Pig

Pig is a common name for both the domesticated pig, Sus scrofa domesticus, and the wild boar, Sus scrofa. Domestic pigs are kept as livestock worldwide and bred for meat, fat, and by-products, while wild boars inhabit forests, grasslands, and wetlands in Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa. They belong to the family Suidae in the order Artiodactyla.

Physically, pigs have a sturdy body, short legs, and a prominent rostrum (snout) used for rooting in soil. They possess bristly hair, a relatively short tail, and thick skin. Pigs have a highly developed sense of smell and hearing; vision is relatively limited. They are omnivorous, eating roots, fruits, grains, insects, small vertebrates, and discarded human food, with domestic pigs often fed specially formulated feeds.

Reproduction varies by breed and environment. Gestation is about 112 to 115 days, with litters typically ranging from six to twelve piglets. Pigs reach sexual maturity in roughly five to eight months and can breed more than once a year in favorable conditions. Socially, pigs form groups and display complex behaviors, including communication through vocalizations and tactile interactions; rooting is a natural foraging behavior.

Humans use pigs primarily for meat (pork) and by-products such as lard and leather. They have also been utilized in biomedical research and agricultural roles. Pigs can become invasive as feral populations that damage ecosystems and crops. Welfare concerns in farming include space, enrichment, and handling; due to rapid breeding, management and disease prevention are important considerations.