Swine Facts:
General:
* Scientific name: *Sus scrofa*
* Common names: Pig, hog, boar (male), sow (female), piglet (young)
* Domesticated: Around 9,000 years ago
* Lifespan: 10-15 years
* Size: Varies greatly depending on breed, but typically weigh 100-300 kg (220-660 lbs)
* Social animals: Live in groups called sounders with a dominant male.
* Omnivorous: Eat a wide range of foods, including plants, roots, insects, and small animals.
* Highly intelligent: Ranked among the smartest farm animals.
Anatomy and Physiology:
* Hooved animals: Have four toes, but only walk on two of them.
* Powerful sense of smell: Used for finding food and navigating.
* Good eyesight: Have excellent peripheral vision.
* Can't sweat: Regulate body temperature through panting and wallowing in mud.
* Reproduce quickly: Sows can have multiple litters of piglets per year.
Behavior and Communication:
* Communicate through a variety of sounds: Grunts, snorts, squeals, and oinks.
* Social hierarchy: Dominance is established through physical displays and fighting.
* Excellent memory: Can remember locations of food and water sources.
* Known for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities.
Other Interesting Facts:
* Piglets can swim from birth.
* Pigs can recognize themselves in a mirror.
* Pigs are susceptible to sunburn.
* Pigs are used in various medical research.
* Pig fat is used to make lard, which has various culinary and industrial uses.
Beyond the Facts:
Pigs are fascinating creatures with complex social behaviors and a unique intelligence. They are often misunderstood and stereotyped, but they are capable of forming strong bonds with humans and exhibiting a wide range of emotions.