Pig

:This article is about the broader pig genus. For the most familiar species, see Domestic pig. {{otheruses}}

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:Shoat redirects here; for the sheep/goat hybrid, see geep.

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:Sus redirects here; for the town in France, see Sus.

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Sus barbatus

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Sus bucculentus

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Sus cebifrons

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Sus celebensis

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Sus domesticus

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Sus heureni

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Sus philippensis

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Sus salvanius

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Sus scrofa

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Sus timoriensis

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Sus verrucosus

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Pigs are ungulates native to Eurasia collectively grouped under the genus Sus within the Suidae family. They have been domesticated and raised as livestock by some peoples for meat (called pork) as well as for leather. Their bristly hairs are also traditionally used for brushes. Wild pigs continue to fill these functions in certain parts of the world.

Related Topics:
Ungulate - Eurasia - Genus - Suidae - Domesticated - Livestock - Meat - Pork - Leather - Brush - Wild

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Pigs are omnivores, which means that they are easy to raise. On a small farm, or in a large household, they can be fed kitchen scraps as part or all of their diet. In the wild, they are foraging animals. Pigs that are allowed to forage may be watched by swineherds. Because of their foraging abilities and excellent sense of smell, they are used to find truffles in many European countries. They are also fattened to be eaten as ham and other types of meat.

Related Topics:
Omnivore - Truffles

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Pigs are one of the most intelligent mammals, and some, such as the Asian pot-bellied pig, are kept as pets. Pigs are reportedly more intelligent and more trainable than dogs and cats.

Related Topics:
Intelligent - Pot-bellied pig - Pet - Dog - Cat

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A litter of piglets typically contains between 10 and 12 animals. Occasionally, in captivity, pigs may eat their own young.

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Pigs lack sweat glands. Thus they must have access to water or mud to cool themselves during hot weather. They also use mud as a form of sunscreen to protect their skin from sunburn.

Related Topics:
Sweat gland - Sunburn

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