and falling into their enclosure. By the time someone came looking for him, only his dentures remained. Hey, they were hungry and there was no one around to feed them.
18.) On the island of Bahaman of Big Major Cay, a population of wild aquatic pigs rule the island, and many have taken to swimming out to the boats offshore, in the hopes of being given a snack.
