Pigs

Pigs are mammals in the family Suidae, comprising the domestic pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) and its wild relatives. The wild boar (Sus scrofa) is the ancestor of most domestic pigs. They belong to the order Artiodactyla and are native to Eurasia and North Africa, with introductions elsewhere.

Domestic pigs vary widely in size and color but share a stout body, short legs, and a muscular snout used for foraging. The skin is typically thick, with sparse hair and bristles. The tail is usually short and curled, and tusk-like canine teeth appear in males.

Pigs are highly social and intelligent animals, often living in social groups called sounders in the wild. They are omnivorous, feeding on roots, fruits, invertebrates, small animals, and agricultural waste. They are opportunistic feeders and adapt to diverse habitats, from forests to farmland.

Reproduction: gilts reach sexual maturity around 4-7 months, though breeding later is common. Gestation lasts about 114 days, with litter sizes averaging 6-12 piglets. Piglets are nursed for several weeks, and growth is rapid in commercial production.

Humans have domesticated pigs for thousands of years for meat (pork) and by-products; they are also used in biomedical research and occasionally kept as pets. Domestication has produced many breeds with diverse sizes, colors, and temperaments. Intensive farming raises welfare concerns in some systems.

Wild boar populations persist in many regions, often expanding in range and intersecting with agricultural land. Diseases such as African swine fever and classical swine fever pose risks to both wild and domestic populations, leading to management and conservation considerations.