grisen

Grisen is the definite form of the noun gris, meaning pig, in Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish. In these languages, grisen commonly refers to the domesticated pig but can also be used for a wild boar in some contexts. The term is widely used in everyday language to denote the animal kept for meat production as well as the animal itself in zoological discussions.

Biologically, the pig belongs to the genus Sus within the family Suidae. The domesticated pig is typically classified as Sus scrofa domesticus, derived from the Eurasian wild boar (Sus scrofa) through historical domestication events. Domestic pigs are kept as livestock worldwide for meat (pork and related products) and, in some cases, for byproducts or research. Wild boars remain the closest wild relatives and can interbreed with domestic pigs.

Pigs are omnivorous and opportunistic feeders with a stout body, short legs, and a distinctive straight or downturned snout used for rooting. They show a range of sizes and color patterns across breeds. Growth rates, fertility, and carcass quality vary considerably by breed, management, and environment. Reproduction is characterized by a gestation period of about 114 days, with litters typically containing six to twelve piglets, though outcomes can differ.

In farming, pigs are raised in a variety of systems, from intensive indoor housing to more extensive outdoor setups, depending on regional practices and welfare regulations. Pork is a major animal protein globally, with production and consumption influenced by economic, cultural, and regulatory factors. Welfare considerations include housing, enrichment, health management, and humane handling, which are addressed differently across jurisdictions.