hoglet

Hoglet is a term used to refer to a young hog or pig. The word combines hog with the diminutive suffix -let, signaling a small or juvenile animal. In contemporary farming language, hoglet is less common than piglet, and its usage varies by region and historical context.

Biology and development: The domestic pig is Sus scrofa domesticus. Hoglets are born in litters and are cared for by the sow. At birth they weigh roughly 1 to 2 kilograms, nurse on milk, and begin solid food after a few weeks. Weaning typically occurs between 3 and 8 weeks. Growth rates depend on breed, nutrition, and management; many hoglets reach market weight within several months, with weights generally influenced by feeding regimens and housing conditions.

Usage and regional variation: While piglet is the standard term in most contexts, some sources, especially in older literature or regional speech, use hoglet to denote a juvenile hog. In scientific and veterinary settings, piglet is preferred for clarity, whereas hoglet may appear in historical or informal texts.

See also: Piglet, Sus scrofa domesticus, Swine, Hog.